Beef Prices Are High. This Butcher Has Suggestions

Rather than a rib-eye, consider tougher cuts, which are best for braising. Beef chuck or shank and top and bottom round are good choices.

Steve Dawson, owner of Fat Butcher in Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania in his shop on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. Steve Mellon/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette/TNS

By Sono Motoyama Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

PITTSBURGH—The price of ground beef has gone up 51 percent since February 2020. In the past year, the U.S. has seen record low cattle numbers because of drought over the past few years. Tariffs on imports, rising input costs and cattle disease have also put pressure on beef prices.