Feed a Crowd in NB: Cheeseburger Macaroni for $7.60/Serving

Key Facts

• The total cost to make 10 servings of Cheeseburger Macaroni in New Brunswick is $75.96. (Source: eezly real-time price tracking, July 2026)
• The cost per serving for this family-sized meal is $7.60. (Source: eezly real-time price tracking, July 2026)
• The most affordable lean ground beef was found at Costco Fredericton for $40.82 for a bulk package. (Source: eezly real-time price tracking, July 2026)
• Shoppers can find Compliments Canned Stewed Tomatoes for $2.49 at Co-op Beaubear. (Source: eezly real-time price tracking, July 2026)
• Key pantry staples like Medium Cheddar Cheese Slices ($5.79) and Tomato Ketchup ($4.50) were priced at Independent grocery stores. (Source: eezly real-time price tracking, July 2026)
• Shallots were priced at $4.39 at IGA stores in New Brunswick. (Source: eezly real-time price tracking, July 2026)
• Whole sweet red peppers were available for $4.49 at Independent stores. (Source: eezly real-time price tracking, July 2026)

This article breaks down the exact cost of each ingredient, identifies the specific New Brunswick stores offering the lowest prices, and provides a complete recipe to feed a crowd. We will explore the cost drivers, offer strategies to potentially lower the total price, and map out an efficient shopping plan across banners like Costco, Independent, and IGA.

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A Hearty Meal for a Crowd: Cheeseburger Macaroni for $7.60 Per Serving

Feeding a large family or planning for leftovers can be a significant financial challenge. This Cheeseburger Macaroni recipe, designed to yield 10 generous servings, offers a practical solution. At a total cost of $75.96, the price per serving comes to $7.60. While this may seem higher than some budget recipes, it is important to consider the context: this meal uses quality ingredients like lean ground beef and fresh produce, and its large yield provides substantial value compared to takeout or multiple smaller meals.

The primary cost driver for this recipe is the lean ground beef, priced at $40.82 for a bulk package from Costco Fredericton. This reflects the current market price for quality meat. However, buying in bulk at a warehouse club like Costco is a strategic move that often lowers the per-kilogram price significantly. The remaining ingredients are sourced from various conventional grocery stores across New Brunswick, including Independent, IGA, and Co-op Beaubear, demonstrating the savings potential of multi-store shopping trips.

To prepare this dish, you will need a large skillet or Dutch oven. The preparation time is approximately 25 minutes, with a similar cooking time, making it a viable option for a weeknight dinner. The recipe combines the classic, comforting flavours of a cheeseburger with the convenience and heartiness of a pasta dish, making it a likely favourite for all ages.

Recipe: 10-Serving Cheeseburger Macaroni

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 10

Ingredients:
* Lean Ground Beef (approx. 2kg, based on the $40.82 price at Costco)
* 1 large sweet red pepper, diced
* 2-3 shallots, finely chopped
* 796 ml can of stewed tomatoes
* 1/2 cup tomato ketchup
* 1 tsp seasoning salt
* 1/4 tsp ground red cayenne pepper (or to taste)
* 10 slices medium cheddar cheese
* 1 package (approx. 900g) macaroni pasta, cooked according to package directions
* 10 slices of whole wheat bread, toasted for serving (optional, for garlic bread)

Instructions:

• In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the lean ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.


• Add the diced red pepper and chopped shallots to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables have softened.


• Stir in the canned stewed tomatoes (undrained), tomato ketchup, seasoning salt, and cayenne pepper. Break up the tomatoes with a spoon.


• Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it cook for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.


• While the sauce is simmering, cook the macaroni pasta in a separate large pot of salted water according to the package directions. Drain well.


• Add the cooked and drained macaroni to the meat sauce, stirring gently to combine everything thoroughly.


• Lay the cheddar cheese slices over the top of the macaroni mixture. Cover the skillet, turn off the heat, and let it sit for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.


• Serve hot, with a side of toasted whole wheat bread if desired.

Detailed Ingredient Cost Breakdown for New Brunswick Shoppers

Achieving the $75.96 total cost for this recipe requires strategic shopping across several grocery banners in New Brunswick. According to eezly's AI-powered grocery price intelligence platform, no single store offered the best price on every single item. This highlights the financial benefit of comparing prices before you shop. By planning your trip based on real-time data, you ensure you are not overpaying for key ingredients.

The most significant purchase is the lean ground beef from Costco Fredericton. The $40.82 price point is for a large, club-pack size, which is essential for a recipe serving ten people. While the upfront cost is high, the price per kilogram is typically much lower than what you would find for smaller packages at a traditional supermarket. For the remaining items, a combination of shopping at Independent, IGA, and a local Co-op provides the most savings. This multi-store approach is central to minimizing your grocery bill.

Below is a complete, itemized list of the ingredients, the best price found in New Brunswick, and the specific store where that price was available. This table serves as your a shopping list and a guide to where you can find the most value.

Table: Cheeseburger Macaroni Ingredient Cost Breakdown (New Brunswick)

Source: eezly real-time price tracking, as of July 2026

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Your Strategic Shopping Plan in New Brunswick

To execute this shopping list efficiently, you will need to visit a few different stores. While visiting multiple locations takes more time, the savings can be substantial, especially when cooking for a large group. Based on the price data, a logical approach would involve three stops. This strategy consolidates purchases, saving you both time and fuel.

Your first and most important stop is Costco Fredericton for the bulk ground beef. Warehouse club shopping is a commitment, but for core proteins in large-scale recipes, it is often unbeatable on price per unit. Your second trip can be to an Independent grocer, as they offer the best prices on six of the nine required ingredients, including cheese, spices, ketchup, bread, and red peppers. This makes Independent your primary destination for pantry-stocking and produce. Your final, quick stop would be at an IGA for shallots and Co-op Beaubear for the canned tomatoes.

This plan demonstrates the power of data-driven shopping. Instead of guessing which store might be cheaper, you can build your list with confidence. For more personalized shopping lists and meal plans based on the lowest prices in your area, you can explore tools like eezly's meal plan generator.

Table: Optimized Shopping Trip Itinerary

Source: eezly real-time price tracking, as of July 2026

How to Reduce the Cost Further: Smart Substitutions

While $7.60 per serving is reasonable for a hearty meal, you might be looking for ways to bring the cost down even further. With a few smart substitutions and strategic choices, you can significantly reduce the overall expense without drastically changing the final dish. Your final cost will depend on the specific flyer deals and prices available when you shop.

The most impactful change you can make is with the ground beef. The $40.82 cost for lean ground beef represents over half the recipe's total budget. You could opt for regular or medium ground beef, which is often several dollars cheaper per kilogram. Another strategy is to use a mix of ground beef and a less expensive ground meat, like ground pork or chicken, or even incorporate lentils or mushrooms to stretch the meat further.

Other areas for savings include the cheese and produce. Instead of pre-sliced cheddar, buying a block of no-name or store-brand cheddar and slicing or shredding it yourself is almost always more economical. For the vegetables, check the weekly flyers. If red peppers are expensive, a green pepper or even a different seasonal vegetable could work. Swapping shallots for a regular yellow onion can also save a dollar or two. Always compare the unit prices of different brands and package sizes to find the true best deal, a process simplified by using a grocery comparison tool. For a regularly updated list of the best deals in your area, check the eezly deals page.

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