Demystify Ground Beef: Understanding the Grinds

We understand it can be confusing—there are a lot of choices when it comes to Ground Beef. So let’s break it down and explain the common grinds and what dishes and recipes they’re best for.

• 80% lean/20% fat Ground Beef is probably the highest fat option you’ll find at your grocery store. This grind will make a delicious, decadent burger on the grill. One beautiful thing about grilling is that some of the fat will naturally drip away from the burgers while cooking.
• 90% lean/10% fat Ground Beef is a nice option for dishes like meatloaf and meatballs, where you’ll be forming a ball or loaf, but you’ll be cooking in a pan or skillet.
• 93% lean or leaner Ground Beef meets government guidelines for “lean.” If you’re trying to choose lean meats, this is a great choice for you. It works well in dishes that require crumbles, like meat sauce, stuffed peppers (these are just the cutest things ever!) or casseroles where draining fat away might be difficult.

Courtesy of the Cattlemen's Beef Board.