Cheap Meats and Things I do

 Happy Tuesday to all!

Today I am going to talk about some 'cheap' meat options that I use and have found as of late.  I scour the meat section of the store and take advantage of the mark downs.  Many times I find absolutely nothing that is really good, or that even seems like e decent price.  Other times I hit the mother load, and I stock up.

There are some options that many may not think of.  I try to use items in a new and different way.

Here we go.

I love smoked sausage.  I can fix it for all kinds of meals.  This is the time of the year I often find individual smoked sausage links on sale.  I find them 2 packs/$6.00 quite often.

I love these.  I can find regular, all beef, cheddar, jalapeno.  One package is 6 meals for me!  If buying 2/$6 - that is .50 per meal for a protein.  Can't beat that!!!  I like to eat like a hotdog on bun, just on the plate as my meat, cut up in mac n cheese, with cabbage, with any type of beans, with beans and rice, green beans and potatoes, even add it to soups at types.  There is absolutely no limit to the uses of this product.  Now is the time to get the deals - it is BBQ time - holidays bring great deals.

I came across this in the freezer - forgot I had.  Ground pork 1.95/lb. on clearance.  This can be fixed in any way that you would use ground beef.  Ground beef, ground chicken/turkey and ground pork can all interchange.  Sure the tastes will vary a bit - but with seasonings you can make it taste how you like.

I got one of these out of the freezer and made myself 4 breaded 1/4 lb. ground pork burgers/fritters.  Had one for dinner and froze the others after frying up.  It will be a quick heat and eat some other days.  They are so good.

Here is a couple of the pork burgers.  They just came out of the pan, so still a bit greasy - but they were great after I drained for a few minutes.  I used flour and bread crumbs and a bit of seasoning - that is it.  You could really flatten and make your own fritters!

Add seasonings and make home made sausage.  Use in gravy over biscuits/toast.  Add to casseroles or soups.  No limit to uses.

Here is another item I keep in my freezer.  I do not have the advantage of living on the coast with the availability of affordable seafood!!!!  Living in the heartland, limits your access.  Oh, I could buy crab - for a grand price (usually $17/lb. and up) - and no way of knowing the freshness.  Nah!!!!

I love making crab salad for sandwiches or for crackers on occasion. 

A grand crab dip is made from time to time - a mix of cream cheese, crab, shredded cheddar (or what you have) and a little sour cream - and I throw in some chopped jalapeno.  Top with bread crumbs and bake until all melted.  Oh my gosh - what a wonderful hot dip/spread.  You can use in egg rolls, homemade crab Rangoon, add to pasta salad or add to hot cream of soups.  So many uses.  I tend to find these on sale or clearance about 4 times a year.  Usually I get them for 1.99 - 2.99 a pack - (8 oz.).  Sure does make for a cheap and tasty seafood bite!!!!

I showed these finds a couple weeks ago.  The sausage has no limits - and yes, the Kroger sausage has a great flavor.  .75/lb. is unheard of!  I can make as breakfast patties, breakfast sandwiches, added to pizza, meatballs, to beans and rice, to soups, you name it - I can add it!!!

The ham - makes great sandwiches in a quick moment (whether hot or cold).  Great with grilled cheese.  Make your own chicken cordon bleu.  Mix with some cheesy potatoes!  MMmmmmm.

You just have to think outside the box sometimes and be willing to try new and different items.

I will buy chicken on sale, pork loins often go on sale very cheaply - it makes great chops (I cut my own), roast, pulled pork, whatever you can think of.  If you get a loin, and there is only one or two of you - cut that loin into 4 or 5 sections and then freeze.

I buy ground beef when there is a super sale.  I still never pay more than 2.99/lb. for 80% - 85% lean ground beef.  I like a little fat in mine as that is where the true flavor is.  Keeps the meat moist.

When it goes on sale for that price - usually at Kroger or Meijer - I stock up.  I package up in 1/2 pound vacuum sealed packs.  Makes my life easy.

So look around and you may be surprised at what you can find.  Be willing to change it up a bit - a recipe is just something someone has made up - so make your own!!!!!!!!

Here is an idea - add some cream of soup or cheese - potato, rice, or pasta and boom you have a meal of a casserole or pan meal.  Add a veggie side or add to the casserole and you are set.

One pot meals are a favorite of mine - tasty and little clean-up!!!!!!

Don't overlook the cheap cuts and finds!

ENJOY!