Rising Meat Prices Prompt Strategies to Stretch Ground Beef for Consumers
With the cost of meat on the rise, consumers are seeking ways to make ground beef last longer in their meals. According to NPR, the average price of a pound of ground beef has increased to nearly $7, up from $4.10 five years ago. Dan Pashman, host of The Sporkful podcast, discusses various methods to extend the use of ground beef. Traditional dishes like meatloaf and meatballs are highlighted as effective ways to stretch meat by incorporating ingredients such as breadcrumbs. Additionally, Pashman suggests using mushrooms to bulk up dishes like spaghetti or tacos, effectively doubling the amount of food produced from a single pound of ground beef. Mixing ground beef with other meats like pork or turkey is another strategy, although it requires careful cooking to ensure safety. Restaurants are also adapting by either adjusting portion sizes or increasing prices to manage the higher costs. 
