The Mess and Plumbing Issues

Plumbing and beef both do have "ground" in common

Another practical consideration is the mess created by rinsing ground beef. Water mixed with fat can splatter across your kitchen, creating a potential slip hazard and a difficult clean-up. Additionally, pouring fat-laden water down the drain can lead to plumbing issues, as the fat can harden and cause blockages. To avoid these problems, it’s better to let the fat cool and solidify before disposing of it in the trash.

Expert Recommendations

ground beef meatballs should be cooked well, not rinsed first

So, what’s the bottom line? Most experts agree that rinsing ground beef is unnecessary and can even pose health risks. The USDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explicitly advise against washing raw meat and poultry, including beef. Instead, focus on cooking the meat thoroughly and handling it safely to minimize the risk of foodborne illness.