Ground Beef 80/20 vs. 85/15: Which One Is Better?

What Does Ground Beef 80/20 and 85/15 Mean?

Ground beef percentages refer to the ratio of lean meat to fat content in ground beef, also known as the lean point. Lean point impacts the meat's flavor, texture, and nutritional value, so it’s important to choose the right percentage based on your needs and preferences.

Here are 2 common ground beef percentages:

• 80/20 Ground Beef (Ground Chuck): 80% lean meat and 20% fat
• 85/15 Ground Beef (Ground Sirloin): 85% lean meat and 15% fat

The small difference in lean point between these two types of ground beef affects texture, flavor, and nutrients. Knowing these differences helps you choose the best option for your diet and cooking needs.

Learn More: Ground Beef Diet: Meal Plan, Benefits, and Side Effects

Ground Beef 80/20 vs. 85/15

The main reason for the difference in lean points between these types of ground beef is their source. Ground Beef 80/20 (ground chuck) comes from the neck and shoulder areas of the cow, which contain a lot of connective tissue.

However, Ground Beef 85/15 (ground round) comes from the cow's round part, found on the rump, hips, hind legs, and knees. This difference in source makes them different in their:

• Texture,
• Taste,
• Cost and Availability, and
• Nutrients.

Texture

• Ground Beef 80/20: It’s juicier and more tender. The higher fat content helps the meat retain moisture during the cooking process. It's a good ingredient for recipes with a rich and tender texture, such as burgers.
• Ground Beef 85/15: It has a leaner, firmer, and less juicy texture. While it retains some moisture, it may not be as tender as 80/20. This leaner ground beef is suitable for dishes with a balance of lean meat and fat, such as tacos.

Learn More: Ground Beef 80/20 vs. 93/7: Which One Is Best for Cooking?

Taste

• Ground Beef 80/20: The higher fat content boosts the beef's natural flavors and provides a richer and more flavorful taste. It’s better for those who enjoy a greaser and meatier taste.
• Ground Beef 85/15: Comparing ground beef 80/20 vs. 85/15 taste, we see the 85/15 cut is still flavorful, but its lower fat content makes the taste milder and less savory compared to the richer, more robust flavor of 80/20.

Cost and Availability

• Ground Beef 80/20: Ground beef 80/20 is generally more affordable. Its higher fat content generally makes it cheaper to produce. So, it is widely available in most grocery stores and is a popular choice.
• Ground Beef 85/15: It usually costs more than 80/20. The lower fat means that more lean meat is used, which can increase production costs. It’s also available in most supermarkets and grocery stores.

Nutrients

Ground chuck (80/20) contains more fat and calories than ground round (85/15) but has lower protein. In 100 grams of 80/20 Ground beef (Ground Chuck), there are about [1]:

• Calories: 254 kcal,
• Fat: 20 g,
• Protein: 17.2 g, and
• Carbohydrates: 0 g.

Consuming 100 grams of ground beef 85/15 provides about [2]:

• Calories: 215 kcal,
• Fat: 15 g,
• Protein: 18.6 g, and
• Carbohydrates: 0 g.

The following table summarizes the differences between ground beef 80/20 and 85/15, so you can easily compare them.

Based on these differences, you can use each ground beef in different foods. Let’s see which one can align with your goals.

Learn More: Ground Beef 80/20 vs. 90/10: Which One Is Better?

When Can You Use Ground Beef 80/20 and 85/15?

Ground beef 80/20 is ideal for recipes that require a rich, juicy, and tender texture. Its higher fat content (20%) helps keep the meat moist and flavorful.

You can use 80/20 ground beef for dishes like burgers, where the extra fat makes the meat juicy and delicious. It’s also great for meatloaf and meatballs, as the fat helps keep these dishes tender and moist.

On the other hand, ground beef 85/15 is better for recipes where you prefer a leaner meat option but still want a bit of fat to add flavor. With 15% fat, it’s less greasy than 80/20 but provides moisture and taste.

It works well in tacos, casseroles, and meat sauces, where balancing lean meat and fat helps keep the dish flavorful without being too greasy. Also, 85/15 ground beef provides a nice texture and taste without excess fat in stir-fries.

If you want to lose weight, you can use ground meat, but which one is better, 80/20 ground beef or 85/15?

Learn More: Ground Beef vs. Ground Chuck: What Are the Differences?

Which One Is Better for Weight Loss?

Comparing ground beef 80/20 vs. 85/15 calories, we see 85/15 is better for weight loss because it has fewer calories, which helps in reducing overall caloric intake. It also has more protein, which helps you feel full longer and supports weight management.

However, if you prefer the richer flavor and juicier texture of ground beef 80/20, you can add it to your diet. Just be mindful of its higher calorie content with smaller portions of 80/20, or balance it with other lower-calorie foods to keep your overall caloric intake in check.

You can use this free Carnivore Diet Macro Calculator to control your nutrition and find out how much protein you need. This tool helps you figure out the right balance of protein, fat, and calories based on your weight, height, age, and gender.

If you’re following a low-carb diet, like Keto and Carnivore, ground beef can be one of the main ingredients in your diet as it contains no carbohydrates and is high in fat and protein. But which one is a better choice in these diets?

Learn More: Beef Heart: Nutrients and Side Effects + 5 Ways to Eat

Which Ground Beef Is Better for the Keto and Carnivore Diet?

For both the Keto and Carnivore diets, ground beef 80/20 is generally a better choice because it has a higher fat content (20%), which better supports ketosis, a state in which the body burns fat instead of carbohydrates for energy. The extra fat also helps you feel fuller and more satisfied.

Ground beef 85/15 is leaner, with only 15% fat, but it still has zero carbohydrates, so you can include it in your diet. Just watch your nutrient intake, especially calories and protein, to make sure it fits your dietary goals.

Learn More: The Carnivore Diet: Is It Healthy? Benefits and Side Effects

Conclusion

Choosing between ground beef 80/20 vs. 85/15 depends on your diet needs and goals, especially if you're following a low-carb diet. Both options contain zero carbohydrates and are rich in healthy fats and protein.

If you need leaner ground beef for your recipes, you’d better use 85/10 ground beef. But if you prefer greasier ground meat with a higher fat content and a juicier texture, you can try 80/20 ground beef.