Meat is becoming more prohibitively expensive for many families. But there are ways that you can make your dollar go further, even if it requires in some cases longer cooking times.

One of the best ways to save money on meat is to choose cuts that are less expensive. For example, instead of buying ribeye or filet mignon, which can be quite expensive, try out less expensive cuts like chuck roast or pork shoulder. These may not be as tender as their more expensive counterparts, but they can still be delicious when cooked properly.

Chicken thighs are also usually cheaper than chicken breasts, and ground beef is often less expensive than steak. By choosing cheaper cuts of meat, you can save money without sacrificing flavor.

Buy whole chickens or large cuts of meat. Whole chickens and large cuts of meat, like a pork shoulder or beef roast, can be a great way to save money. These cuts are often cheaper than pre-cut options, and they can be used to make a variety of dishes. For example, you can roast a whole chicken and use the leftovers for sandwiches, salads, and soups.

Another way to save money on meat is to look for sales and discounts. Many grocery stores offer regular sales on meat, and some even have special discounts for customers who buy in bulk. If you’re able to stock up on meat when it’s on sale, you can save a lot of money in the long run. Just be sure to freeze any excess meat for future use.

In addition to choosing less expensive cuts and looking for sales, there are also a few other ways to save money when you cook meat. For example, you can stretch your meat by adding vegetables or grains to your dishes. For example, you could make a hearty beef stew with lots of vegetables, or you could make a stir fry with chicken and a mix of vegetables and rice.

Another way to save money when cooking meat is to use your slow cooker. Slow cookers are great for cooking tough, inexpensive cuts of meat, like chuck roast or pork shoulder. These cuts can be slow cooked for several hours, which helps to tenderize the meat and make it more flavorful. Plus, using a slow cooker is a great way to save time and energy, since you can set it and forget it.

Here are a few recipe ideas that can help you save money on meat:

1. Slow Cooker Beef Stew: This hearty stew is made with chuck roast, potatoes, carrots, and other vegetables. Simply toss everything into your slow cooker in the morning, and let it cook all day. When you come home from work, you’ll have a delicious, hot meal ready to go.
2. Pork and Apple Stir Fry: This stir fry is made with pork tenderloin, apples, and a mix of vegetables. The pork and apples add a sweet and savory flavor to the dish, and the vegetables provide lots of nutrients. Plus, this stir fry is quick and easy to make, so it’s perfect for a busy weeknight.
3. Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs: These ribs are slow cooked to perfection, and then finished on the grill for a crispy, caramelized crust. The slow cooking helps to tenderize the ribs, and the BBQ sauce adds lots of flavor. Serve these ribs with a side of coleslaw or corn on the cob for a satisfying meal.
4. Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork: This recipe uses a pork shoulder, which is a relatively inexpensive cut of meat. Simply season the pork with your favorite BBQ rub, place it in a slow cooker, and let it cook for 8-10 hours. Once it’s done, use two forks to shred the meat, and serve it on buns with coleslaw and BBQ sauce.
5. Chicken and Black Bean Tacos: For this recipe, you’ll need chicken thighs, which are typically cheaper than chicken breasts. Simply season the chicken with spices like cumin and chili powder, and cook it in a skillet until it’s nice and crispy. Serve the chicken in taco shells with black beans, lettuce, tomato, and avocado.
6. Stuffed Bell Peppers: This recipe uses ground beef, which is a relatively inexpensive type of meat. Simply cook the ground beef in a skillet, and season it with your favorite spices. Once it’s done, stuff the beef into bell peppers and bake them until they’re tender. Top the peppers with cheese, and serve them with a side of rice or quinoa.
7. Chicken Noodle Soup: Cook chicken thighs in a pot of water until they’re cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot, and shred it with two forks. Return the chicken to the pot, and add noodles, vegetables, and seasonings. Cook until the noodles are tender, and serve the soup hot.
8. Chicken and Rice Casserole: Cook chicken breasts in a skillet until they’re cooked through. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, and combine it with cooked rice, vegetables, and a can of cream of chicken soup. Bake the casserole until it’s hot and bubbly, and serve it with a side of steamed broccoli.
9. Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry: Cut beef chuck into bite-sized pieces, and stir fry it in a skillet with broccoli, garlic, and ginger. Serve the stir fry over a bed of rice, and top it with soy sauce and sesame seeds.
10. Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken: Season chicken thighs with lemon juice, garlic, and your favorite herbs. Place them in a slow cooker, and cook for 6-8 hours. Serve the chicken with a side of roasted vegetables and quinoa.