How many calories are in 6oz of 85-15 ground beef?

October 19, 2025 •

5 min read

According to data from the USDA, 1 pound of raw 85/15 ground beef contains approximately 975 calories. A serving of 6oz of 85-15 ground beef contains a specific number of calories depending on whether it's raw or cooked, a factor that significantly affects the nutritional outcome due to moisture and fat loss.

Quick Summary

An accurate calorie count for 6oz of 85/15 ground beef varies based on its raw or cooked state. Cooking, which can reduce weight by up to 25%, alters the final calorie and macronutrient breakdown, largely dependent on how much fat is drained.

Key Points

Raw vs. Cooked Calories: 6oz of raw 85/15 ground beef contains approximately 360-400 calories; after cooking and draining, the calorie count for the resulting 6oz serving will be higher per gram, but the total calories from the initial raw mass will decrease.
Cooked Calorie Estimate: For a realistic calorie count, consider a cooked, pan-broiled, and drained 6oz portion, which contains roughly 394 calories (based on a 3oz portion having ~197 kcal).
Cooking Method Matters: Methods like pan-frying and draining fat, or grilling, significantly reduce the final calorie and saturated fat content compared to preparations where fat is retained.
Weight Loss During Cooking: Ground beef loses between 20% and 35% of its weight during cooking, mostly from water and rendered fat.
Nutrient-Dense Protein: 85/15 ground beef is an excellent source of complete protein, heme iron, Vitamin B12, and zinc, supporting muscle health and overall wellness.
Moderate Fat for Flavor: The 85/15 ratio provides a good balance of flavor and juiciness, making it a versatile option for many dishes while being leaner than an 80/20 blend.

Understanding the Calorie Count in 85-15 Ground Beef

Determining the exact calorie count for 6 ounces of 85-15 ground beef is not as straightforward as it might seem. The final figure depends heavily on whether the meat is raw or has been cooked. Cooking causes the meat to lose a significant amount of its weight, primarily from water evaporation and fat rendering. This means that the 6 ounces you start with is not the same as the 6 ounces you finish with, especially after draining any rendered fat.

Raw vs. Cooked: A Nutritional Shift

When you buy 6oz of raw 85-15 ground beef, you are purchasing 6 ounces of a product that is 85% lean and 15% fat by weight. A key factor is how you prepare it. For example, pan-frying and draining the fat will lead to a different nutritional profile than baking it into a meatloaf where the fat is retained. Most nutrition information is based on the cooked weight, which accounts for this loss.

The Impact of Cooking on Nutrition

Cooking methods and the degree of doneness play a critical role in the final calorie count. Higher-fat ground beef, like 85/15, tends to shrink more during cooking than leaner varieties. On average, meat can lose between 20-35% of its weight during cooking. If you pan-fry 6 ounces of raw beef and drain the fat, the cooked weight will be closer to 4.5 ounces, and the fat content will be lower than the initial 15% ratio.

Factors Affecting Final Calorie Counts

Here's a breakdown of the variables to consider when calculating calories:

Raw Weight vs. Cooked Weight: Nutrition labels typically list values for a standard portion of cooked meat, but if you're tracking based on the raw weight you purchased, you need to account for weight and fat loss.
Cooking Method: Grilling and pan-frying allow for fat to drip away, reducing the overall calorie content. Baking or stewing retains much of the fat, keeping the calorie count higher.
Draining the Fat: Draining or not draining excess fat is one of the most significant variables. Simply pouring off the liquid fat can substantially lower the saturated fat and calorie intake.
Added Ingredients: If you add oil to the pan or other high-calorie ingredients, your total intake will increase.

Macronutrient Breakdown for 6oz of 85-15 Ground Beef (Cooked)

For a more practical approach, consider a standard cooked serving. A 3oz serving of cooked 85/15 ground beef is roughly 197 calories. By doubling that, we can estimate the calories in a 6oz portion:

Calories: Approx. 394 calories (based on 3oz serving of cooked, pan-broiled 85/15 at 197 calories).
Protein: Approx. 42 grams (based on 3oz serving at 21g protein).
Fat: Approx. 24 grams (based on 3oz serving at 12g fat).

Note that this is an estimate for a pan-broiled patty. Different cooking methods will yield slightly different results.

Calorie Comparison: 85/15 vs. Other Blends

To put the nutritional value of 85/15 ground beef into perspective, let’s compare it with a leaner option (90/10) and a fattier one (80/20). These numbers are based on approximate cooked values per 3oz serving after draining excess fat.


Feature	85/15 Ground Beef	90/10 Ground Beef	80/20 Ground Beef
Lean-to-Fat Ratio	85% lean, 15% fat	90% lean, 10% fat	80% lean, 20% fat
Calories (approx.)	197 kcal per 3oz cooked	180-190 kcal per 3oz cooked	220-240 kcal per 3oz cooked
Fat (approx.)	12g per 3oz cooked	8g per 3oz cooked	15-18g per 3oz cooked
Protein (approx.)	21g per 3oz cooked	22g per 3oz cooked	20-21g per 3oz cooked
Flavor	Balanced, juicy	Leaner, less intense	Rich, very juicy
Best For	Tacos, meatloaf, burgers	Chili, sauces	Burgers, maximum flavor dishes

Optimizing Your Meal with 85-15 Ground Beef

While the calorie content of 85-15 ground beef is moderate, its overall health impact depends on how it is prepared and what it is served with. Pairing it with a high volume of vegetables, and utilizing methods that reduce fat, are key strategies. For instance, using 85/15 beef for a shepherd's pie with a vegetable-heavy base is a great way to balance the meal. Alternatively, it's an ideal choice for flavorful burgers, offering a good compromise between taste and leanness.

Conclusion

In summary, 6oz of cooked, pan-broiled 85-15 ground beef contains approximately 394 calories, assuming the excess fat has been drained. It's essential to remember that this figure is an estimate based on the cooked weight. The raw weight of 6oz will have a higher calorie count, roughly 360-400 calories, before cooking and draining. For the most accurate tracking, measure the meat after cooking, and be mindful of your preparation method. The 85-15 blend offers a balanced option for those seeking good flavor without the excessive fat of a fattier cut, while still providing a robust dose of protein and essential micronutrients like Vitamin B12 and zinc.

Tips for Healthier Cooking with 85/15 Ground Beef

Pan-fry and drain: This simple step removes a significant amount of rendered fat.
Grill: Grilling allows the fat to drip away naturally, reducing calories.
Combine with vegetables: Use diced mushrooms or other finely chopped veggies to bulk up a meal, adding fiber and volume while reducing the overall calorie density of the meat portion.
Measure after cooking: For precision in calorie tracking, weigh your portion after it has been cooked.
Mindful portion size: A 3oz cooked serving is a standard portion size, so scale your intake accordingly.

Nutritional Value Beyond Calories

Beyond the raw numbers, 85-15 ground beef is a nutrient-dense food. It's a complete protein source, providing all essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair and growth. It is also packed with crucial vitamins and minerals, including:

Iron: The readily absorbed heme iron is vital for oxygen transport in the body.
Vitamin B12: Essential for nerve function and red blood cell formation.
Zinc: Plays a key role in immune function and cell growth.
Selenium: A powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage.

Including 85-15 ground beef in a balanced diet can be a flavorful and nutritious choice. By understanding how cooking affects its final composition, you can make smarter choices to align with your health and fitness goals. For more in-depth nutritional data and comparisons, you can consult sources like the USDA FoodData Central database.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, cooking significantly changes the calorie count. As ground beef cooks, it loses moisture and renders fat. If you drain this fat, the total calorie and fat content of the resulting cooked meat will be lower than the raw product.

Yes, 85/15 ground beef can be part of a healthy diet in moderation. It is a great source of complete protein, iron, and B vitamins. However, it is higher in saturated fat than leaner cuts, so portion control and draining fat after cooking are recommended.

A 6oz serving of cooked 85/15 ground beef contains approximately 42 grams of protein. This is based on a standard 3oz cooked portion containing around 21 grams of protein.

The main difference is the lean-to-fat ratio. 85/15 is 85% lean and 15% fat, while 90/10 is 90% lean and 10% fat. The 85/15 has more flavor and juiciness, while the 90/10 is lower in calories and fat.

To reduce calories, you can cook the beef using a method that allows fat to drain, such as grilling or pan-frying and then pouring off the excess grease. You can also mix it with vegetables like mushrooms to create a more voluminous, lower-calorie meal.

The amount ground beef shrinks varies based on its fat content and cooking method. Generally, it loses between 20% and 35% of its raw weight during cooking.

Tracking calories based on the cooked weight is generally more accurate for calorie counting, especially if you drain away the rendered fat. This accounts for the loss of fat and moisture during cooking.