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💰 Why This Recipe Is So Cheap
- Uses the least expensive cuts of beef
- Bulks up with potatoes and carrots
- Requires no specialty ingredients
- Makes great leftovers (tastes even better the next day!)
🛒 Budget Ingredients (Approx. $8–$12 total)
Feeds 4–6 people
- 1 lb cheap beef (look for stew meat, chuck, or manager’s special markdowns)
- 4–5 potatoes, chopped
- 2–3 carrots, sliced
- 1 onion (optional but recommended for flavor)
- 2 beef bouillon cubes OR 4 cups cheap beef broth
- 2 tablespoons flour
- Salt & pepper
- Optional: garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or any spices you already have
👉 Money-saving tip:
If beef prices are high, use ½ lb beef + extra potatoes. You’ll still get great flavor.
👨🍳 Simple Instructions
1. Brown the beef
Cook in a large pot with a little oil until lightly browned. This adds flavor but you can skip it if you must.
2. Add veggies
Throw in potatoes, carrots, and onion.
3. Add liquid
Pour in broth or water + bouillon until everything is just covered.
4. Simmer
Cover and cook on low for 60–90 minutes until beef is tender.
5. Thicken cheaply
Shake flour with ½ cup cold water, stir in, and simmer 5–10 minutes.
🔥 Ultra-Frugal Tricks (Highly Recommended)
✅ Add 1 cup dry rice or barley to stretch the pot
✅ Toss in frozen vegetables if you already have them
✅ Serve with cheap bread for a very filling meal
✅ Freeze leftovers for another dinner
Cost per serving can drop close to $1–$2.
If you’d like, I can also give you:
✅ An “almost no beef” depression-era version under $6
✅ A slow cooker dump recipe
✅ A 5-ingredient version
✅ A version designed to last the entire week
✅ An even cheaper $5 survival stew
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Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com
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