To say the coronavirus outbreak has changed the way we shop would be a vast understatement. In January, the terms “social distancing” and “quarantine” meant relatively little in the context of our everyday lives—and there was plenty of toilet paper to go around. Now, we’re standing six feet apart from each other and fruitlessly searching for paper goods.
Unfortunately, toilet paper hasn’t been the only item flying off the shelves. In many areas, meat is in short supply, and we expect prices to go up soon. Here’s what’s going on—and what you can do to keep beef and pork on your table.
Why Is the Price Going Up?
The short answer: COVID-19. The long answer is that the outbreak forced many meat processing plants to close their doors, ceasing production and eliminating staples we’d typically not think twice about finding on the shelves. The pandemic has affected production of beef, pork, chicken and more, and it’s estimated that prices could increase up to 20%.
Because of the shortage, certain grocery stores—like Kroger and Costco, among others—have started limiting how much meat customers can buy. The new rules vary by location and even by store for some chains, but they’re typically enforced in a “number of items per customer” limit similar to the way hand sanitizers and disinfecting wipes have been restricted.
What Can I Do?
We know this is news that won’t be welcome to meat-eaters everywhere. First of all, let’s all take a deep breath, because it’s a near-certainty that these shortages will be temporary. Once the processing plants re-open, they’ll be able to supply stores with the products shoppers need—it’s just a matter of waiting.
But thankfully, there are options if you’re looking to keep on cooking. You can shop for your meat using online butcher shops or select less popular cuts of beef or whole chickens rather than chicken breasts. You can even look for meat substitutes (here are 10 of them we love). It’s been a trying past few months, but we’ll get through it—and eventually, we’ll get back to sinking our teeth into juicy burgers and tender chicken breasts again.
Vegan Recipes Even Meat Eaters Will Love
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Chickpea & Potato Curry
I make chana masala, the classic Indian dish, in my slow cooker. Browning the onion, ginger and garlic first really makes the sauce amazing. —Anjana Devasahayam, San Antonio, Texas
Crispy Tofu with Black Pepper Sauce
Sometimes tofu can be boring and tasteless, but not in this recipe! The crispy vegetarian bean curd is so loaded with flavor, you'll never shy away from tofu again. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
Over-the-Rainbow Minestrone
This colorful soup is vegetarian-friendly and full of fresh flavors from a rainbow of vegetables. You can use any multicolored pasta in place of the spirals. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
Simple Vegetarian Slow-Cooked Beans
When I have a hungry family to feed, these tasty beans with spinach, tomatoes and carrots are a go-to dish. This veggie delight is frequently on the menu. —Jennifer Reid, Farmington, Maine
Vegetarian Black Bean Pasta
This was something I created as a teenager, back when I was a vegetarian. Now that my daughter doesn't eat meat, she asks for this dinner several times a week. —Ashlynn Azar, Beaverton, Oregon
My Underground Vegetable Salad
Oven-roasting root vegetables is a delicious way to get the most out of these earthy treats, bringing out their subtle sweetness. Serving them over endive with a homemade vinaigrette is just a bonus! —Peter Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
General Tso's Cauliflower
Cauliflower florets are deep-fried to a crispy golden brown, then coated in a sauce with just the right amount of kick. This is a fun alternative to the classic chicken dish.—Nick Iverson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Black Bean-Tomato Chili
My daughter Kayla saw a black bean chili while watching a cooking show and called me about it because it looked so good. We messed with our own recipe until we got this easy winner. —Lisa Belcastro, Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts
Here are all the secrets you need to know for how to make the best vegan chili!
Roasted Curried Chickpeas and Cauliflower
When there’s not much time to cook, try roasting potatoes and cauliflower with chickpeas for a warm-you-up dinner. It's a filling meal on its own, but you can add chicken or tofu to the sheet pan if you like. —Pam Correll, Brockport, Pennsylvania
Grilled Potatoes & Peppers
My husband, Matt, grills this recipe for both breakfast and dinner gatherings. Besides the company, the potatoes are one of the best parts! —Susan Nordin, Warren, Pennsylvania
Chickpea Mint Tabbouleh
You’ll love this salad warm or chilled. For variety, add feta cheese or use this as a filling for stuffed tomatoes or mushrooms. —Brian Kennedy, Kaneohe, Hawaii
Creamy Cauliflower Pakora Soup
My husband and I often crave pakoras, deep-fried fritters from India. I wanted to get the same flavors but use a healthier cooking technique, so I made soup using all the classic spices and our favorite veggie, cauliflower! —Melody Johnson, DePere, Wisconsin
Smoky Cauliflower
The smoked Spanish paprika gives a simple side of roasted cauliflower extra depth. This is definitely a favorite. —Juliette Mulholland, Corvallis, Oregon
Spice Trade Beans & Bulgur
A rich blend of treasured spices flavors tender, nutritious bulgur and chickpeas in a tangy, nutritious stew that has just the right amount of heat. A hint of sweetness from golden raisins is the perfect accent. —Faith Cromwell, San Francisco, California
Mushroom & Broccoli Soup
One of my girls won’t eat meat and the other struggles to get enough fiber. This recipe is a great way to give them what they need in a form they love to eat. I save my broccoli stems in the freezer until I have about two small bags, and then make soup. —Maria Davis, Flower Mound, Texas
Tofu Chow Mein
This is an easy recipe for a "tofu beginner," as it teaches people how to use it. If you have time, one way to prepare it is to cut the tofu block in half and wrap well in a terry kitchen towel. Let it sit in the fridge for at least an hour to absorb excess water. For a complete meal, serve with Chinese soup and egg rolls! — Autumn SinClaire, Gold Beach, Oregon
Chard & White Bean Pasta
I love to prepare gluten-free and dairy-free dishes, and this recipe meets the criteria when you use gluten-free pasta. This dish shows you can use delicious, healthy products to create a crowd-pleasing meal. It's also soy-free, nut-free and vegetarian. —Amie Valpone, New York, New York
Okra Roasted with Smoked Paprika
When you want to cook okra without frying it, roast it with lemon juice for a lighter version. The smoked paprika gives it even more roasty oomph. —Lee Evans, Queen Creek, Arizona
Garden Vegetable & Herb Soup
I submitted this recipe to a local newspaper and won first prize. I make this hearty soup whenever my family needs a good dose of veggies. —Jody Saulnier, Woodstock, New Hampshire
Cauliflower with Roasted Almond & Pepper Dip
This tasty vegetable side dish can set a chilling scene on Halloween if you style it to look like a brain—try adding spiders and spiderwebs to your table setting. You can also serve it on Thanksgiving and pair it with the turkey and dressing. The festive orange sauce takes some time, but it tastes incredible.—Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Spicy Grilled Broccoli
My kids eat this spiced broccoli without cheese; it’s that good. It transports easily to the beach, the park or tailgate parties and also works on an indoor grill. —Kathy Lewis-Martinez, Spring Valley, California
Sauteed Squash with Tomatoes & Onions
My favorite meals show a love of family and food. This zucchini dish with tomatoes is like a scaled-down ratatouille. —Adan Franco, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Pico de Gallo Black Bean Soup
Everyone at my table goes for this feel-good soup. It’s quick when you’re pressed for time and beats fast food, hands down. —Darlis Wilfer, West Bend, Wisconsin
Roasted Red Pepper Tapenade
When entertaining, I often rely on my pepper tapenade recipe because it takes only 15 minutes to whip up and pop in the fridge. Sometimes I swap out the almonds for walnuts or pecans. —Donna Magliaro, Denville, New Jersey
Marinated Almond-Stuffed Olives
Marinated stuffed olives go over so well with company that I try to keep a batch of them in the fridge at all times. —Larissa Delk, Columbia, Tennessee
Lemon Mushroom Orzo
Sometimes I serve this side dish chilled and other times we enjoy it hot. It has a pleasant tinge of lemon and a nice crunch from pecans. —Shelly Nelson, Akeley, Minnesota
Avocado Fruit Salad with Tangerine Vinaigrette
On long summer days when we just want to relax, I make a cool salad with avocado, berries and mint. The tangerine dressing is refreshingly different. —Carole Resnick, Cleveland, Ohio
Lemony Chickpeas
These saucy chickpeas add just a little heat to meatless Mondays. They're especially good over hot, fluffy brown rice. —April Strevell, Red Bank, New Jersey
Summertime Tomato Salad
My crazy good salad has cherry tomatoes, squash and blueberries together in one bowl. Then I layer on the flavor with fresh corn, red onion and mint. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
Lemon Pepper Roasted Broccoli
Fresh green broccoli turns tangy and tasty when roasted with lemon juice and pepper. A sprinkle of almonds adds crunch. —Liz Bellville, Jacksonville, North Carolina
Edamame Corn Carrot Salad
I came up with this easy salad while brainstorming light, protein-filled recipes. My vegetarian and vegan friends are especially big fans. —Maiah Miller, Monterey, California
Southwest Vegetarian Lentil Soup
Even self-avowed carnivores won’t miss the meat in this zippy dish. It’s chock-full of healthy ingredients that will keep you feeling satisfied. —Laurie Stout-Letz, Bountiful, Utah
Green Beans in Red Pepper Sauce
For easy veggies, I make a simple sauce of sweet red peppers, almonds and parsley. We also like this sauce with zucchini or roasted cauliflower. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Red Lentil Soup Mix
Give your friends the gift of good health. Red lentils are a protein powerhouse, and loaded with folate, iron and fiber. Oh, and this soup tastes amazing, too. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Thyme-Sea Salt Crackers
These homemade crackers are decidedly light and crispy. An addictive snack on their own, they also pair well with a sharp white cheddar. —Jessica Wirth, Charlotte, North Carolina
Vegetable Broth
The flavor of celery and mushrooms comes through in this homemade vegetable broth. Can be used as a substitution for chicken broth.
Fresh Corn & Avocado Dip
I alter my sister's dip recipe by adding finely chopped jalapeno for a little heat. It's a different way of serving corn as a dip that can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until serving. —Pat Roberts, Thornton, Ontario
Market Basket Soup
I use kohlrabi in this soothing veggie soup. The vegetable has a mellow broccoli-cabbage flavor and can be served raw, but this is my favorite way to eat it. —Kellie Foglio, Salem, Wisconsin
Grilled Lime-Balsamic Sweet Potatoes
For me, tailgating is about camaraderie and preparing food that’s good to grill. One of my favorites is sweet potato wedges. Yum! —Raquel Perazzo, West New York, New Jersey
Tomato & Avocado Sandwiches
I'm a vegetarian, and this is a tasty, quick and healthy lunch I could eat for every meal. At my house, we call these sandwiches HATS: hummus, avocado, tomato and shallots. They're all ingredients I almost always have on hand. —Sarah Jaraha, Moorestown, New Jersey
Warm Tasty Greens with Garlic
My farm box had too many greens, so I had to use them up. This tasty idea uses kale, tomatoes and garlic in a dish that quickly disappears. —Martha Neth, Aurora, Colorado
Herb-Roasted Olives & Tomatoes
Eat these roasted veggies with a crunchy baguette or a couple of cheeses. You can also double, or triple, the amounts and have leftovers to toss with spaghetti the next day. —Anndrea Bailey, Huntington Beach, California
Saucy Vegetable Tofu
This is my daughter Tonya's favorite meal. Sometimes we make it with rigatoni and call it "Riga-Tonya." It's a great dinner and a nice way to prepare yummy vegetables for the kids. —Sandra Eckert, Pottstown, Pennsylvania
Black Bean-Sweet Potato Skillet
My fiancé loves sweet potatoes. By adding black beans, I came up with a nutritionally complete main dish. Its bright orange and black color makes it fun for Halloween. —April Strevell, Red Bank, New Jersey
Roasted Balsamic Red Potatoes
When I found a potato recipe that called for vinegar, I was intrigued. But without all the ingredients on hand, I had to improvise and gave it a whirl using Italian seasoning and balsamic vinegar. It turned out great! —Lisa M. Varner, El Paso, TX
Roasted Carrots & Fennel
This addictive vegetable combo is a fresh take on one of my mother's standard wintertime dishes. I usually add more carrots—as many as the pans will hold. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Rice Pilaf with Apples & Raisins
I love making bulgar pilaf with apricots. So glad I tried it with dried apples and golden raisins! —Elizabeth Dumont, Madison, Mississippi
Curried Sweet Potato Wedges
Sweet potatoes roasted with curry and smoked paprika delight everybody at our table. The mango chutney makes a tangy dip. —Simi Jois, Streamwood, Illinois
Mushroom-Bean Bourguignon
In our family, boeuf bourguignon has been a staple for generations. I wanted a meatless alternative. All this dish needs is a French baguette. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California
Garbanzo-Stuffed Mini Peppers
Mini peppers are so colorful and they're the perfect size for a two-bite appetizer. They have all the crunch of pita chips but without the extra calories. —Christine Hanover, Lewiston, California
Black-Eyed Peas 'n' Pasta
Tradition has it that if you eat black-eyed peas on New Year's Day, you'll enjoy prosperity all year through—but I serve this tasty combination of pasta, peas and tangy tomatoes anytime. —Marie Malsch, Bridgman, Michigan
Roasted Herb & Lemon Cauliflower
A standout cauliflower side is easy to prepare with just a few ingredients. Crushed red pepper flakes add a touch of heat. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin
Lentil Pumpkin Soup
Garlic and spices brighten up my hearty pumpkin soup. It’s just the thing we need on a chilly fall day. —Laura Magee, Houlton, Wisconsin
No-Fry Black Bean Chimichangas
Chimichangas usually are deep-fried burritos. My version gets lovin’ from the oven. Black beans and corn make it meatless and a cool way to use up leftover rice. —Kimberly Hammond, Kingwood, Texas
Confetti Quinoa
If you have never tried quinoa, start with my easy side, brimming with colorful veggies. I serve it with orange-glazed chicken. —Kim Ciepluch, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Maple-Walnut Sweet Potatoes
Topped with dried cherries and walnuts, this side is downright delicious. Even people who aren't into sweet potatoes will grab a second scoop. —Sarah Herse, Brooklyn, New York
Vegetarian Stew in Bread Bowls
Shortly before we had our third child, my husband wisely got our first slow cooker. This was the first recipe I tried on a cool day. It felt great to both take care of the kids and eat a warm, homemade meal at the end of the day. —Maria Keller, Antioch, Illinois
Rainbow Hash
To entice my family to eat outside their comfort zone, I use lots of color. This happy hash combines sweet potato, carrots, purple potato and kale. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad
In our new cookbook “The Kitchen Decoded,” we include tabbouleh salad because it's super simple and filling. Try red quinoa for a slightly earthier flavor. —Logan Levant, Los Angeles, California
Swiss Chard with Onions & Garlic
I like to make this Swiss chard a main dish by serving it with pasta, but it’s also a tasty side dish all on its own. My boys love it and ask for it often. —Rebekah Chappel, Portales, New Mexico
Asparagus Tofu Stir-Fry
With its flavorful ginger sauce and fresh vegetables, this tasty dish is a favorite. I get rave reviews every time I serve it, and it doesn’t bother my husband’s food allergies. —Phyllis Smith, Chimacum, Washington
Jasmine Rice with Coconut & Cherries
Our favorite rice deserves a bit of color and sweetness. We add cherries, peanuts, orange zest and coconut. That does the trick. —Joy Zacharia, Clearwater, Florida
Hearty Vegetable Split Pea Soup
This slow-cooker soup is my secret weapon on busy days. It’s delicious served with oyster crackers that are tossed in a bit of melted butter and herbs and then lightly toasted in the oven. —Whitney Jensen, Spring Lake, Michigan
Garden Quinoa Salad
This recipe is special to me because it’s delicious as well as healthful. Serve it hot or cold, and enjoy the leftovers while they’re fresh! —Patricia Nieh, Portola Valley, California
Baked Broccolini
Broccoli is my favorite vegetable, but when I came across this roasted broccolini recipe, I wanted to try it out. This dish is really tasty and I think other kids will love it, too. —Katie Helliwell, Hinsdale, Illinois
Curried Lentil Soup
Curry gives a different taste sensation to this chili-like soup. It’s delicious with a dollop of sour cream. My family welcomes it with open arms—and watering mouths. —Christina Till, South Haven, Michigan
Asian Corn Succotash
Since I’m not a fan of lima beans, I use edamame (green soybeans) in this colorful corn succotash instead. The Asian-inspired dressing alone is addictive. —Dierdre Callaway, Parkville, Missouri
Satisfying Tomato Soup
After craving tomato soup, I decided to make my own. My sister Joan likes it chunky-style, so she doesn't puree. Serve it with a grilled cheese sandwich. —Marian Brown, Mississauga, Ontario
Slow & Easy Minestrone
Hot soup on a cold day is something I just can't get enough of. It's a snap to put together, and I don't have to wash pots and pans after a relaxing meal. —Sally Goeb, New Egypt, New Jersey
Roasted Tater Rounds with Green Onions & Tarragon
I am crazy for potatoes, especially when they're roasted and toasted. Toss them with fresh herbs and green onions for a bold finish. —Ally Phillips, Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
Roasted Cabbage & Onions
I roast veggies to bring out their sweetness, and it works wonders with onions and cabbage. The piquant vinegar-mustard sauce makes this dish similar to a slaw. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Quinoa Tabbouleh
When my mom and sister developed several food allergies, we had to modify many recipes. I substituted quinoa for couscous in this tabouleh. Now we make it all the time! —Jennifer Klann, Corbett, Oregon
Viva Panzanella
Add some white beans, and suddenly the traditional Italian bread and tomato salad is filling enough to stand on its own. It’s a great way to use fresh tomatoes from the garden or farmers market. —Patricia Levenson, Santa Ana, California
Lentil Sweet Potato Curry
This is one of those suppers you can start when you get home, then relax while it cooks. (Or help the kids with homework or hop on the stair-stepper.) Apple and brown sugar help sweeten this delicious meatless meal. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Black Beans with Brown Rice
Your family will never miss the meat in this hearty, colorful and fresh-tasting main dish. Served over brown rice, it makes a healthy, stick-to-the-ribs dinner. —Sheila Meyer, North Canton, Ohio
Black Bean & Corn Quinoa
Some vegan quinoa recipes are boring, but this one definitely isn't. My daughter’s college asked parents for the best quinoa recipes to use in the dining halls. This healthy quinoa recipe fits the bill. —Lindsay McSweeney, Winchester, Massachusetts
Kale & Bean Soup
Chock-full of veggies, this soup soothes both the body and the spirit. The kale is packed with nutrients, including omega-3s, and the beans add a natural creaminess. —Beth Sollars, Delray Beach, Florida
Gnocchi with Pesto Sauce
Perk up gnocchi and vegetables with a flavorful pesto sauce. If you don't have pine nuts for the topping, skip or substitute any nut you like. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Spaghetti Squash with Balsamic Vegetables and Toasted Pine Nuts
The veggies can be prepped while the squash is in the microwave, so I can have a satisfying low-carb and low-fat meal on the table in about half an hour. —Deanna McDonald, Grand Rapids, Michigan
So-Easy Gazpacho
My daughter got this recipe from a college friend and shared it with me. Now I serve it often as an appetizer. It certainly is the talk of any party. —Lorna Sirtoli, Cortland, New York
Tuscan Portobello Stew
This is a heart-healthy, one-skillet meal that is quick and easy to prepare, yet elegant enough for company. Vegetarian teachers and students alike appreciate this stew at school potlucks. —Jane Siemon, Viroqua, Wisconsin
Spiced Pickled Beets
With sweet, tangy and spiced flavors, these pickled beets are so good that they'll win over just about everyone in your house. Jars of colorful beets make great gifts, too! —Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana
Mediterranean Chickpeas
Add this to your meatless Monday lineup. It's great with feta cheese on top. —Elaine Ober, Brookline, Massachusetts
Tropical Fusion Salad with Spicy Tortilla Ribbons
Fresh fruits and veggies pair up for a fantastic summer salad that's savory, sweet and spicy all at once. Make the tortilla strips with your pizza cutter—so easy! —Jennifer Fisher, Austin, Texas
Steamed Kale
You'll find a wonderful accompaniment to most any entree in this good-for-you Steamed Kale recipe, which is packed with vitamins. I use garlic, red pepper and balsamic vinegar to keep my family coming back for more! —Mary Bilyeu, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Cilantro Potatoes
Fresh cilantro gives exotic Syrian-style flavor to these easy skillet potatoes. They’re a great complement to Mom’s tangy kabobs. —Weda Mosellie, Phillipsburg, New Jersey
Zippy Zucchini Pasta
A colorful combination of zucchini and zippy canned tomatoes is delicious over quick-cooking angel hair pasta. We like the extra zest from crushed red pepper flakes. —Kathleen Timberlake, Dearborn Heights, Michigan
Curried Quinoa and Chickpeas
Quinoa contains more protein than other grains, and that protein is of unusually high quality for a plant food. That makes this a great filling main dish and the blend of flavors and colors will bring everyone at the table back for more. —Suzanne Banfield, Basking Ridge, New Jersey
Rosemary Roasted Potatoes and Asparagus
Showcase asparagus when you dress it in fresh rosemary and red potatoes for an earthy counterpoint to the fresh, green spears. Add in some minced garlic and cashew butter, and you get a gorgeous, flavorful side dish. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Minted Rice with Garbanzo Curry
Fluffy flavored rice and tender beans in a well-seasoned, aromatic sauce make this easy, meatless main dish a fitting introduction to Indian cooking. —Jemima Madhavan, Lincoln, Nebraska
German Red Cabbage
Sunday afternoons were a time for family gatherings when I was a kid. While the uncles played cards, the aunts made treats such as this traditional German red cabbage recipe. —Jeannette Heim, Dunlap, Tennessee
Roasted Rosemary Cauliflower
Roasting the cauliflower really brings out its flavor in this side dish. Even folks who aren't cauliflower lovers like it this way. —Joann Fritzler, Belen, New Mexico
Grilled Cauliflower Wedges
This meal is incredibly easy, yet is packed with flavor and looks like a dish from a five-star restaurant. The grill leaves the cauliflower cooked but crisp, and the red pepper flakes add bite. —Carmel Hall, San Francisco, California
Almond Vegetable Stir-Fry
While broccoli florets and chunks of red pepper give these stir-fry vegetables plenty of color, it's the fresh gingerroot, garlic, soy sauce and sesame oil that round out the flavor. —Mary Relyea, Canastota, New York
Lentil-Tomato Soup
Double the recipe and share this hearty soup with neighbors and loved ones on cold winter nights. I serve it with cornbread for dunking. —Michelle Curtis, Baker City, Oregon
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Emily Hannemann