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.

Forms & Preparations

Fine grind — Tightly ground meat with small particle size; ideal for meatballs, sausages, and meat sauces where smoothness and even cooking are desired.
Coarse grind — Larger visible particles of meat; preferred for burgers and chili as it provides better texture and juiciness retention during cooking.
Frozen patties — Pre-formed into burger patties or meatball shapes, vacuum-sealed and frozen for convenience.
Bulk ground meat — Loose ground meat sold by weight, allowing consumer control over quantity and enabling immediate use or freezing.
Seasoned ground beef — Pre-mixed with spices and seasonings (e.g., taco seasoning); formulated for specific applications but offers less control over flavor profile.

Substitutes

Unknown — Substitute at a 1:1 ratio; produces a leaner result with milder flavor; may require addition of oil or fat to prevent drying in some applications.
Unknown — Use at a 1:1 ratio; significantly leaner and more neutral in flavor; better suited to Asian and lighter preparations; may need added fat or binding agents.
Unknown — Substitute at a 1:1 ratio; richer, more gamey flavor profile; use in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes where this intensity is desired.
Unknown — Use at a 1:1 ratio; formulated to mimic beef's binding and textural properties; increasingly used in burgers, tacos, and sauces for vegetarian applications.
Unknown — Substitute at a 1:1 ratio; naturally leaner than beef with a slightly gamey flavor; cooks similarly but may require marginally less cooking time.

Recipes Using lean ground beef (101)

RCI-SP.001.0150.001

Meat Balls Stroganoff

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-MT.005.0062.001

Meatball Stroganoff

Makes 24 meat balls.

RCI-MT.005.0077.001

Meat Balls with Sauce Verte

Makes 4 servings

RCI-BR.001.0289.001

Meat Cakes

Nice for a picnic.

RCI-BR.001.0254.001

Meat Loaf

Meat Loaf from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.001.0290.001

Meat Loaf for Lovers

Contributed by [http://Groups.Yahoo.Com/Group/Catsrecipes/ Catsrecipes Y-Group] * Serves 8

RCI-BR.001.0291.001

Meat Rolls

RCI-SP.003.0522.001

Mexican Beef Fried Rice

Makes 4 servings.

RCI-ND.002.0022.001

Mexican Lasagna

* Source: My All Recipes * Makes 5 servings

RCI-MT.005.0149.001

Misickquatash

Native American Succotash.

RCI-SP.003.0173.001

Modified Chili Con Carne

Modified Chili Con Carne from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.005.0207.001

Moroccan Cigars

Cigars are a great appetizer before any meal. Served with dip, they make a nice change from more conventional hors d'œuvre.

RCI-BR.001.0702.001

Mozzarella Meat Loaf

Mozzarella Meat Loaf from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.003.0163.001

One and One Casserole

Makes 6 servings

RCI-BR.001.0742.001

Oriental Meat Balls with Rice

Makes 6 servings

RCI-MT.005.0155.001

Perkedel

Perkedel (potato croquette filled with beef meat) is Indonesian side dish that is originated from dutch food's frikandel. But Indonesia's perkedel is different from Dutch's frikandel.

RCI-MT.004.0017.001

Persian Cutlet

I first had these on a trip to California with my friend and his sister. We had them picnic-style, served cold, with nane lavash, and chutney. You can serve them warm also. They are good as an appetizer as well as a main course.

RCI-SP.001.0244.001

Polynesian Meat Balls with Rice

Makes 6 servings

RCI-SP.003.0580.001

Pomegranate Soup (Iraqi)

Pomegranate Soup (Iraqi) from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.001.0298.001

Ritchie Estate Mexican Meatloaf

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Ritchie Estate in Balch Springs, Texas in 1984.

RCI-MT.005.0066.001

Ritzy Sloppy Joes

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Wadley Estate in Allen, Texas in 1990.

RCI-SP.001.0502.001

Scottish Meat Balls

Scottish Meat Balls You might serve these on December 31 to mark Hogmanay, the Scottish celebration of New Year's Eve.

RCI-ND.007.0077.001

Shu Mai

Shu Mai Japanese steamed wontons. While shu mai are in reality Chinese dim sum, they magically become japanese steamed wontons in this recipe.

RCI-ND.001.0019.001

Skillet Lasagna

Skillet Lasagna is a lasagne style casserole that tastes just like real lasagne, but is ready a lot faster.

RCI-MT.005.0275.001

Solomon Grundy

Soup, Vegetable, Meatless, Canned, Condensed by the US Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serve over cooked rice, mashed potatoes, or toast points for an extra-quick meal.

RCI-MT.005.0161.001