10 Ways to Eat Less Meat

One of the BEST ways to reduce your meat expense, is to eat less meat overall. If you purchase Organic Chicken or Beef, the cost of meat can be significantly more.

But wait… we didn’t say forego meat altogether. We just said LESS – so relax! :)

Although it’s definitely worth the additional cost, sometimes it can be a challenge to feed a bigger family with meaty meals knowing that you are going to be spending more overall.

#1 – Rice or Beans (or BOTH) to Stretch your Meat

One example of this would be El Pollo Loco Bowls – if you have ever eaten there, it’s so terribly easy to make your OWN chicken bowls with rice, and Beans (either Pinto or Black) – but by using more rice and beans and LESS chicken you are still eating within your portion size, but lowering the cost of the meal by only using a little chicken with each. 

It’s a great way to stretch the cost, but still keep the meal healthy, too!

#2 – Chickpeas and Sunflower Seeds 

By subbing out the Chicken with Chickpeas and Sunflower Seeds, you are creating a little different texture (more rich), and by using Just Mayo (which is a great option – you can buy it in bulk at Costco 2/$4.50), and Dijon Mustard you won’t even realize the chicken is missing.

#3 – Eggs

Eggs are a great sub for meat – they aren’t just for breakfast. Eggs take just a few minutes to cook up, and you can also use them to make Quiche in some cases too.

Love rice? Try Eggs over Easy on top of a bed of rice, it’s amazing!

#4 – Scale Back on Meat, Compensate with LOTS of Vegetables

A great example of that would be these Chicken Fajitas HERE – which is a great way to use up Peppers, and lessen the meat. It’s always a great opportunity to take the focus of meat by using Sweet Potatoes, Onions, or even Broccoli.

#5 – Lentils  

Lentils come in different colors (Red, Green, Brown AND even Black..) and are SO cheap. Even Organic Lentils are inexpensive, and if you look for the store brand Organic label they are an even greater bargain. A little goes a long way.

#6 – Potatoes (Regular or Sweet Potatoes)

Peel and steam potatoes, then mash, and add a little flour, and make Potato Pancakes – they are GREAT to eat with a little steak sauce, alongside a salad at the dinner table and they reheat great the next day as leftovers.

Make sure you are buying Organic Potatoes – worth the extra.

#7 – Eggplant 

Eggplant is really hearty, and has a rich, meaty taste. It’s often used in pasta dishes to replace the meat. It has a lot of Vitamin C and K, Magnesium and Potassium – and although it doesn’t really have much protein, it’s extremely filling.

#8 – Make Kebabs, and instead of using LOTS of meat, use LOTS of Vegetables

SO good and SO entirely easy!  You don’t even have to go without meat, you can STILL put meat on the skewers just stretch out the vegetables. The vegetables will fill you up (not to mention it’s a great way to use leftover veggies in your fridge!)

#9  – Farro 

Instead of using so much meat, use LITTLE meat and bulk up the recipe with Farro (like this one HERE). OR, wipe out the meat entirely and use vegetables along with your Farro for a meatless recipe just like this Farro with Mushrooms (Source: Cooking).

#10 – Quinoa 

Costco has Organic Quinoa for SUCH a great price – it’s hard to pass by and not toss in the cart. It’s super easy to make (especially if you have an Instant Pot – it takes ONE minute!) but you can also combine with Black Beans and Corn, even a LITTLE chicken if you wish.

Quinoa has 8 grams of protein per Cup, so it’s a good source of protein too!

Of course there are probably MANY more ways you can use less… this is only a list of TEN… If you have anything that works better for you, we’d love to know!