Is 85/15 Ground Beef Actually Healthy? An In-Depth Look

Ground beef is a kitchen staple for many of us. From burgers to meatballs to chili, it’s hard to imagine cooking without it. But with so many options at the store, is 85/15 ground beef the healthiest choice? Or should you opt for a leaner fat percentage?

In this article, we’ll break down what the numbers on ground beef labels mean. We’ll analyze the nutritional value of 85/15 beef, discuss the pros and cons, and compare it to leaner options. Read on to learn whether 85/15 beef can be part of a healthy diet.

What Does 85/15 Mean on Ground Beef?

First, let’s demystify the meaning behind those ratios printed on ground beef packaging

• The first number refers to the percentage of lean meat in that particular ground beef. This includes muscle tissue and moisture content.

• The second number indicates the percentage of fat.

So for 85/15 ground beef:

• 85% of the volume is lean beef and moisture
• 15% of the volume comes from fat

The higher the first number, the leaner the ground beef. The lower the second number, the less fat it contains.

90/10 ground beef would be considered extra lean with only 10% fat. 80/20 is on the fattier side with 20% fat content.

Nutritional Profile of 85/15 Ground Beef

Now that we know what 85/15 means, let’s analyze the nutrition facts:

• Protein – 85/15 ground beef is an excellent source of protein. A 3 ounce cooked serving contains around 22 grams of protein. This supplies about 40% of your daily protein needs.

• Fat – Total fat content is around 15 grams per 3 ounce serving. About 60% of this comes from saturated and trans fats. Too much saturated fat can negatively impact cholesterol levels.

• Calories – There are 218 calories in a cooked 3 ounce serving. This represents 10-15% of your total daily calorie needs.

• Micronutrients – Ground beef provides decent amounts of B vitamins, zinc, selenium and iron. Iron is especially plentiful, with more than 15% of your RDI.

So while ground beef supplies beneficial protein and minerals, the saturated fat content is a downside. Moderating portion sizes is key.

The Pros of 85/15 Ground Beef

Here are some of the benefits that 85/15 ground beef can offer:

• Flavor – The higher fat content provides juiciness and rich flavor. This makes it tasty for burgers, meatballs, tacos, etc. Lower fat beef can be drier and blander by comparison.

• Satiety – Thanks to its protein and fat, 85/15 ground beef promotes satiety or feeling full after eating. This may curb overeating.

• Versatility – It can be used in endless recipes from Bolognese sauce to stuffed peppers. The fat content makes it a good choice for dishes that require greasiness.

• Price – 85/15 beef is more budget-friendly than pricier extra lean varieties. This makes it accessible for many households.

The Cons of 85/15 Ground Beef

However, there are some downsides to keep in mind:

• High in saturated fat – The 15% fat means more artery-clogging saturated fat than leaner options. Too much saturated fat boosts bad LDL cholesterol.

• Calorie density – With 218 calories in just 3 ounces, it’s easy to overeat. This can lead to unwanted weight gain over time.

• Higher in hormones, antibiotics – Fattier commercial beef can contain more hormones and antibiotics used in cattle farming. Opt for organic grass-fed beef when possible.

• Increased risk of disease – Eating lots of high-fat red meat may raise risk for heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers according to some studies. Moderation is key.

Comparing 85/15 Beef to Leaner Options

Let’s see how 85/15 beef stacks up against two leaner alternatives:

As shown, the leaner options have way less fat and calories, while still offering similar amounts of protein and iron. 93/7 or 95/5 ground beef would be healthier choices overall.

However, some find ultra lean beef too dry or bland. 85/15 provides more richness and flavor, if you don’t overdo portion sizes.

Tips for Choosing Healthy Ground Beef

To maximize nutrition from ground beef, here are some helpful shopping and prep tips:

• Compare labels and choose the leanest percentage you can find for the price
• Opt for grass-fed organic when possible – lower in hormones and antibiotics
• Portion into serving sizes before freezing so you don’t overeat later
• Cook on a rack or pan to drain away excess grease
• Pair with veggies, whole grains, beans to balance out the nutrients
• Limit processed red meat and aim for no more than 3 servings per week

With smart choices and proper portion control, ground beef can still be part of a healthy diet. Just be mindful of how often you eat it and how it’s prepared.

Can You Lose Weight Eating 85/15 Ground Beef?

Absolutely, 85/15 ground beef can fit into a weight loss diet when consumed in moderation. Be aware that it’s high in calories and fat compared to chicken, fish, and plant proteins.

Here are some tips for enjoying 85/15 beef without overdoing calories:

• Watch your serving sizes. 3-4 ounces is plenty.
• Bulk it up by mixing with riced cauliflower or adding lots of low cal veggies
• Skip fatty additions like cheese or mayo
• Grill burgers or cook in a pan to drain grease – avoid deep frying
• Eat only once or twice per week as part of a high protein, lower carb diet

With smart nutrition practices, you can lose weight while still enjoying flavorful 85/15 ground beef occasionally. Just be mindful of portions.

The Bottom Line

Overall, 85/15 ground beef can be healthy in moderate amounts as part of a varied diet. While fattier than ultra lean beef, it provides a good balance of protein, nutrients, and juicy flavor. To maximize health benefits, opt for grass-fed organic when you can, drain excess fat after cooking, and limit processed red meat intake to 1-3 times per week.

With responsible portion sizes and cooking methods, 85/15 ground beef can be a tasty protein choice that promotes satiety and supplies essential iron. Leaner options like 95/5 may be worth the splurge for maximum nutrition, but 85/15 beef in moderation can fit into a healthy lifestyle.