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Meat Prices Are Hitting Hard
Have you noticed the price of hamburger meat lately? Years ago, I remember paying between $3-$6 a pound for ground beef locally. Today in 2026, average ground beef prices are hovering closer to $7 a pound in many areas, and sometimes much higher depending on the quality and location.
Even canned meats have climbed in price. Back in 2017, I reviewed Keystone Ground Beef and paid around $6.28 for a 1-pound can. Today, that same can often ranges between $9-$13 online depending on the retailer and shipping costs.
As grocery prices continue to rise, many families are looking for practical ways to make meals stretch further without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. Thankfully, there ARE ways to make hamburger meat go farther, and honestly, some of these ideas have ended up improving our meals in the process.
How We Started Stretching Ground Beef
Like many families, we've had to get a little more creative in the kitchen lately. Years ago, I would automatically throw a full pound — sometimes even two pounds — of hamburger meat into casseroles, tacos, spaghetti, and soups without much thought.
Now, I’ve found myself looking at recipes differently. Instead of the meat being the entire meal, I started experimenting with ways to stretch it while still keeping meals hearty and filling.
One of the best discoveries? Black beans.
At first I wasn’t entirely convinced my family would go for it, but after trying it in a few dishes, I realized something surprising — not only did the beans stretch the meat, they actually made some meals taste BETTER.
Black Beans in Taco Meat
One of the easiest ways we now stretch ground beef is by adding black beans to taco meat.
After browning and seasoning the hamburger meat, I simply add a drained can or two of black beans directly into the skillet and let everything simmer together for a few minutes. The beans absorb all those taco seasonings and flavors beautifully.
The result? The taco meat becomes:
- more filling
- higher in fiber
- packed with extra protein
- and much more economical
A can of black beans currently costs roughly $1-$1.50, while replacing that same amount of ground beef could cost several dollars more. Even replacing half a pound of meat with beans can save around $3-$4 per meal.
That may not sound like much at first, but over the course of a month, those savings add up quickly.
And honestly? Most people probably wouldn’t even notice the difference once the toppings, salsa, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese are piled on.
Hearty Ground Beef Potato Casserole | Easy Budget Family Meal
Stretching Casseroles With Beans
I’ve also started adding black beans into casseroles that normally rely heavily on ground beef.
One example is our favorite potato beef casserole recipe. Years ago, I would make it using a full pound or more of hamburger meat. Now, I often mix in black beans right alongside the meat mixture.
Not only does it help stretch the beef, but the added beans make the casserole even heartier and more satisfying.
The funny thing is, the older I get, the more I realize that "simple" food is often the most comforting. A warm casserole, some fresh bread, and a meal gathered around the table still goes a long way — even during difficult economic times.
Refried Beans With Breakfast
One of my favorite tricks actually came from visiting a local Mexican restaurant for breakfast years ago.
Like many Americans, I grew up thinking breakfast had to revolve around bacon, eggs, sausage, hash browns, and toast. But one morning, I ordered a breakfast plate that came with refried beans on the side.
I remember thinking:
"Refried beans with breakfast?"
But after one bite, I was hooked.
The creamy beans paired perfectly with eggs, toast, potatoes, and even small portions of bacon. The meal was incredibly filling and satisfying without needing huge amounts of meat.
Now, we often use refried beans at home to help stretch breakfast meals. Instead of everyone eating several strips of bacon, we can serve:
- eggs
- toast
- potatoes
- and refried beans alongside a smaller amount of meat
The beans add protein, fiber, and help everyone feel full longer.
And surprisingly, it feels more like comfort food than "budget food."
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| Meat loaf patties filled with surprising goodness |
Why Beans Are a Smart Pantry Staple
Beans are honestly one of the smartest pantry staples you can keep on hand right now.
Whether canned or dried, they:
- store well
- are inexpensive
- add protein and fiber
- help meals feel more filling
- and work in dozens of recipes
Black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, lentils, and refried beans can all help stretch expensive ingredients while adding nutrition at the same time.
In many ways, this is how previous generations cooked naturally. They learned how to build meals around affordable pantry staples instead of relying heavily on expensive meat portions.
Sometimes the old ways still work best.
Getting Creative in the Kitchen
As food prices continue to rise, I think many of us are learning to adapt little by little.
That doesn’t necessarily mean giving up the foods we enjoy. Sometimes it simply means getting more creative with recipes, stretching ingredients wisely, and learning how to make meals work harder for our budgets.
And honestly, some of these changes end up being healthier too.
Adding beans to meals increases fiber and nutrition, helps stretch expensive ingredients, and can make dishes even more filling and flavorful.
In uncertain economic times, practical kitchen skills matter more than ever. A little creativity in the pantry can go a long way toward lowering grocery costs without sacrificing comfort meals our families still enjoy.
And if you’re curious whether canned ground beef is actually worth storing these days, you can read my full Keystone Ground Beef review here.
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