Is Ground Beef Healthy?

As you know, ground beef is a meat product that is used to make meatballs, burgers, and several other dishes.

And this is what brings us to the question, “Is ground beef healthy?” The detailed answer to this question will be given in this guide.

The fun part about this meat is that it is extremely easy to find at any supermarket or butcher shop.

That being said, in terms of how beneficial it is for you, you should keep in mind that the ratio of fat to protein is what will determine whether it is healthy for you.

Ground beef is a well-rounded source of protein that can help you achieve your nutritional goals.

It also includes significant amounts of vitamins, fat, sodium, and minerals.

Luckily, the fact that you can personalize this is the most interesting thing about ground beef.

What Is Ground Beef?

Ground beef is actually a popular type of meat that is obtained from grinding several cuts of beef, which are normally the round, chuck, or sirloin.

It has a rich, tasty taste and a soft texture that make it a staple ingredient in several cuisines around the world.

Ground beef is widely used in dishes such as meatballs, tacos, burgers, lasagna, and so on.

There are advantages and disadvantages when it comes to the nutritional profile of ground beef.

When talking about the former, it is an excellent source of iron, protein, and a variety of essential vitamins and minerals.

And, talking about the latter, it has a high content of saturated fat and cholesterol, but this is determined by the cut and fat percentage.

Picking leaner ground beef and eating it in moderation will definitely help you enjoy its benefits while reducing possible health risks.

Health Benefits of Ground Beef

The primary health benefits of beef are obtained from the significant protein that it provides, along with its minerals and vitamins.

Boosts the Immune System

Beef has plenty of B vitamins, including riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), thiamin (B1), folate (B9), pyridoxine (B6), and cobalamin (B12).

These B vitamins and zinc in beef are very important when it comes to maintaining a healthy immune system.

Helps Build Cells

Protein is vital when it comes to maintaining muscle tissue and for several biological processes in your body.

This macronutrient aids your body in building muscles, cartilage, bones, blood, and skin. The beef contains selenium, which is also vital for DNA synthesis.

Replenishes Iron Stores

Your body requires iron in order to make red blood cells, among other functions.

Dietary iron is available in two forms: non-heme and heme, and they are found in beef and other animal proteins.

It is much easier for the body to use heme iron; that way, you won’t need to eat as much of it compared to non-heme iron to help stave off anemia and other problems that can be caused by low iron.

Supports Hormone Production

The B vitamin niacin that can be found in beef also helps in the proper function of several body systems, including the production of sex hormones. Selenium is vital for thyroid function.

How You Cook Ground Beef Matters

Ground beef is a staple in several American households, and cooking it the right way can actually help you maximize its health benefits.

Just stay away from adding too much oil, fat, or cream to ground beef dishes, given that this can increase the amount of saturated fat you eat to unhealthy levels.

Baked ground beef is actually your best bet if you are looking for a low-fat, low-calorie way to enjoy this classic dish.

Zucchini meatloaf is an excellent way to prepare a traditional comfort dish in a healthier way.

You won’t even notice that this recipe is perfect for you due to the amount of spices and seasonings.

In addition, ground beef can be used to make delectable low-carb turkey meatballs.

Even though most meatball recipes have a massive amount of breadcrumbs, these are held together without the help of so many extra carbs.

However, you also have the option of making up for that when you add a lot of spaghetti and garlic bread to your plate.

Plus, you can use lean ground beef to make delicious hamburgers, tasty tacos, and seasoned chili.

You need to make sure that you add a lot of vegetables to whatever dish you are serving to make it a versatile meal.

What Is the Best Tool for Breaking Up Ground Beef While Cooking?

There are several tools available for breaking up ground beef, ground turkey, ground chicken, and ground pork while cooking, which helps get rid of the clumps.

This way, you won’t have to do it with your hands afterward. This is quite preferable.

You might actually not need a dedicated tool for this step of a recipe if you don’t cook ground beef that often. You can just use a potato masher.

I strongly suggest that you go with wire potato mashers due to the fact that they are better at getting the clumps out.

It can also be used to make guacamole and mashed potatoes. So they are more well-rounded compared to some of the other options.

Is It Safe To Eat Rare or Medium-Rare Ground Beef?

Keep in mind that eating undercooked ground beef has a potential risk of foodborne illness because of possible bacterial contamination.

It is highly recommended that you cook ground beef to an internal temp of 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius) to ensure safety.

What Are Some Creative Ways to Use Ground Beef Besides Burgers and Meatballs?

Ground beef is a well-rounded ingredient that can be used in several dishes like shepherd’s pie, chili, stuffed peppers, empanadas, meatloaf, beef stroganoff, and so on.

What Is the Best Substitute for Ground Beef If I Don’t Have Any?

You can always consider using ground chicken, ground turkey, or even plant-based meat substitutes such as textured vegetable protein (TVP) or lentils if you are out of ground beef or just want a healthier alternative.