8 Clever Ways to Stretch Meat in Recipes

With grocery prices rising, making your meat go further is a smart way to save money without sacrificing flavor. By pairing meat with affordable ingredients, you can create hearty meals that still feel satisfying. Here are eight clever ways to stretch meat in your recipes.

Add Beans or Lentils

Mix beans or lentils into ground beef or turkey for tacos, chili, or casseroles. They add protein and fiber while cutting costs.

Use Vegetables as Fillers

Finely chopped mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots blend seamlessly into burgers, meatloaf, and sauces, boosting nutrition and volume.

Try Grains Like Rice or Quinoa

Grains add bulk and texture to meat dishes like stuffed peppers, soups, or stir-fries, making smaller portions of meat go further.

Shred Meat for More Servings

Shredded chicken or pork can be stretched into sandwiches, tacos, and salads. A little goes a long way when it’s pulled apart and mixed with sauces or seasonings.

Make Meat the Garnish

Instead of making meat the main event, use small amounts as a topping for grain bowls, salads, or veggie-based pastas.

Bulk Up with Eggs

Scrambled eggs pair well with ground meat in stir-fries, fried rice, or breakfast skillets, helping you feed more people with less meat.

Use Broth for Flavor

Cooking soups, stews, or risottos in a rich meat-based broth delivers the flavor of meat even when you’re using smaller portions.

Embrace Casseroles and One-Pot Meals

Casseroles, pasta bakes, and skillet dishes naturally combine meat with plenty of veggies, grains, and sauces, stretching each portion further.

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