Forming the base of countless dinnertime favorites, ground beef is a versatile fridge staple that brings plenty of heartiness and rich, savory flavor. This trusty ingredient is made by passing various cuts of beef and fat trimmings through a meat grinder, turning them into a ready-to-cook product. It's protein-packed, quick to prepare, and super easy to customize with other add-ins.
Ground beef is designed to be cooked quickly, and we love the ease that comes with the cut. Throw in some minced onions and garlic, stir it around, and before you know it, it's ready to be served. Although a good mix of herbs and spices boosts the savory meat's taste, ground beef gets the best flavor when you have the patience to braise it.
Why has the price gone up? It's the law of supply and demand. America's beef cattle herd is the smallest in 75 years, in part because of drought. But Americans' love of hamburgers and steaks has kept demand strong until recently. In July, the U.S. Department of Agriculture continued to record a shrinking number of U.S. cattle and calves, forecasting that beef production would decline 4% over this year and another 2% in 2026.
Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you need to thicken the chili, use a Tablespoon of flour mixed with some of the chili liquid and whisk together. Add back into the chili. DO NOT add the flour directly to the chili, it can clump and not dissolve well. If your chili is too spicy, adding a little honey will lighten the spice. Add a teaspoon at a time, stir, and check the flavors.