How Much is 12 Ounces of Ground Beef? A Detailed Breakdown

Ground beef is a kitchen staple used in many classic dishes like burgers tacos, chili and meatloaf. But when looking at recipes, you may wonder – how much is 12 ounces of ground beef exactly? In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at this common measurement for ground beef including nutrition facts, cooking yields, and measurement tricks.

An Overview of Ounces

First, let’s review ounces Ounces are a unit of measurement used to measure the mass or weight of foods. There are 16 ounces in one pound Visualize 12 ounces of ground beef as roughly the size of a can of soda.

Ounces provide a handy measurement for portioning ground beef for recipes. Let’s explore further:

Nutrition in 12 Ounces of Ground Beef

The calories and nutrition in 12 ounces of ground beef can vary based on the percentage of fat. According to the USDA:

• 12 ounces of 80% lean / 20% fat ground beef has approximately 853 calories

• 12 ounces of 90% lean / 10% fat ground beef has about 599 calories

In addition to calories, a 3 ounce serving of 85% lean ground beef contains:

• 22g protein
• 10g total fat
• 4g saturated fat
• 71mg cholesterol

So when calculating recipes, pay attention to the lean/fat ratio as this affects the nutrition counts.

Cooking Yield for 12 Ounces of Ground Beef

Here is an important point about ground beef – it shrinks when cooked!

Raw ground beef loses about 25% of its weight when cooked. This means:

• 1 pound (16 ounces) of raw ground beef yields about 12 ounces cooked
• 12 ounces of raw ground beef yields about 9 ounces cooked

This reduction in weight occurs because fat drips away during cooking. So if your recipe needs 12 ounces cooked, remember to start with 1 pound raw.

Measuring 12 Ounces without a Scale

Don’t have a kitchen scale? Here are some methods to estimate 12 ounces of ground beef:

• Use your palm – 12 ounces is about the size of 3 palm-sized portions of meat
• Use a measuring cup – 1 cup of raw ground beef is 8 ounces, so 1 1/2 cups equals 12 ounces
• Visualize a deck of cards – One deck of cards is about 3-4 ounces. Three decks equal 12 ounces.

While not as precise as weighing, these tricks can help you eyeball the right quantity.

Picking the Best Ground Beef

When choosing ground beef, go for the leanest option suitable for your recipe. Here are some great choices:

• 93% lean / 7% fat – Great for burgers and recipes where you drain fat
• 90% lean / 10% fat – Provides moisture for dishes like chili or meatloaf
• 85% lean / 15% fat – Budget-friendly option with decent leanness
• Grass-fed or organic – More nutritious profiles and ethical farming

For an extra lean option, try Laura’s Lean 96% lean / 4% fat ground beef. It never contains antibiotics or hormones either.

Sample Uses for 12 Ounces Ground Beef

Here are some recipe ideas that use 12 ounces cooked ground beef:

• Tacos – Season beef with taco spice and serve with tortillas, lettuce, cheese, etc.

• Pasta Sauce – Saute beef with tomatoes, garlic, herbs for a Bolognese sauce.

• Shepherd’s Pie – Layer beef with vegetables and mashed potatoes.

• Stuffed Peppers – Mix beef with rice, veggies, and stuff into bell peppers.

• Meatballs – Form into 1-2 inch balls for appetizers or meals.

Get creative with this versatile meat in your favorite dishes!

So how much is 12 ounces of ground beef exactly? With this guide, you now understand the nutrition stats, cooking yields, and measurement tricks for visualizing this common amount of ground beef. Whether forming patties, cooking up taco meat, or making meatballs, use 12 ounces as a handy cooking unit. Remember to start with 1 pound raw ground beef and you’ll end up with the perfect quantity cooked for recipes.