I buy it by the case from Sam's and re-package in zip lock bags. Then to the chest freezer they go ... a 90 lb case has been lasting us 6 to 9 months. It is kind of a pain, but the $3.99 in the store is a bigger pain! Price per pound is just over $2/lb this way. Bought a side of beef once ... great steaks and cuts of meat cheaper, but I didn't like the hamburger ... and that is what we are used to eating.
Oh, and when I defrost ... I tend to cook the hamburger for the week with onions (like what doesn't taste better with onions!) and I will throw in a little TVP as an extender. Shhh! don't tell hubby and the kids.