Understanding the Numbers: What Do 93/7 and 85/15 Mean?
When you see ground beef labeled as 93/7 or 85/15, it refers to the ratio of lean meat to fat by weight. The first number indicates the percentage of lean meat, while the second indicates the fat content.
- 93/7 Ground Beef: This is an extra-lean option, meaning it contains 93% lean meat and only 7% fat by weight. It has fewer calories and less saturated fat than other varieties, making it a popular choice for health-conscious consumers. However, its low fat content means it can become dry if overcooked.
- 85/15 Ground Beef: This is a moderately lean option with a balance of 85% lean meat and 15% fat. The higher fat content contributes significantly to flavor and moisture, making it a versatile choice for a wide array of recipes. It is generally more affordable than 93/7 ground beef.
Comparing Nutritional Profiles
While both options are good sources of protein, iron, and B vitamins, their caloric and fat contents differ significantly.
A Closer Look at the Nutrition
Here is a side-by-side comparison of the approximate nutritional content per 3.5 ounces (100g) of cooked ground beef.
| Feature | 93/7 Ground Beef | 85/15 Ground Beef |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~150-170 kcal | ~210-230 kcal |
| Protein | ~23-25 grams | ~20-22 grams |
| Total Fat | ~5-7 grams | ~13-15 grams |
| Saturated Fat | ~2-3 grams | ~5-6 grams |
| Key Benefit | Lower calories and saturated fat, ideal for dieting | Richer flavor and more moisture from higher fat content |
| Key Consideration | Prone to dryness if not cooked carefully | Higher saturated fat content, should be consumed in moderation |
Best Culinary Uses for Each Ratio
The best ground beef for your dish depends on the recipe and desired outcome. Different fat contents yield different results in the pan.
When to Use 93/7 Ground Beef
Use the leaner 93/7 ground beef when you want to minimize fat without sacrificing the protein source. Its crumbly texture works well in dishes where excess grease would be undesirable.
- Meat Sauces: For bolognese or other pasta sauces, 93/7 is perfect for a lean base.
- Chili: A great option for a hearty, flavorful chili without a layer of grease on top.
- Stuffed Vegetables: Ideal for filling stuffed peppers, cabbage rolls, or large tomatoes, as it holds its shape well.
- Lean Tacos: Makes a leaner, less greasy taco filling, especially when moisture is added during cooking.
Tip for Cooking 93/7: To prevent it from drying out, add moisture by using broth, tomato sauce, or finely chopped vegetables. For meatloaf or meatballs, incorporate binders like breadcrumbs and egg to help retain moisture.
When to Use 85/15 Ground Beef
Opt for 85/15 when flavor and juiciness are your main priorities. The fat renders during cooking, keeping the meat moist and flavorful.
- Burgers: The fat content prevents burgers from drying out on the grill or pan, ensuring a juicy patty.
- Meatloaf & Meatballs: The higher fat keeps these dishes from becoming tough or dry, and the texture is rich and satisfying.
- Stir-Fries: For stir-fries where the rendered fat adds to the overall flavor of the dish.
- Casseroles: A versatile choice for a variety of casserole recipes where flavor and moisture are important.
Price and Preparation Considerations
As a general rule, leaner ground beef is more expensive per pound than fattier options. However, when you cook 85/15 beef, a significant amount of fat renders off and is discarded, meaning a pound of raw 85/15 yields less cooked meat than a pound of 93/7. This can make the effective price per cooked pound closer than you might think.
For most recipes involving crumbles, like tacos or chili, some argue that buying the cheaper 85/15 and simply draining the fat is a more economical choice. However, if the recipe relies on the flavor of leaner meat or requires minimal fat, the extra cost for 93/7 may be justified.
Conclusion
When deciding what's better between 93/7 and 85/15 ground beef, the answer depends on your priorities. For health-conscious cooking where minimizing fat and calories is key, 93/7 is the clear winner, provided you take steps to prevent dryness. For dishes where flavor, juiciness, and a tender texture are paramount—like burgers or meatballs—the higher fat content of 85/15 is preferable. Both are versatile and nutritious options, but understanding their differences is crucial for achieving the best results in your kitchen. To explore more ways to use ground beef in different recipes, you can visit a culinary resource like Simply Recipes for inspiration.
