With grocery prices soaring, a juicy steak dinner can feel like a distant dream. Premium cuts like ribeye and short ribs seem to cost a small fortune, prompting many of us to skip the butcher counter altogether. But what if you could get those same delicious meals for a fraction of the price? A clever technique, demonstrated by a TikTok creator known as “The Recession Chef,” shows how to do just that.
The secret is starting with an inexpensive chuck roast. This budget-friendly cut, usually destined for a slow cooker, holds a treasure trove of different muscles. With a little know-how and a sharp knife, it’s possible to transform a single chuck roast into three tender steaks, four rich short ribs, and a pile of savory stew meat. It’s a game-changing skill for anyone feeling the budget pinch.
Your Guide to Breaking It Down
This process is easier than it may seem. The goal is to separate the roast along its natural seams of fat and connective tissue. Before starting, gather a large cutting board and a sharp chef’s knife.
Place the chuck roast on the board and look for the section sitting on top that resembles a small steak. This section will become your chuck-eye steaks, often called “poor man’s ribeye.” Carefully slice along the seam of fat to separate this top muscle, then cut the piece against the grain into steaks about 1 to 1¼ inches thick.
Next, identify the portion of the roast that contains the bone. This section is essentially the same muscle used for expensive bone-in short ribs. Cut along the bone to remove this piece from the roast. Then slice between the bones to create individual short rib portions.
With the remaining meat, simply cut it into 1- to 2-inch cubes. These pieces are perfect for stew, chili, braising, or shredding. In just a few minutes, one chuck roast becomes three types of useful cuts.
The Budget-Friendly Math
This method offers significant savings for sourcing several meals worth of delicious beef. A chuck roast might cost around $6-$8 per pound, while ribeye steaks can easily run $15-$20 per pound, and short ribs over $10 per pound. By investing about 15 minutes of time, you are essentially getting premium cuts at a deep discount.
How to Cook Your New Cuts
Because these muscles come from hard-working muscle, using the right cooking method helps give the best, most tender results.
To cook the steaks, pat them dry and season with salt and pepper. Sear them in a hot skillet with oil for 2–3 minutes per side. For medium-rare, transfer them to the oven and cook until they reach 130–135°F internally, then let them rest before slicing.
For the short ribs, slow cooking is key. Sear them on all sides, then braise slowly at 325°F for 2½ to 3 hours until tender.
For the stew meat, cook it gently over low heat in a soup or stew for several hours, until fully tender.
Helpful Tips for Success
Use a sharp knife, as a dull one makes the process more difficult and dangerous. Work slowly, following the natural seams of the meat. Pat the roast dry before cutting for better grip and control.
@the_recession_chef Breaking down a chuck roast equals 3 steaks, 4 short ribs and stew meat for $30 #budget #cheaprecipes #savemoney #chuckroast #ribeye #steaks #cheapsteaks #cheapfood #ballinonabudget #foodies #foodie #privatechef #homecooking #butcher #quickdinner #quickmeal #cookwithme #fyp #foryoupage #howtocook #cookingtiktok #cookingtutorial #homechef #budgetfriendly ♬ оригинальный звук – ꧁𝕊𝕠𝕦𝕝꧂
Making Your Grocery Budget Go Further
Learning to break down a chuck roast is a practical kitchen skill that pays off immediately. It allows you to create restaurant-style meals without the high price tag, making steak night possible again, even on a tight budget. With a bit of time, you can enjoy high-quality cuts, flavorful meals, and greater confidence in the kitchen.
