Frugal Friends Podcast Episode: How to Save Money on MEAT at the Grocery Store with Jenny Mitich
Release Date: May 27, 2025
Hosts: Jen Smith & Jill Sirianni
Guest: Jenny Mitich (@MamaMidich)
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and Eric Sirianna

Introduction to Saving on Meat

In this episode of the Frugal Friends Podcast, hosts Jen Smith and Jill Sirianni delve into the often daunting task of controlling grocery bills, specifically focusing on how to save money on meat. Joined by Jenny Mitich, a dedicated carnivore diet enthusiast and YouTube educator, the discussion offers practical tips and strategies for everyday individuals aiming to optimize their meat purchases without needing extravagant storage solutions like deep freezers.

Organizing and Preparing to Save

Jenny emphasizes the importance of starting with a well-organized freezer.

Jenny Mitich [03:13]: "I feel like when I go into my freezer now, it's very organized, but before I just had a bunch of like half-eaten bags of vegetables and like just random things in there."

She suggests clearing out clutter to make space for bulk meat purchases and investing in a vacuum sealer to extend the freshness of meat. Additionally, identifying favorite meat cuts ensures that savings don't come at the expense of wasting unwanted purchases.

Best Stores for Affordable Meat

Jenny shares her experiences with various grocery stores, highlighting that affordability can vary based on location and store type.

Jenny Mitich [10:35]: "I'm in the Chicagoland area, so we have Jewel Osco's and they have incredible meat deals. Every week there's one cut that is just deeply discounted."

For nationwide options, she recommends Aldi for its competitive prices, while expressing reservations about Walmart and Target often being overpriced for meat. Local international grocery stores also emerge as hidden gems offering quality meat at lower prices.

Optimal Cuts of Meat for Budget and Nutrition

The discussion pivots to identifying which meat cuts offer the best value and nutritional benefits.

Jenny Mitich [15:54]: "I think most affordable is going to be chicken and pork. Those are my go-tos if I'm needing to save some money."

She underscores the nutritional density of beef, advocating it as a superior option when on sale due to its high vitamin and mineral content. Understanding the grading system—Prime, Choice, and Select—is crucial:

Jenny Mitich [21:55]: "Prime is going to be your most expensive. Select is going to be your least expensive. I usually go for the middle ground choice."

She advises avoiding trendy but overpriced cuts like the Tomahawk steak, which often costs significantly more without offering additional nutritional benefits.

Effective Cooking Methods to Maximize Savings

Jenny shares her straightforward cooking techniques that require minimal equipment and ingredients, perfect for busy households.

Jenny Mitich [26:09]: "For me, I do rib eye steaks. I'll do sirloin... I'll grill it to medium rare or use my air fryer."

She highlights the versatility of appliances like air fryers and ovens in preparing various meat cuts efficiently. Simple seasoning with garlic powder and salt suffices for enhancing flavor without added costs.

Repurposing Leftovers and Minimizing Waste

Minimizing food waste is a key strategy for saving money, and Jenny provides actionable methods to repurpose leftover meats.

Jenny Mitich [31:33]: "I'll throw leftover meats into a casserole pan with eggs and cheese to create a hearty breakfast casserole."

Additionally, she discusses making bone broth from leftover bones, ensuring every part of the animal is utilized:

Jenny Mitich [33:19]: "You can do a bone broth with any kind of bone. Just throw some bones in a crock pot, cover with water, add salt and apple cider vinegar, and let it cook for 24 hours."

Tips for Finding Meat Discounts

Jenny advises proactive strategies to secure the best meat deals:

Jenny Mitich [49:19]: "Talk to your meat manager and ask when they do their markdowns. Early mornings are often prime times for discounts."

She recommends establishing a rapport with store meat departments and visiting multiple stores to track sales rhythms. Bulk purchasing during sale periods, such as around holidays, can lead to substantial savings when meats are frozen for future use.

Lightning Round: Favorite Cuts and Cooking Techniques

In a fun segment, the hosts and Jenny share their favorite meat cuts and preferred cooking methods:

• Jenny Mitich: Ribeye steaks cooked with garlic powder and salt, either grilled to medium rare or air-fried.

  Jenny Mitich [42:02]: "Ribeye steak is king. If I could eat it every day, I would."

• Jill Sirianni: New York Strip steaks prepared with a generous amount of salt and cooked in butter using a cast-iron skillet.

  Jill Sirianni [44:21]: "I love preparing my steak with just a ton of salt and cooking it in really good butter."

• Jen Smith: While not a frequent consumer due to budget constraints, she enjoys the occasional Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich.

  Jen Smith [45:44]: "I was a vegetarian for 10 years and started eating meat again because of cravings like the Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich."

Key Takeaways and Concluding Tips

The episode wraps up with actionable takeaways:

1. Understand Meat Grades: Knowing the difference between Prime, Choice, and Select helps in making informed purchasing decisions.
2. Organize Freezer Space: A tidy freezer facilitates bulk buying and reduces the temptation to purchase non-essentials.
3. Repurpose Leftovers: Creative uses for leftover meats and bones can significantly cut down on food waste and expenses.
4. Engage with Meat Managers: Building a relationship with store meat departments can lead to insider tips on when discounts occur.
5. Invest in Quality Tools: Items like vacuum sealers and reliable cooking appliances (air fryers, cast-iron skillets) can enhance both the longevity and taste of your meat purchases.

Jill Sirianni [52:43]: "Finding your radical middle, leaning into quality over quantity. It works across the board."

The hosts encourage listeners to apply these strategies to achieve a more controlled and frugal approach to grocery shopping, particularly concerning meat purchases.

Connect with Jenny Mitich:

• YouTube: Meat Matters
• Instagram: @MamaMidich
• Podcast: Available on all major platforms

Stay Tuned: For more frugal tips and financial wisdom, subscribe to the Frugal Friends Podcast on your preferred podcast platform and join hosts Jen and Jill in their journey towards smarter spending and financial independence.