At a glance
- 24.6 g protein and 178 calories per 3 oz (85 g).
- 13.8 g protein per 100 calories: #92 of 536 foods in our USDA list, #28 of 61 in meat.
- 0 g fiber and 73 mg sodium per serving.
What is lean ground beef like to eat?
Lean ground beef is beef with a lower fat ratio, labeled by percent lean. It browns quickly and goes into tacos, sauces, burgers and stuffed vegetables, so it is an easy base for family meals in a high-protein week.
How can you eat more lean ground beef?
Try this
Brown with onions for a quick taco fillingSimmer into a tomato sauce for pastaShape into small burgers or meatballsStuff into peppers with rice and beansIs lean ground beef good on a GLP-1?
Crumbled beef in a sauce is soft and easy to eat in small amounts, and smaller meatballs make portions simple to judge. Protein density matters more when your appetite is small: see protein on a GLP-1.
How does lean ground beef compare?
| Food | Serving | Protein | Calories | Protein per 100 kcal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lean ground beef | 3 oz | 24.6 g | 178 | 13.8 g |
| Turkey breast | 3 oz | 25.6 g | 125 | 20.5 g |
| Chicken breast | 3 oz | 26.4 g | 140 | 18.8 g |
| Pork tenderloin | 3 oz | 22.3 g | 122 | 18.3 g |
Close to lean ground beef per calorie: trout (14.2 g), chicken thigh (13.9 g), mussels (13.8 g), spinach (13.2 g).
Compare more foods with the protein finder, or see protein in every food we cover.
What should you look for when you buy it?
Check the lean-to-fat ratio on the package, such as 90/10 or 93/7, and pick the one that suits the dish you are cooking.
What's the full nutrition for lean ground beef?
| Nutrient | Per 3 oz (85 g) | Per 100 g | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 178 | 209 | |
| Protein | 24.6 g | 28.9 g | 49% |
| Fat | 8.1 g | 9.5 g | |
| Saturated fat | 3.3 g | 3.9 g | 16% |
| Carbohydrate | 0 g | 0 g | |
| Fiber | 0 g | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugar | 0 g | 0 g | |
| Sodium | 73 mg | 86 mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 10 mg | 12 mg | 1% |
| Iron | 2.7 mg | 3.17 mg | 15% |
| Vitamin B12 | 2.4 mcg | 2.8 mcg | 100% |
| Vitamin D | 0 mcg | 0 mcg | 0% |
USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy: "Beef, ground, 93% lean meat / 7% fat, crumbles, cooked, pan-browned". % Daily Value uses the FDA's values for adults (protein 50 g, fiber 28 g, sodium 2,300 mg). "Not listed" means USDA didn't measure it for this food, not that it's zero. Brands differ, so check your label.
