Why Lean Ground Beef Is Still Very Budget Friendly

Lean Ground Beef is not the cheapest per pound meat anymore these days. It's budget friendliness comes in the form of versatility and extendability. In casserole form it can be used to make large quantities of wholesome food for low overall cost. I like to pay a little more per pound for lower fat meat. When the fat is rendered you actually have more meat left. However some say it is more cost effective to buy the cheaper, higher fat meat, but make sure to render and discard the fat and blot or rinse the meat. I haven't done an extensive cost analysis to know which actually saves the most. Anyway here are some super budget friendly, stick to your ribs, hearty and healthy dinners that feature ground beef. Most of these are tried and true vintage recipes. You can make them more nutritious by substituting whole grain pasta and brown rice for the white versions in the recipes.

Shipwreck Casserole

6 layer Casserole

Baked Beans and Hamburger

Chili

Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Easy Mexicali Dinner

Family Goulash

Tamale Pie

Hamburger Hot Pot (Crock Pot)

Hamburger Stroganoff (Crock Pot)

Shepherds Pie

Spanish Rice (Crock Pot)