Skip to content

lean ground beef

MeatYear-round

Excellent source of complete protein, iron, and B vitamins (particularly B12 and niacin); the leaner fat profile makes it lower in saturated fat compared to conventional ground beef while retaining nutritional density.

About

Lean ground beef is finely minced or ground meat derived from beef cattle (Bos taurus), typically produced by grinding lean muscle tissue with minimal fat content—usually no more than 10-15% fat by weight. The grinding process increases surface area and promotes even distribution of seasonings and binding agents. Common sources include chuck, round, and sirloin cuts, though premium lean products may utilize multiple muscle groups blended for optimal flavor and texture. The grind size can vary from fine to coarse depending on intended application.

Culinary Uses

Lean ground beef serves as a foundation ingredient in numerous global cuisines, appearing in American hamburgers, Italian ragù, Mexican tacos and chili con carne, Middle Eastern kibbeh, and Asian preparations such as Korean beef bulgogi or Thai larb. It is commonly used in meatballs, meat sauces, casseroles, and filling preparations. The minimal fat content makes it suitable for health-conscious cooking, though it requires careful attention to avoid drying during cooking; techniques such as slower cooking, addition of moisture, or combination with binding agents help maintain tenderness and juiciness.

Recipes Using lean ground beef (101)

RCI-MT.005.0166.001

All-American Beef Burgers

All-American Beef Burgers

RCI-MT.005.0167.001

All-American Pizza Burgers

All-American Pizza Burgers

RCI-ND.001.0062.001

American Chop Suey

American Chop Suey

RCI-SP.003.0587.001

Arcadian Eight Bean Chili

Recipe by Anne Rosenweig, submitted by Dmitri Molotov

RCI-MT.005.0188.001

Bacon Ranch Burgers

I serve these with lettuce, tomato, sliced onions (raw and cooked) and some bottled Ranch dressing on a lightly toasted oversize hamburger bun.

RCI-MT.005.0187.001

Bacon-wrapped Mini Meat Loaves

Purchased from Bowers Estate in Fort Worth, Texas in 1994. Dated 1941. This is a very good recipe. I made it about once a month and it never gets old.

RCI-VG.003.0302.001

Baked Bean Casserole

Baked Bean Casserole this is a simple sweet dish, commonly served along with BBQ dinners.

RCI-MT.005.0119.001

Beef, Zucchini and Rice Neapolitan

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-ND.001.0221.001

Bolognese Meat Sauce

This recipe is one of our kids' favorite sauces, and one that has enough flavor to please the adults in the house as well. This meat sauce is wonderful with short pastas, especially gemelli.

RCI-BR.001.0480.001

Bo's Favorite Meat Loaf for Meat Loaf Haters

My husband has always sworn that he hates meat loaf. I came across a recipe in a Campbell Soup cook book and changed it to his taste. Now he wants this meat loaf every week and absolutely loves it.

Cabbage Rolls
RCI-BR.001.0686.001

Cabbage Rolls

Cabbage rolls is a traditional common side for North American dinners.

RCI-MT.005.0093.001

California Avocado Burger

California Avocado Burger from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.005.0222.001

Carimañolas III

Carimañolas III from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.005.0044.001

Cheddar Burgers and Veggies

What could be easier than beef and veggies that grill to perfection in their own little pouches?

RCI-SP.003.0361.001

Chili con Carne on Rice

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-SP.003.0329.001

Chili without Beans

Contributed by [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/catsrecipes/ Catsrecipes Y-Group] * Makes 4 to 6 servi

RCI-BR.001.0241.001

Confetti Meatloaf

Spinach Canned by the US Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe

RCI-MT.005.0214.001

Country Beef and Vegetables

Soup, Tomato, Condensed, Canned by the US Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 6

RCI-MT.005.0183.001

Crockpot Swedish Meatballs

Crockpot Swedish Meatballs

RCI-MT.005.0071.001

Cuban-style Picadillo

Recipe from sneakykitchen.com

RCI-SP.005.0035.001

Curried Beef and Rice I

Makes 6 to 8 servings.

RCI-VG.004.0572.001

Eight-bean Chili

* Serves 25

RCI-MT.005.0173.001

Emeril's Salisbury Steaks

Contributed by [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/world_recipes/ World Recipes Y-Group] This Y-group is

RCI-VG.003.0199.001

Enchilada Casserole I

In large skillet heat oil over high heat. Add beef, onion, pepper and garlic then sauté stirring constantly until meat is browned. Drain off fat. Stir in corn and remove mixture to large bowl.

RCI-MT.005.0048.001

Estonian Ground Meat Patties (Hakklihakotlet)

Estonian Ground Meat Patties (Hakklihakotlet) from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.005.0126.001

Finnish Meatballs

Small 1½ inch tasty balls of meat

RCI-SP.003.0259.001

Fire-alarm Chili

Contributed by [http://Groups.Yahoo.Com/Group/Catsrecipes/ Catsrecipes Y-Group] * Source: my old rec

RCI-BR.006.0151.001

Ghostly Shepherd's Pie

Treat your little ghosts and goblins to a tummy-warming stew that looks them right in the eye!

RCI-RC.003.0018.001

Gingered Beef and Rice Balls

Makes 6-8 servings

RCI-MT.005.0137.001

Grands Burgers

If you like biscuits, you'll love these burgers! Savor each delicious bite.

RCI-MT.005.0240.001

Ground Beef and Vegetables over Rice

Makes 6 servings

RCI-MT.005.0226.001

Ground Beef Stroganoff

Makes 6 servings

RCI-MT.005.0030.001

Hamburger

Hamburger is a deviation of a sandwhich, commonly involving a ground beef patty.

RCI-MT.005.0050.001

Hamburger Spanish Rice

Contributed by [http://Groups.Yahoo.Com/Group/World_Recipes/ World Recipes Y-Group] Serves 4 to 6.

RCI-MT.005.0241.001

Hearty Chuck Wagon Soup

Adapted from slow cooker to a pressure cooker recipe Contributed by Pressurecookerrecipes Y-Group

RCI-BR.001.0619.001

Heavenly Meatloaf

From my Aunt Maggie’s collection. Date and source unknown. I make a lot of meatloaf since it is a favorite at the senior citizen center I volunteer at twice a week. This one is quick and cost efficient.

RCI-MT.005.0139.001

HOISIN GARLIC BURGERS

HOISIN GARLIC BURGERS from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.003.0042.001

Hot Monterrey Bake

Makes 8 servings.

RCI-MT.005.0073.001

Italian Beef and Rice

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-SP.003.0169.001

Italian-style Chili

Contributed by [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/catsrecipes/ Catsrecipes Y-Group] * Source: Borden, In

RCI-MT.005.0123.001

Italian Wedding Soup I

I found this in a magazine and I made changes to make it more flavorful and more "Italian". My husband loves this so much he reheats it for breakfast! Some crusty bread and a glass Italian red wine, " Mama Mia " what a meal!

RCI-MT.005.0109.001

Mama Iuliucci's Famous Meat-a-Balls

These are best served with a spaghetti Sauce,I have used jazzed up jarred sauce and they are still great. meat-a-balls like these deserve a homemade sauce, in my opinion!

RCI-BR.001.0318.001

Mango Meat Loaf

Mango Meat Loaf from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.003.0334.001

Marengo Meat Balls with Rice

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-MT.005.0075.001

Maui Pineapple Burgers

Maui Pineapple Burgers

RCI-MT.005.0058.001

Meat Balls Cassoulet

Makes 6 servings

RCI-MT.005.0096.001

Meatballs Espanol

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-SP.001.0115.001

Meat Balls in Caper Sauce

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-MT.005.0059.001

Meat Balls in Tomato Gravy

Meatballs and a unique sauce, great served with your favorite Pasta, or as meatball subs on a crusty bread, with melted mozzarella and dipped into sauce.

RCI-SP.001.0114.001

Meat Balls Napoli

Makes 6 servings.