If you’re looking for ways to lower your food budget, you need to consider saving money by cooking at home. There are many people who enjoy going out to eat, either because they just enjoy eating out or else they don’t enjoy cooking at home. But when it comes to your monthly budget, saving money is a lot easier when you stay in more often.

Benefits of cooking at home

We all know that there are benefits of cooking at home, and not just saving money. When you cook your meals at home, you are in control. You control the ingredients, the portion sizes, and the cooking methods. You can be sure of possible food allergies and avoid contaminants that could harm your health. By cooking at home, you also control the costs to fit your own personal budget.

Saving money by cooking at home

There’s no question that cooking at home saves money, but do you know how much you could save? Forbes analyzed recipe data to determine the true costs of cooking at home, versus eating out or using a home meal delivery service. The results are pretty impressive. Eating out at a restaurant costs approximately 5 times as much as cooking at home using a traditional recipe. A home meal delivery service, where recipes and fresh ingredients are delivered to you on a schedule chosen by you, definitely saves money over the costs of eating out. However, it still costs about 3 times as much as cooking with your own recipes and ingredients. The Forbes report shows that saving money by cooking at home is really the best way to save on your food costs.

How to save money by cooking at home

There are several factors to consider when you look at ways to cut your food costs. Here are some tips:

• Pasta dishes are some of the least expensive meals to cook at home. If you have a hankering for pasta, you’ll save the most by making your own.
• Look at using less expensive cuts of meat, and then learn the best ways to cook them. For example, pork tenderloin and pork sirloin roasts are very affordable, but also very flavorful if you cook them right.
• Chicken thighs are very economical. Look for recipes that highlight chicken thighs instead of trying to sub them for chicken breasts.
• Shop your grocer’s weekly sales by planning your menus around what meats and produce are on sale.
• Cook seasonally. You’ll save a lot by using the fruits and vegetables that are currently in season.
• If time is a consideration, use a crockpot to cook your meals while you’re at work. Or learn some great 30-minute recipes!

Saving money by cooking at home isn’t as hard as it may sound. With a little planning and preparation, you can do it. But don’t let a disorganized kitchen hold you back–learn how to organize your cabinets like a pro.