For many people, meat is one of the most expensive items in their food budget. Even when buying the cheapest cuts of meat, the costs can add up quickly. With a little careful planning, you can save big bucks off of your grocery shopping expenses. Check out the following tips to help significantly slash your food budget.

1) Save Money By Buying Meat at the Right Time

When you buy can have as big of an impact on cost as what you buy. For example, turkey can be purchased inexpensively at specific times of the year, with the best prices occurring around Thanksgiving. Look for great “buy one / get one” deals and other specials that are combined with the rest of your grocery purchase. Plan your shopping trip carefully to enjoy those extra savings.

2) Buy Store Brands

Buy store brand meats rather than expensive name brands. Don’t pay for the advertising campaigns of those well-known names. According to meat-cutters, both meats generally come from the same processing plants; the only difference between store brand meats and big name brands are the labels.

3) Choose the Right Weight Range

When buying turkey or other poultry, decide the weight range that is right for your needs. Look for the plumpest breast and legs in that weight range. Avoid thin-looking turkeys because the meat will not be as tender.

4) Buy Frozen, Not “Fresh”

If you’re purchasing turkey, always opt for the frozen packages rather than the so-called “fresh” items. According to butchers, fresh turkeys are simply frozen ones that have been thawed for display. For truly fresh turkeys, unfreeze your own at home. Frozen turkey is always less expensive than fresh.

5) Go for the Bigger Bird

Whenever you are buying turkey, game hens, or other poultry, always go for the biggest one that fits your budget. A bigger bird means your paying for more meat and less bone and fat.

6) Ask About Daily Markdowns

It always pays to ask when stores discount their products. Most meat counters mark down hamburger daily. Call your local store to find out if they mark down at night or in the morning so you can plan your trip to the grocery store.

7) Have Hamburger Specially Ground

Having hamburger specially ground is a great way to save money while getting better tasting, fresher meat. Watch store ads for sales on cheap cuts of beef, such as boneless chucks, rounds, and sirloins, which make nice lean hamburger. Ask your local grocery store about the minimum weight that they are willing to grind (most require at least 5 lbs.)

8) Buy Tougher Cuts of Meat

Tougher cuts of meat like chuck roast or and flank steak are generally much cheaper than more tender pieces. Have these meats tenderized or simply toss them in your crock-pot for an affordable and convenient meal.

9) Plan Meals Around Sales

One of the best ways to save money on meat is to only cook what’s on sale. Instead of overpaying for a cut of meat just so you can cook a particular recipe, switch to a different meal plan to take advantage of the current sales. Keep a handy menu file ready so you’ll always have a steady supply of meal ideas no matter what kind of meat you plan to prepare.

10) Go Meatless (Sometimes)

Sure, you really like meat. Does that mean that you have to eat it for dinner every night? You can save considerable amounts of money by going meatless just one night a week.

Meat can be expensive, but there are a number of steps you can take to minimize the expense. Opting for less expensive cuts of meat, buying store brands, and watching for sales can bring the costs down considerably. Consider your own needs and keep looking for great ways to save on meat.