National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
Varieties
Ground beef comes mostly from the chuck, sirloin, and round, though the taste depends more on the amount of fat than on the cut of origin. The fat content of ground beef varies, so it’s important to check the label for this information. A higher fat content makes for a juicy hamburger. For a casserole, where the hamburger is cooked and the fat poured off, a lower-fat ground beef might be a better choice.
Regular ground beef usually contains 25% fat by weight.
Lean ground beef usually contains 10% fat by weight.
Extra-lean ground beef usually contains 5% fat by weight.
Preparation, uses, and tips
Because it is finely ground, this type of beef is particularly vulnerable to bacteria. It should always be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
Pan-fry
Heat skillet over medium heat. Use ground beef formed into patties or meatballs, or crumble to cook for casseroles. Cook ground beef on the heated skillet, turning to cook all outer surfaces. Ground beef patties take 10 to 12 minutes and are done when the interior is brown but still juicy.
Broil
Preheat the broiler and form ground beef into 1/2-inch (1.3cm) patties. Place on a broiler pan in the oven, 3 to 4 inches (7.6–10.2cm) from the heat source. Broil, turning once, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
Grill
Form into 1/2-inch (1.3cm) patties and place on the grill directly over the heat source. Cook, turning once, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C), approximately 11 to 13 minutes.
Bake
To bake, combine ground beef with onions, chopped vegetables, herbs, spices, salt, and pepper. Form into a loaf and place in an ovenproof dish. Cook at 350°F (180°C) for 1 1/2 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
Microwave
Form ground beef into patties, place on a greased baking dish, and microwave on high 4 to 10 minutes, depending on quantity. Halfway through cooking, turn patties and drain drippings. To microwave bulk ground beef, place beef in a bowl, then cook on High, 9 minutes per pound (454g). Stir several times during cooking.
Nutritional Highlights
Regular ground beef (broiled), 3 oz. (85.05g)
Calories: 245.6
Protein: 20.4g
Carbohydrate: 0.0g
Total Fat: 17.5g
Fiber: 0.0g
*Foods that are an “excellent source” of a particular nutrient provide 20% or more of the Recommended Daily Value, based upon United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines. Foods that are a “good source” of a particular nutrient provide between 10 and 20% of the USDA Recommended Daily Value. Nutritional information and daily nutritional guidelines may vary in different countries. Please consult the appropriate organization in your country for specific nutritional values and the recommended daily guidelines.
Copyright 2007, Healthnotes, Inc., 1505 S.E. Gideon St., Suite 200, Portland, Oregon 97202, www.Healthnotes.com.
2006-09-07
