As 2026 gets underway, beef is showing up on plates in ways that feel both familiar and fresh. The Beef. It's What's For Dinner. brand, funded by beef farmers and ranchers, is taking a look at a few trends expected in the year ahead where beef continues to shine.

Authentic and foreign cuisine

Global flavors continue to take center stage in 2026 as consumers look beyond borders for recipe inspiration. A great example are Korean-inspired Mini Beef Patties (Wanja Jeon). Using ground beef these patties are coated in egg batter, fried, then served with Korean barbecue sauce and spicy mayonnaise, utilizing bold spices and authentic flavors.

Convenience-driven recipes

Quick and easy cooking is a priority in the year ahead, fueling the popularity of quick cooking methods such as air fryer recipes. Beef Brisket Taquitos show how beef can deliver big flavor with minimal effort – where leftover brisket, cheese and salsa are tucked inside tortillas then crisped in an air fryer.

Leaning on nostalgia

Nostalgic recipes are making a strong return in 2026 as people gravitate toward familiar dishes that offer comfort and connection. Meals like Classic Beef Stroganoff and Hearty Shepherd's Pot Roast Pie are what consumers are looking for when they want to tap into family traditions and "grandma's cooking". The timeless appeal of dishes like these also resonating with those who want to focus on home-cooked meals.

Source: National Cattlemen's Beef Association