As a budget-conscious shopper and ground beef enthusiast, I’m always looking for the best deals on quality ground chuck sirloin and lean varieties. That’s why WinCo is one of my go-to grocery stores when I’m restocking my freezer – their meat department offers excellent prices on fresh, customizable ground beef options.
I’ve learned how to get the most for my money when I buy ground beef at WinCo after many trips down the meat aisle to look at different options and prices. Ready to save big? Here’s everything you need to know:
An Overview of WinCo’s Ground Beef Selections
WinCo has a lot of different kinds of ground beef, with different amounts of fat and different grinds. Here’s a quick look at what they offer:
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Ground Chuck – Typically 80/20 or 85/15 blends. Great for burgers and meatloaf.
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Ground Sirloin – 90-93% lean. Ideal for chili, tacos, meatballs.
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Extra Lean Ground Beef – 96-97% lean. Lower fat option.
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Ground Round – 85-90% lean Nice and dense for patties
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Fresh Ground Beef – Custom ground in-store. Choose grind and fat %.
They carry popular national brands like Butterball, but I usually go for the WinCo fresh ground beef since you can customize the blend.
Buying Pre-Packaged vs. Fresh Ground at WinCo
WinCo has both pre-packaged ground beef selections as well as a fresh meat counter where you can get custom grinds. Here’s how the prices and quality compare:
Pre-Packaged:
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Convenient, ready-to-go sealed packs
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Typically 80/20 or 85/15 blends only
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Pack sizes range from 1-5 lbs
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Prices from $3.68-5.99/lb depending on bulk
Fresh Ground:
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Choose fat % and coarseness of grind
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Lean options like 90/10 or 96/4
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Package exactly what you need, even odd amounts
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Price is by the pound (typically $3.99-4.99/lb)
I like having full control over the fat percentage and grind style, so I usually get WinCo’s fresh ground beef. With the customization and decent per-pound pricing, it’s a great value.
Getting the Best Deal on Fresh Ground Beef
To maximize savings on fresh ground beef at WinCo, follow these tips:
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Buy in bulk – Larger 5 lb. tubes are the best value per pound
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Mix lean and fatty – Blend half 90/10 and half 80/20 for average 85/15
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Watch for markdowns – Check for soon-to-expire discounted meat
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Layer with coupons – Use WinCo or manufacturer’s coupons for extra savings
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Purchase fatty trimmings – Add to lean meat for DIY 85/15 blend
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Join loyalty program – Earn discounts and fuel rewards
With the right strategies, you can get fresh ground beef for around $3.50-$4.00/lb at WinCo – not bad!
Helpful Tips for Picking the Best Packages
Don’t just grab any pack from the cooler – check for these signs of quality when selecting your ground beef:
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Bright red color – Avoid brown or gray hues
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** Minimal liquid** – Small amounts of clear juice only
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No off odors – Should smell fresh, not sour
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Firm texture – Gently press, it should hold shape
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Clean packaging – No tears, stains, or leaks
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Check dates – Look for furthest from expiring
Taking a peek inside the packaging and giving the ground beef a sniff test ensures you get the freshest, highest quality meat for your recipes.
Creative Recipe Ideas for WinCo Ground Beef
Once you get home, you’ll want delicious ways to cook up all that affordable WinCo ground beef! Here are some of my favorite recipes:
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Juicy backyard burgers with fun toppings
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Family-friendly meatloaf and mashed potatoes
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Savory shepherd’s pie topped with creamy mashed potatoes
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Easy weeknight sloppy joes full of flavor
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Beef tacos with crispy shells and all the fixings
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Hearty chili packed with beans and seasonings
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Stuffed peppers filled with herbed beef and rice
With the right recipes, you can transform budget-friendly ground beef into impressive, satisfying meals. Get creative with seasonings, sauces, and sides!
Canned Ground Beef is a Money-Saving Option Too
In addition to fresh ground beef, WinCo also carries pre-cooked, canned ground beef which can be a time and money saver.
The Butterball All Natural Ground Beef comes fully cooked in 12 oz cans, perfect for hash, chili, casseroles, and more. It has a shelf life of up to 2 years when unopened.
At only $3.18 per can (or $4.77/lb equivalent), keeping a few cans in the pantry is an easy way to whip up quick ground beef recipes without having to defrost and cook raw meat.
The canned ground beef is nicely seasoned and breaks apart easily when cooking. It’s not quite as tasty as fresh, but still a solid option for convenience and savings.
Get Your Best Ground Beef Value at WinCo
As you can see, WinCo offers great prices and selections when it comes to ground beef shopping. By choosing fresh customized grinds, buying in bulk, mixing blends yourself, and keeping an eye out for promotions, you can maximize savings while still enjoying high-quality meat.
WinCo Foods Bulk Price List
We’re a large family and can go through a lot of food. One way we’ve found to save money on our grocery bill over the years is to buy things in bulk from different stores. When you buy food in bulk, one of the most important things I’ve learned is that you need to store it properly so it doesn’t go bad. When you go to cook, no one wants to find bugs in their food, do they? We learned that the hard way.
For bulk foods, we typically shop at Costco (random and non-perishables), Azure Standard (produce), WinCo (dry goods) and Zaycon Fresh (meats). I keep track of what we typically spend and how much things cost using a spreadsheet price book in Google Docs so I can access it anytime. Knowing the price per unit when I’m shopping helps me know: what I should buy, when I should buy it, and where I should buy it.
Every time I’m at WinCo, I try to update my list with the always changing products and prices. I’m sharing the list below of the many bulk items I find at my local WinCo. Please keep in mind that the items and prices listed below are from my store. Your store will likely have some differences. I learned that WinCo Foods’ bulk prices can change without warning, so please keep this list as a guide only. It will help you start making your own price book.
A nice feature on WinCo Foods’ website allows you to order certain bulk items straight from their website. They don’t have all the bulk foods listed that my store carries, but they do have the main ones. You do need to give them 36 hours notice, so if you need something today, ordering won’t get it to you soon enough, but you can start planning ahead. Just place your order, head to the store after the recommended time frame, pick up your order and head to the checkout stand to pay.
Ask the WinCo Butcher – Episode 1
FAQ
Is Costco or WinCo cheaper?
What grade of beef does WinCo sell?
How much is a gallon of milk at WinCo?
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Grocery item
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Costco price (per unit)
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WinCo price (per unit)
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2% milk
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$4.00 per gallon
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$3.80 per gallon
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Hickory smoked bacon
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$3.87 per pound
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$4.99 per pound
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Chicken breasts (frozen)
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$3.38 per pound
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$1.66 per pound
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Toilet paper (30 rolls)
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$1.68 per 100 sq ft.
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$1.87 per 100 sq ft.
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Why is WinCo so cheap?
What kind of meat does WinCo Foods offer?
In the Meat Department at WinCo Foods, we hope to be the center of the plate for your family meal; We offer outstanding quality with USDA Choice Beef, Grade A Poultry, Regionally sourced Ground Beef, and Hormel Fresh Pork available at every employee-owned WinCo Foods. We ARE the “low price leader” in meat.
Does WinCo have a meat department?
WinCo Meat Departments are staffed with knowledgeable and experienced Meat Cutters. They’re always happy to answer your questions or cut that special steak. Do you want a home cooked meal that’s quick & easy? Check out our assortment of seasoned and ready to cook items. Stir Fry, Carne Asada, Pork Carnitas, Seasoned Chicken Leg Quarters and more.
Does WinCo Foods have a low price leader?
Either way; green will bring you huge grocery savings at WinCo Foods, The Supermarket Low Price Leader™. No minimum purchase required; buy a few or just one – you’ll still get the savings. *WinCo Foods reserves the right to limit quantities, to ensure all of our customers may enjoy any special.
Is WinCo cheaper than Walmart?
Ground beef is also $0.40/pound cheaper at WinCo when compared to Walmart. Keep WinCo’s cheaper deli prices in mind for your next barbecue, too. Ball Park hot dogs will ring up cheaper at WinCo. WinCo sells the popular grilling staple for $0.37 each, while Walmart sells the same hotdogs for $0.44 each.