As summer grilling season heats up, so are grocery prices... especially beef.
"Ground beef prices recently hit a record high of $6.90 per pound. Beef and veal prices are up 15% from a year ago, that's far outpacing overall inflation. So, beef is very expensive," Business Insider's Emily Stewart told Gordan Deal on WWL.
She says get used to it.
"You beef prices are probably going to be high for a long time, because it does take a long time for cows to grow."
A cow shortage is to blame with US cattle herd the smallest they have been since the 1950s. That's thanks to drought, feed costs and more ranchers getting out of the business.
"There really are not enough cows."
Stewart says more ranchers retiring, and their children are not wanting to take over the business.
In addition to beef, pork and chicken prices are up.
It is are prompting many families to rethink how they plan backyard barbecues.
Chef Kevin Belton says the key to keeping cookouts affordable is making the most of what you already have.
“Start with what’s in your freezer,” Belton said. “Most people have chicken, wings, or ground beef tucked away that can still make a great meal.”
He says many households are sitting on usable ingredients without realizing it, especially in the back corners of their freezers.
One of his top recommendations is using marinades to enhance flavor and elevate simpler cuts of meat.
“A good marinade makes all the difference,” he said. “It helps stretch flavor without stretching your budget.”
Belton also encourages home cooks to think beyond traditional barbecue plates.
Instead of limiting ground meat to burgers, he suggests using it in dishes like jambalaya, tacos, or casseroles that can feed more people for less money.
He says buying in bulk when possible can also help families save over time, especially when storing and portioning meat for future meals.
As prices continue to rise heading into peak grilling months, Belton says creativity in the kitchen may be the most valuable ingredient of all.
