Rising grocery store prices are causing changes in American shopping habits. One food that has suffered from high inflation is ground beef, which used to be a staple for many families, but due to its current price, they are buying it in smaller quantities and supplementing it with other foods. Criticism of supermarket spending continues unabated on social media like Reddit. Here are some more economical ground beef alternatives!
Ground Turkey
Ground turkey is a popular substitute for ground beef among families. It’s a great option for tacos, pasta sauces, meatloaf, chili and casseroles. It’s more affordable and has a lower fat content, making it a healthier choice. Plus, if you’re preparing highly seasoned dishes, its flavor will be almost imperceptible. Reddit user galaxyfrapp commented: “Ground turkey is severely under appreciated. It’s almost everything you would use ground beef for. Taste great and healthier to boot. A lot of people complain about it being dry, but you should have to know how to cook it”.
Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs are much cheaper than beef cuts. And in terms of flavor, they have a great presentation and are juicy inside. Their versatility, being able to eat them fried, with rice, in soup, or in sandwiches, among other options, also adds to their value. Reddit user Bluemonogi revealed: “The thighs have more fat so don’t dry out like chicken breasts would in many recipes. Chicken thighs are harder to overcook, the fat contributes to flavor and tenderness as well”.
Rotisserie Chicken
When you see rotisserie chicken at the supermarket, ready to eat without having to prepare your kitchen, gather ingredients or spend extra time, it’s a great alternative to ground beef. And usually, there’s leftover chicken for another meal, so it’s more valuable. Reddit user windjammings sentenced: “It’s a lifesaver especially on those crazy busy days when I’m tired, hungry and still need to feed the family something that isn’t fast food. It’s quick, affordable and surprisingly healthy if you stick to the lean meat and skip skin”.
Black Beans
Black beans are ideal for making tacos and burritos, so you can use more of them instead of ground beef. Black beans are cheaper, but if you want, you can balance the proportions and use less beef so it lasts longer. This way, you’ll also add protein and fiber to the dish. Reddit user [borrado] noted: “Black beans are an amazing superfood which is basically the perfect gluten free alternative. They are cheap and you just have to slow-cooked them in water and by the evening they are done”.
Lentils
If you are preparing various dishes like sloppy joes, pasta sauces, tacos and chili, lentils can be added to make their texture better, like when blended with ground beef so you can save some money. The protein content of lentils is also noteworthy, which is why Manu forums list them among their favorite foods for dinner. Reddit user drewcomputer revealed: “You don’t have to soak lentils, they’re quicker and easier to cook than beans. They’re versatile and healthy”.
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Eggs
Eggs contain protein, so adding them to meals can improve their nutritional value in the form of omelets, frittatas, burritos, or egg sandwiches, where you can replace ground beef. Their low cost and the convenience of mixing them with other products are characteristics that often attract consumers. Reddit user MeteorIntrovert confessed: “You can fry them, boil them, have as omelette, scrambled, etc. And make you feel sufficiently full to get your energy levels ready for the day”.
Pork Shoulder
For many customers, pork shoulder is more filling than ground beef, so it will fill more meals and last longer. Many recipes already recommend slow-cooking pork shoulder or preparing it as pulled pork. And since it doesn’t lose its flavor when frozen, you can save money by buying it in bulk. Reddit user [borrado] noted: “I’d put a well prepped pork sandwich with a little slaw and a couple pickles up against anything”.
Canned Tuna
For its flavor, affordability and versatility, canned tuna is one of the best cooking options, and a great ground beef alternatives. Whether in sandwiches, pasta dishes, or salads, this food works wonderfully. Furthermore, its long shelf life means it won’t spoil in your pantry and can be your go-to meal when you’re short on cash or unsure what to cook. Reddit user redaxis1 reflected: “Is a healthy and affordable protein option, but there are a few things to keep in mind when purchasing, look for brands that label tuna as ‘wild caught’ or ‘pole and line caught’ those methods have less impact on the environment. And also two or three cans per week is good because canned tuna contain mercury”.
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Chickpeas
Another food that is much more cheaper than ground beef is Chickpeas, that you can add them to dishes like curries, bowls, salads, wraps, and soups. And if you’re vegetarian, you’ll have a great option since many vegetarian dishes include chickpeas as an ingredient. Reddit user eelbasil expanded about this ground beef alternatives: “They’re very high-protein, and you can get truly enormous amount of dried chickpeas for less than $10. They’re very filling and nonperishable when dried, so a great pantry staple to have in bulk”.
Ground Chicken
In burgers, meatballs, and pasta dishes, ground chicken has already been one of ground beef alternatives. Grocery stores customers find it cheaper, and it works wonderfully in recipes that call for plenty of seasoning. Plus, being more economical, you’ll feel a sense of relief when you see the receipt at the checkout. It’s no wonder its availability in supermarkets has increased in recent years. Reddit user RedneckLiberace commented: “I bought 1lb package and made chicken burgers, added 2 T of Heinz, a small inion finely diced and coated the patties with panko”.
Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese used to be a staple in many meals, but after disappearing for years, it’s making a comeback. It’s a respectable source of protein in meals, snacks and other recipes, making it not only healthy but also one inexpensive ground beef alternatives. Reddit user amandahontas sentenced: “I usually spread cottage cheese on a toast with some everything bagel seasoning. It’s my favorite version of avocado toast since I’m not really an avocado fan”.
Tofu
Those who are drawn to low-cost protein alternatives are familiar with tofu and its possibilities. The key to this food is seasoning it correctly, as proper preparation can enhance its appearance. Many add it to stir-fries and rice bowls, and it’s much cheaper than ground beef. Reddit user pickegrabber observed: “Soy products have been shown to decrease risk of cancers including breast which is one of the biggest arguments favoring soy products”.
Beans and Rice
A plate of beans and rice is very filling, and it’s a combination that most people enjoy. It’s an inexpensive dish to prepare and often replaces ground beef in many meals, appealing to both adults and youngsters. Reddit user jaqueyB indicated about one of this ground beef alternatives: “Louisiana red beans and rice is hands down one of my favorites dishes. Use stock and not water. Season first with the sausage/ham/tasso then aromatics. Smash the beans on the side or blend up a spoonful to give it body”.
Sausage
Swapping ground beef for sausages in pasta dishes and casseroles can be a good choice. A smaller amount of sausage can still add plenty of flavor to these dishes. It’s one of the popular ground beef alternatives because there are often promotions that make it even cheaper. But be careful, as Reddit user wavyformula expressed: “Most commercial sausages have a lot of additives that are really bad for you, get those sausages that are just meat and seasonings”.
Frozen Fish Fillets
As the price of ground beef increased, frozen fish became more attractive. At the same time, being frozen means it lasts longer, which adds value. And these days, when many people use air-fryers, you can cook your frozen fish fillets in them. Reddit user 96dpi commented: “Freezing fish doesn’t affect nutrients at all. Cooking with heat is really the only thing that does. Always cut the package open to allow air enter, and thaw in the fridge to be safe”.
Why Americans Are Stretching Beef Further Than Before
The possibility of completely eliminating ground beef from American kitchens is a distant one. That’s why families have become more strategic when cooking with it, mixing it with lentils, beans, rice, vegetables, and other proteins to make it last longer. This ground beef alternatives experimentation is due to rising prices, which were unthinkable a few decades ago. This newfound flexibility is a method of economic survival.
