When the air turns crisp and the days grow shorter, nothing is better than a warm, slow-simmered meal. Fall comfort food doesn’t have to mean spending more on pricey cuts, in fact, some of the most flavourful dishes come from the lesser-known, budget-friendly parts of the animal.
At Yankee Flats Meats, we believe in using the whole animal, honouring every cut, and showing that a good meal starts with local, well-raised meat. Here are five hearty fall recipes that make the most of your grocery budget — and deliver incredible comfort in every bite.
🥕 1. Classic Fall Pot Roast
Best with: Chuck Roast or Cross Rib Roast
Recipe inspiration → Recipetineats.com
Tender, juicy, and melt-in-your-mouth, this slow-cooked pot roast is the definition of comfort food. The secret lies in searing your roast first, then letting it simmer for hours with root vegetables, broth, and herbs. Chuck and cross rib roasts are economical choices that become unbelievably tender when cooked low and slow - perfect for Sunday suppers or cozy nights in.
🍷 2. Osso Buco (Braised Cross-Cut Beef Shank)
Best with: Cross-Cut Beef Shank
Recipe inspiration → Ricardo Cuisine
Traditionally made with veal, this version uses beef shank - an affordable, rich cut that transforms into a luxurious dish when braised in wine and aromatics. The slow cooking releases collagen, creating a silky sauce that’s perfect spooned over mashed potatoes or polenta. Comfort food at its finest, and a beautiful way to enjoy every part of the animal.
🍲 3. Smoked Pork Hock Soup with Split Peas
Best with: Smoked Pork Hocks
Recipe inspiration → The Salty Pot
This humble, hearty soup is packed with savoury flavour and loads of protein. Smoked pork hocks are an underrated gem, they infuse soups with deep flavour while keeping costs low. Pair them with split peas, carrots, and herbs in your slow cooker for an easy, satisfying meal that tastes like home.
🍗 4. Filipino Chicken Adobo
Best with: Chicken Drumsticks and Thighs
Recipe inspiration → Recipetineats.com
Simple, tangy, and packed with flavour, adobo is a Filipino classic that shines with affordable cuts like chicken thighs and drumsticks. The vinegar, soy, and garlic marinade creates an irresistible glaze that caramelizes beautifully as it cooks. Serve with rice for a family-friendly meal that’s as easy on the budget as it is on the taste buds.
🍖 5. Red Wine Braised Short Ribs
Best with: Beef Short Ribs
Recipe inspiration → Chef Michael Smith
When you need a dish that feels fancy but is secretly simple, braised short ribs are your best friend. They’re rich, fall-off-the-bone tender, and surprisingly affordable. With a splash of red wine, fresh herbs, and time in the oven, short ribs become the ultimate cold-weather comfort food.
❤️ Eat Local, Eat Well
All of these recipes highlight the beauty of cooking with lesser-known cuts; cuts that are more affordable, incredibly flavourful, and raised right here in BC. When you shop local with Yankee Flats Meats, you’re not just saving money, you’re supporting sustainable farms, reducing food waste, and feeding your family food you can feel good about.
Find these cuts and more at our Farm Shop in Downtown Vernon or out at the YFM farm in Yankee Flats.