Budget-friendly beef: 13 Beefy dinners that won’t break the bank

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Craving something big and beefy but don’t want to shell out big bucks for dinner? These tasty beef recipes are all made with economical cuts of beef so you can enjoy all the flavor without denting your wallet.

Beef Barbacoa in a blue bowl.
Beef Barbacoa. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Smoked Meatballs

Smoked Meatballs are so tender and delicious! They take on a light smoke flavor and you can pair them with your favorite sauce or go fully loaded with cheese and green onion and a tangy sauce.
Get the recipe: Smoked Meatballs

Corned Beef Fritters

Nothing is cheaper than canned corned beef, and that’s the star of the show in this easy-peasy recipe that’s perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner. The fritters are meaty, crispy around the edges, and so good with a dollop of sour cream.
Get the recipe: Corned Beef Fritters

Leftover Roast Beef Stroganoff

Leftover roast beef stroganoff on a plate with green beans in the background.
Leftover Roast Beef Stroganoff. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Got leftover roast beef? Turn it into a delish and economical meal! This poor man’s version of stroganoff features leftover roast beef, tender mushrooms, and a sauce that’s boss.
Get the recipe: Leftover Roast Beef Stroganoff

Canned Corned Beef & Cabbage

Who needs an expensive hunk of corned beef to make this classic dish? Grab a cheap can of corned beef and whip up a hearty dinner of corned beef and cabbage in no time!
Get the recipe: Canned Corned Beef & Cabbage

Smoked Beef Stew

Affordable stew beef gets the smoky treatment as it cooks low and slow in your pellet smoker. This hearty stew is meaty, satisfying, and delish, and the kiss of smoke puts it over the top.
Get the recipe: Smoked Beef Stew

Hungarian Goulash

Hungarian Goulash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.
Hungarian Goulash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

You might not believe it, but this meaty and oh-so-good dish starts with an economical cut of beef. It cooks low and slow in spices, onions, and garlic, and is the perfect meal whenever you need a hearty dish that’s packed with flavor.
Get the recipe: Hungarian Goulash

Beef & Barley Soup

This classic soup can be made with leftover roast or stew beef, but no matter how you chop it, the soup is meaty, satisfying, and so good. It’s like a hug in a bowl, and after one bite, you’ll be hooked.
Get the recipe: Beef & Barley Soup

Beef Barbacoa – featured image

Loaded with big, bold, Southwestern flavors, Beef Barbacoa is a delish meal that’s also an easy fix in your slow cooker. Shred the beef to use in tacos, on nachos, in burritos and more, or just gobble it up like it is.
Get the recipe: Beef Barbacoa

Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms

Salisbury Steak on a bed of mashed potatoes.
Salisbury Steak. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This classic meal is made with affordable ground beef, so you can indulge in a meaty meal that’s still wallet-friendly. Cooked in an amazing gravy and with plenty of mushrooms, this delish dish is always a dinner winner.
Get the recipe: Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms

Smoked Eye of Round

Perfectly tender and with a kiss of smoke, this easy dish features eye of round, an economical cut that’s often on sale. Treat it right and it’ll turn out fabulously! Thinly slice the meat for sandwiches, or carve up the roast for dinner.
Get the recipe: Smoked Eye of Round

Ground Beef & Broccoli

Quick-cooking ground beef takes the place of steak in this frugal version of the Chinese take-out classic. It’s easy and quick to make, and with plenty of veg, it’s a complete meal in a dish.
Get the recipe: Ground Beef & Broccoli

Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

Two servings of Cowboy Cornbread Casserole on plates.
Cowboy Cornbread Casserole. Photo Credit: Cook What You Love.

Loaded with beef, beans, cheese, and miles of flavor, this slow cooker favorite is comfort food 101! It’s easy to make, and it’s the perfect meal to feed the hungry family without spending much cash!
Get the recipe: Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

Korean Beef Bowl

Ground beef, veggies, and plenty of flavor team up in this easy-peasy dish that’s perfect over cauliflower rice for a super low-carb, quick and easy meal.
Get the recipe: Korean Beef Bowl

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