Ground Beef – All You Need To Know | Instacart’s Guide to Groceries

What is ground beef?

Ground beef is simply beef that’s been ground or chopped. Sometimes called burger meat, the grinding process tenderizes the beef, mixes fatty and lean cuts, reduces dryness, and improves the flavor of extra dry cuts.

What are the different cuts of ground beef?

There are four common options that vary depending on which part of the cow the meat came from. The scale begins with regular ground hamburger meat and gets leaner the further down you go.

Ground beef (73% lean/27% fat)

Ground beef is usually made from brisket or shank. Since it has the highest fat content, it is often considered to have the most flavor. This also means it’s the most affordable. However, it cooks down more, so you’ll end up with less actual meat than with other cuts.

Ground chuck (80% lean/20% fat)

Ground chuck typically comes from the cow’s shoulder. It’s leaner but still offers plenty of flavor. This cut makes some juicy burgers that shrink less than ground beef when cooked.

Ground round (85% lean/15% fat)

Ground round is commonly referred to as extra-lean ground beef. It comes from the back end of the cow, often the tail or rump. It doesn’t have a robust beefy flavor, so it may be an excellent choice for heavily-spiced dishes like curry.

Ground sirloin (90% lean/10% fat)

Ground sirloin is the leanest and healthiest cut. Unlike ground round, it does keep its rich and meaty flavor, so it’s an ideal choice for sauces.

Where did ground beef originate from?

Minced and chopped beef was first eaten in the 1200s, but hamburger steaks and burgers weren’t introduced until the 1800s. The first hamburger was served at the Eric County Fair in Hamburg, NY, in 1885, forever immortalizing it as an American staple.

What are the health benefits of ground beef?

The nutritional value varies depending on fat content, though all cuts of ground beef are high in protein and amino acids.

A 6oz portion of ground chuck also provides numerous vitamins and minerals, including:

• Zinc
• Selenium
• Phosphorus
• Iron
• Potassium
• Magnesium
• All B Vitamins, especially B3, B6, & B12

What should I look for when buying ground beef?

You’ll want to keep the cut, fat content, grade, and texture in mind.

The grade of beef refers to its certification and the quality of meat you’re buying.

• Prime beef is marbled and from young, well-fed cows.
• Choice beef isn’t as high-quality as prime beef, but it’s still tender and flavorful.
• Select beef isn’t as marbled as the first two, but it’s still quality beef.
• Ungraded beef is usually voluntarily uncategorized and is a great low-budget option.

Use the following tips for getting your beef ground by the butcher:

• The finer its ground, the more compact the meat will cook up.
• Finer grinds work great for meatballs, while courser grinds work best for burger patties.
• Ask the butcher at the grocery store to ground the beef to your specifications, or have an Instacart shopper ask for you.

After adding a product to your cart, use the “Instructions” option to notify your Instacart shopper about any preferences or specific directions on how to choose the best products.

Grab it now on Instacart:

2 Pound Average 73% Lean & 27% Fat Cr Ground Beef (per lb)

Butler Refrigerated Meats Fresh 80/20 Ground Beef Patties (lb)

85% Lean Beef Patty (5 oz)

Usda 90% Lean / 10% Fat Ground Sirloin (1 lb)

USDA Prime Ground Beef (1 lb)

USDA Choice 85% Lean Ground Beef (per lb)

Extra Savings Pack Ground Beef (per lb)

Ground Beef From Chuck (per lb)

How to store ground beef

The meat will stay fresh longer if you keep it in its original packaging and store it in the meat drawer at the bottom of the fridge. Use it within two days.

If you’re planning to freeze meat, place measured portions in a heavy-duty freezer bag, squeeze the air bubbles out, and flatten the bag. This will allow portions to thaw quicker later, and it takes up less space in the freezer. Wrap each bag in foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen ground beef stays fresh for up to four months.

How to know if your ground beef has gone bad

You’ll know your meat has spoiled by checking the following:

• Fresh ground beef should be red. If it’s grey or brown on the outside, it’s rotten.
• Fresh ground beef should be firm, and if it’s slimy or sticky, it’s gone bad.
• If it has a rancid odor, throw it away immediately.

What to substitute for ground beef

Here are some meat and fresh vegetables you can substitute for ground beef:

• Ground turkey and ground chicken are leaner options, but they have a similar texture and work in dishes like tacos or sloppy joes.
• Ground pork can be substituted for those that don’t like beef or want something with less fat. It works in everything from burgers to tacos.
• Mushrooms work as a vegetarian option since they have an umami flavor all their own. Mushrooms can work well in a bolognese sauce or as a meatless burger.

Get your ground beef delivered

One of the most versatile ingredients, ground beef can be used to make juicy hamburgers, prepare a meatloaf, or use it in spaghetti sauce. Because it comes in several fat contents, you can choose the cut that works best for your recipes and dietary requirements. To make things even easier, add some to your cart and have it delivered within two hours when you choose same-day delivery with Instacart.

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