What Does 4 Ounces of Ground Beef Look Like? A Visual Guide

Ground beef is a versatile protein that shows up in everything from burgers to tacos to meatloaf. Many recipes call for 4 ounces of ground beef specifically. But what does 4 ounces of ground beef actually look like?

As an experienced home cook, I’m going to walk you through exactly what a 4 ounce portion looks like and how to measure it out accurately. Read on for a complete visual guide plus tips on cooking with ground beef.

What Does 4 Ounces of Uncooked Ground Beef Look Like?

When raw, 4 ounces of ground beef is about the size of a hockey puck or tennis ball. It’s roughly a 1/2 inch thick patty that’s 4 inches wide.

Another way to visualize it – 4 ounces of ground beef is approximately

• 1/4 pound
• 1/2 cup loosely packed
• 1/2 of an 8 ounce package typically found at the grocery store

So if you divide a 1 pound package of ground beef in half, each half would be 4 ounces.

Here’s a simple visual:

/rawgroundbeef-b3338dbb67f542d1a44d90f5aac58 Store loosely packed ground beef in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Freeze for longer storage.

While visualizing it helps, the most accurate way to measure 4 ounces of ground beef is by using a kitchen scale. The weight will be precise down to the gram.

How Much Does 4 Ounces of Ground Beef Cook Down?

When ground beef is cooked, it loses moisture and shrinks in size. You’ll end up with around 2-3 ounces of cooked ground beef from a 4 ounce raw portion.

So if your recipe calls for 4 ounces cooked, you’ll want to start with at least 5-6 ounces raw. This accounts for the reduction in volume from cooking.

What Does Cooked Ground Beef Look Like?

Cooked ground beef changes from pink to brownish gray throughout when fully cooked to 160°F. Undercooked beef will still have some pink in the center.

4 ounces of cooked ground beef is around:

• 2-3 inches wide
• 1/2 inch thick
• The size of a hockey puck or baseball

Keep in mind it shrinks as it cooks!

Common Ways to Use 4 Ounces Ground Beef

Knowing approximately how much meat 4 ounces of ground beef provides makes it easy to substitute in all kinds of delicious recipes.

Here are some common ways to utilize 4 ounces cooked ground beef:

• Burger patties
• Meatballs (makes 2-3)
• Tacos (filling for 2-3)
• Hearty pasta sauce
• Soup or chili base
• Cottage pie or shepherd’s pie filling
• Stuffed peppers or mushrooms

You can also use 4 ounces raw ground beef to make a hearty meatloaf, stuffed cabbage rolls, or casserole base.

Cooking Tips for Ground Beef

Follow these tips for cooking perfect ground beef every time:

• Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed.

• Break up the meat as it cooks until crumbled.

• Cook to 160°F internally to kill bacteria. Use a meat thermometer.

• Drain fat after browning for healthier results.

• Season boldly with salt, pepper, spices, etc.

• Add aromatics like garlic, onions, herbs to boost flavor.

• Simmer in sauces like pasta sauce or chili to impart flavor.

With the right techniques, 4 ounces of ground beef can become the protein star of any dish!

Storing and Freezing Cooked Ground Beef

• Store cooked ground beef in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

• Freeze leftovers for 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.

• Portion into recipe-ready amounts before freezing for easy weeknight meals.

Proper storage keeps ground beef fresh and ready to use in all your favorite dishes.

The Takeaway

4 ounces of ground beef is about the size of a hockey puck when raw and shrinks down slightly when cooked. It’s enough meat for 2-3 servings depending on the recipe. Measuring out portions accurately, cooking properly, and storing with care will ensure you get the most out of this versatile staple.

With this visual guide, you’ll be ready to cook up the perfect amount of ground beef for burgers, tacos, meatballs, and so much more. Now get cooking!