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

What Is Ground Beef 80/20?

Ground beef 80/20 includes 80% lean meat and 20% fat. This ratio is commonly used in many recipes because of balanced flavor, moisture, and texture.

Its higher fat content compared to leaner options like 93/7 results in a richer taste and juicier texture. Ground beef 80/20 is sourced from beef cuts with moderate fat content, such as chunks, brisket, and short ribs.

Another type of ground beef with a lower fat content is 93/7, which is one of the leanest types of ground beef available. Let’s see how its lower fat content makes it different.

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

What Is Ground Beef 93/7?

Ground beef 93/7 is sourced from leaner cuts of beef, such as sirloin and round, which are naturally lower in fat. It consists of 93% lean meat and 7% fat. This lean-to-fat ratio makes it a leaner option than other types of ground beef, such as 80/20 or 70/30.

But their lean point is not their only difference, as when we compare ground beef 80/20 vs. 93/7 we can find many other differences.

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

Ground Beef 80/20 vs. 93/7

Ground meat is used in many recipes, so you should know the differences between various types to choose the best one for your meals and diet.

When comparing ground beef 80/20 vs. 93/7, we can find many differences between them, especially in their:

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

Texture

• Ground beef 80/20: It’s juicier and more tender because the fat melts during cooking and keeps the meat moist. It makes the 80/20 ground beef ideal for recipes like burgers, meatballs, or other dishes that should have a juicy texture.
• Ground beef 93/7: It has a leaner and firmer texture than 80/20 ground beef. With less fat, it can be drier and chewier, especially if overcooked, but it’s a good option for dishes like meatloaf, where you don't want excess fat.

Taste

• Ground beef 80/20: It offers a rich and savory flavor, with a higher fat content boosting the taste and making the meat more flavorful and juicy. As the fat melts during cooking, it provides additional fatty flavor.
• Ground beef 93/7: When comparing ground beef 80/20 vs. 93/7 based on taste, we find that 93/7 has a milder taste than 80/20. The lower fat results in a leaner taste, as 93/7 ground beef may not be as juicy or flavorful as 80/20, but it’s still tasty.

Cost and Availability

• Ground beef 80/20: It's generally more affordable than leaner options like 93/7 because the higher fat content makes it cheaper to produce, as fattier cuts of meat are usually less expensive than leaner cuts. Also, it’s widely available in most grocery stores and supermarkets, and you can find it in various package sizes, from small packs to bulk options.
• Ground beef 93/7: Ground beef 93/7 is generally more expensive than 80/20 because the leaner meat requires more processing, which increases production costs. While it’s available in most grocery stores, it may not be as widely available as 80/20. However, its availability has increased with the growing demand for healthier meat options.

Nutrients

Ground chuck (80/20) contains more fat and calories than 93/7 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.

However, consuming 100 grams of ground beef 93/7 provides about [2]:

• Calories: 152 kcal,
• Fat: 7 g,
• Protein: 20.8 g, and
• Carbohydrates: 0 g.

To easily compare ground beef 80/20 vs. 93/7, you can take a look at the following table summarizing their differences.

Each type of ground beef has different nutritional values and uses in recipes. Knowing it can help you make more nutritious dishes based on your diet and body’s needs.

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

When Can You Use Ground Beef 80/20 and 93/7?

Ground beef 80/20, with 20% fat, is ideal for recipes that require extra flavor and juiciness. The higher fat content makes it one of the best choices for burgers that stay juicy and flavorful.

It’s suitable for meatballs that remain tender and moist during cooking. It’s also a great choice for meatloaf and tacos, as the fat pairs well with spices and other toppings.

Ground beef 93/7, with only 7% fat, is best for recipes that need leaner meat. This leaner option is ideal for dishes that benefit from less fat and grease, such as pasta sauces and casseroles.

It’s also a better choice for soups and stews, where the meat’s leaner texture complements the dish without adding excess fat.

In addition to being tasty and a staple ingredient in many recipes, ground beef can be used in low-carb meal plans to lose weight. But which one can be a better option for this goal?

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

Which One is Better for Weight Loss?

If you're focusing on weight loss, understanding the differences in calorie content between ground beef 80/20 and 93/7 is important because it helps you choose foods that fit within your calorie limits.

Comparing calories in ground beef 80/20 vs. 93/7 shows that ground beef 80/20, with 20% fat, has a higher calorie content.

100 grams of ground beef 80/20 contains approximately 254 calories. While this ground beef can still be included in a weight loss plan, it’s important to control your portion sizes to avoid caloric surplus.

In contrast, ground beef 93/7, with only 7% fat, is much leaner and therefore lower in calories. For every 100 grams of ground beef 93/7, there are about 152 calories.

It means ground beef 93/7 is a better option for those who plan to lose weight because the reduced fat content results in fewer calories per serving.

To better control your nutrient intake and make a better decision about ground beef 80/20 vs. 93/7 weight loss, you can use this free Carnivore Diet Macro Calculator to find out how much protein, fat, and calories you need based on your weight, height, age, and gender.

Also, one of the most effective ways to lose weight is to follow a low-carb diet like Keto or Carnivore, which focuses on low-carb and high-fat foods. Ground beef is a good choice for these diets, but which type of ground beef can provide better results and why?

Learn More: All Meat Diet: Is It Healthy? Benefits and Result [Meal Plan]

Which One Is Better for Keto and Carnivore Diet?

When choosing ground beef for the Keto or Carnivore diets, 80/20 ground beef is generally the better option due to its higher fat content.

With 20% fat, this type of ground beef supports ketosis, a metabolic state in which the body burns fat instead of carbohydrates for energy.

When you consume fat instead of carbohydrates, your body finds no sugar to burn and turns to fat reserves to provide energy, which means fat melting and weight loss.

Also, the extra fat helps you feel fuller longer and reduces overall caloric intake to create a caloric deficit, which also leads to weight loss.

In contrast, 93/7 ground beef is leaner and contains only 7% fat. While it has zero carbohydrates and can still be included in your diet, its lower fat content means you may need to supplement your meals with additional fat sources to meet your dietary goals for ketosis.

Learn More: 15 Simple Carnivore Soup Recipes with Chicken, Beef and Pork

Conclusion

When comparing ground beef 80/20 vs. 93/7, we see that both types are healthy and delicious for those following low-carb diets or looking for an animal-based ingredient in recipes.

Choosing the best one depends on your budget, health needs, and fitness goals. Consulting a dietitian can also help you choose the foods that best align with your goals and needs.