Stretching meals with beans to save money
Beans are inexpensive, filling, and add volume to meals, making them ideal for stretching protein and reducing overall grocery costs.
Budget strategies:
- Bulk cook dried beans: dried beans cost less per serving than canned and store long term.
- Mix beans with small amounts of meat or inexpensive proteins: a little meat goes further when combined with beans in soups, stews, and casseroles.
Meal ideas to stretch servings:
- Chili: combine a modest amount of ground meat with multiple kinds of beans to feed more people.
- Casseroles and bakes: layer beans with rice, vegetables, and sauce to create economical one-pan meals.
- Soups and stews: beans add body and substance; add seasonal vegetables to bulk up the pot.
Practical tips:
- Use beans as a base for multiple meals—salads, dips, and grain bowls—to vary flavors across the week.
- Freeze portions for later to avoid waste and maximize value.
With creative recipes and batch-cooking, beans help you feed more people for less while keeping meals nutritious.