How to Save Money on Meat at the Grocery Store
Meat prices are skyrocketing, but I haven’t paid full price in years. Want to know my secrets? Filling our freezer with meat only when it’s on sale. Let’s talk about exactly how I stock up—and how you can too.
Why You Should Stockpile Meat
Meat is one of the biggest expenses in most grocery budgets. Saving money here makes a huge difference. Instead of buying meat at full price when you need it for a recipe, stocking up during sales lets you lock in low prices and avoid emergency store runs.
In February 2025, the national average price for ground beef was $5.62 per pound—up 99% in just one year. Over the past 20 years, it’s more than doubled. That’s why it’s more important than ever to be strategic about your meat purchases.
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4 Budget-Friendly Ways to Build a Meat Stockpile
1. Shop Sales and Seasonal Cycles
Always check store flyers and weekly ads. Meat (like most groceries) runs on a 6–8 week sale cycle. When you see a great deal, buy enough to last until the next sale.
Also, keep an eye on holiday sales:
- Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas: hams and turkeys
- Memorial Day and Labor Day: ground beef, chicken, grilling meats
Pro Tip: I personally wait for Memorial Day sales and buy enough ground beef to last us 6 months.
2. Buy in Bulk and Repackage at Home
Buying family-size packs can save a ton. At Kroger, a regular pack of chicken might be $2.99 per pound, but the family pack is just $2.49 per pound.
When you get home, repackage into meal-sized portions such as 1 pound of ground beef per freezer bag or 2 pounds of raw chicken per bag. Use and freeze the portions that your family typically uses for a meal or recipe.
Wrap tightly, double-bag if needed, and label everything.
3. Shop Clearance and Markdown Sections
Clearance meat is one of my favorite ways to save. Stores often mark down meat 1–2 days before the sell-by date.
Here’s what to do:
- Visit first thing in the morning (markdowns often happen early).
- Use your judgment—make sure it looks fresh.
- Cook it right away or freeze it the same day.
Bonus Tip: Stores like Aldi, Sam’s Club, and Costco often run specials and markdowns too—so keep your eyes open.
4. Buy from Local Farmers
Buying directly from a farmer can be a great way to get quality meat—especially for steaks, roasts, or larger cuts. It may cost a bit more upfront, but you’re often getting better quality and value per pound.
For basic ground beef, grocery store sales are usually cheaper, but for premium cuts, this is a smart option to explore.
How to Freeze and Store Meat Properly
Once you’ve stocked up, make sure your meat is prepped for the freezer to avoid waste.
My Freezer Tips:
- Portion by meal before freezing.
- Wrap tightly with foil, freezer bags, or use a vacuum sealer if you have one.
- Label with the type of meat and the date.
- Store by category: chicken together, beef together, pork together.
I love using 2-gallon freezer bags to group my meat and keep everything organized.
How Long Does Meat Last in the Freezer?
Here’s a general guide (assuming it’s tightly wrapped and stored in a dedicated freezer):
- Ground beef: 6–9 months
- Chicken: 9–12 months
- Steaks or roasts: 12+ months
Please remember that this is a general rule of thumb and you can use meat after that date if it still looks goods to you. Do rotate your freezer stock. Use the oldest meat first, and keep adding new deals as you find them.
Final Thoughts: Build Your Stockpile Slowly
Don’t try to fill your freezer overnight. Start small, buy what’s on sale each week, and build up your stockpile over time.
I built my freezer full of meat on our $525 monthly grocery budget—and you can too. The key is to shop smart, store wisely, and plan your meals around what you already have. Want to see how I do this as it happens? Join me on YouTube where I share my shopping trips every Thursday so you can see the deals I am finding on meat – and other groceries!
Bonus Tips for Stretching Your Meat Budget
- Use less meat per meal (cut a 1.5 pound recipe to 1 pound).
- Add fillers like beans, lentils, or rice.
- Make casseroles or soups where meat is a component, not the star.
- Plan meals based on what’s in your freezer, not cravings.
What’s Your Favorite Way to Stock Up on Meat?
Do you shop sales? Hunt for markdowns? Buy from a local farmer? I’d love to hear your favorite tip.
And if you’d like to see my full freezer tour, check out this video for more ideas on how I organize and store our meat stockpile.
