Unfortunately, it’s far easier and cheaper (in the US) to get a $1.00 box of hamburger helper and really cheap ground beef (8 pound chub at Walmart for $10) to feed a family or a starving college student.

Growing up, my family didn’t have enough time (or money, we weren’t poor, but we were NOT well off) for scratch meals during the week so hamburger helper and other “quick fix” meals were frequent. Mom was medical working 12 hour shifts, dad was a drafter and worked overtime when he could, so dinner was often out of a box mom whipped up as she was running out the door to the hospital.

It does make sense in the show. Beth has always had privilege of being cooked for and didn’t need to learn. Her finances allowed her to eat out when she lived away from the ranch. Now… we don’t know what the finances look like and there’s a lot of mouths to feed at the Yellowstone. Rip probably could put down that whole pan on the table.