Plan & Shop ... One or More

Why would a person living alone buy family packs or any large quantities?  Because you are frugal and plan ahead.  You will discover, as I have, what you can do with three pounds of ground beef, and love it.  Or you can cook a three pound chuck roast (the cheapest) to make several dishes, tender and tasty, for surprise visits.
The drawback here is "defrosting," and if you are impatient that could be a problem.  I am certain you are aware that a coin of any value has two sides, as does my approach.  I can only guess, but I believe it is possible to cut your food bill by 30 percent to 50 percent.  Perhaps save enough to go out for some fine dining on occasion.  Afterall, that's the best way to challenge your own cooking.

PLAN
Ground Beef.  There are many combinations of prep and quantities depending on your preferences.  Select one to start, then create your own combinations.
1.  Meatballs -- 12 mini meatballs (1/2 inch) -- 20.  Six slider burgers.  Pack in freezer bags.
2.  Meatloaf -- 6-8 servings.
3.  Chili, Polente, egg noodles with brown gravy -- 1/3 each.  Pack in freezer bags.
Meatballs and meatloaf should be cooked at 325 degrees.  Meatloaf should be sliced and wrapped individually with Glad wrap and put in freezer bag.  Original Italian meatballs are made with equal amounts of beef, pork and veal.  Original meatloaf is made with veal.
Roast Beef -- Chuck (cheapest) -- 3 pounds.  Cook in a crock pot with beef broth, herbs, six hours.  Slice into eight servings.  Use juices for sandwiches, platters or beef stroganoff.
Chicken -- Breasts skinless, boneless.  Wrap a couple of breasts for dinners individually.  Slice a couple for cutlets, some for chicken fingers.  Place in freezer bag.  Wings and legs for BBQ.
Pork -- Lowest priced roast cut, cook in crock pot with herbs, chicken broth, six hours to make pulled pork sandwiches.  Pack in freezer bags with juices.  Boneless pork chops are also good for breading.  Save the bone for pasta sauce.
Turkey -- Breasts, oven cook, slice, wrap in single servings and place in freezer bags with juices.

SHOP
Fruits and vegetables must be fresh, no freezing.  Meat and fish open up my world.  Buy family packs of three to four pounds.  One package will get you the best pricing.



Enjoy!