A common kitchen question is whether to rinse ground beef before or after cooking. Some home cooks rinse it to reduce fat content, aiming for a leaner, less greasy meal—especially useful for those watching calories.

However, others argue against rinsing, saying it washes away flavor and moisture, leading to bland, dry meat.

Rinsing also creates mess and plumbing problems. Grease can splash and, if poured down the drain, solidify and clog pipes, causing costly damage. A better option is to let fat cool and harden, then discard it in the trash.

Ultimately, rinsing ground beef is a personal choice. Weigh the pros and cons—less fat versus more flavor—and decide what works best for your taste and needs.