Is 85-15 Ground Beef High in Cholesterol? A Complete Guide

October 24, 2025 •

3 min read

While dietary cholesterol was once considered a major culprit for high blood cholesterol, recent research indicates saturated fat has a more significant impact on blood levels. Understanding if 85-15 ground beef is high in cholesterol requires a look at both its cholesterol and saturated fat content.

Quick Summary

This guide breaks down the nutritional content of 85-15 ground beef, focusing on its saturated fat and cholesterol levels. It compares it to leaner beef options and provides healthy cooking and dietary strategies for managing cholesterol effectively.

Key Points

Saturated Fat is Key: The saturated fat in 85-15 ground beef has a more significant impact on blood cholesterol than its dietary cholesterol content.
Moderate Cholesterol Content: A 3-4 ounce serving of cooked 85-15 ground beef contains a moderate amount of dietary cholesterol (70-80 mg).
Leaner Options Exist: Leaner ground beef options like 93/7 have substantially less saturated fat, which is better for cholesterol management.
Cooking Method Matters: Draining fat after cooking or using methods like broiling or grilling can significantly reduce saturated fat intake.
Portion and Pairing: Controlling portion sizes and pairing 85-15 ground beef with fiber-rich foods helps mitigate its effect on cholesterol.
Dietary Balance is Crucial: Overall diet, not just one food, determines its effect on heart health; 85-15 ground beef can be included in moderation.

Is 85-15 Ground Beef High in Cholesterol? What the Nutrition Facts Say

For many years, it was assumed that eating foods high in cholesterol directly correlated with high blood cholesterol levels. However, the scientific community now largely agrees that saturated fat intake has a more significant effect on raising LDL, or "bad," cholesterol. With that in mind, let's examine the specifics of 85-15 ground beef, which contains 15% fat by weight, to see how it fits into a heart-healthy diet.

The Nutritional Profile of 85-15 Ground Beef

A standard 3 to 4-ounce serving of cooked 85-15 ground beef contains a moderate amount of dietary cholesterol, typically ranging from 70 to 80 milligrams. This is within a reasonable range for most people, especially considering the less significant role of dietary cholesterol compared to saturated fat. The primary concern for heart health in 85-15 ground beef is its saturated fat content, which can be around 5 to 7 grams per serving. This amount contributes notably to the daily recommended limit of saturated fat, which for many is no more than 13 grams on a 2,000-calorie diet, according to the American Heart Association.

How to Mitigate the Effects on Cholesterol

If you enjoy the flavor and texture of 85-15 ground beef but are mindful of your cholesterol levels, there are several simple strategies to employ:

Drain the fat: After cooking, drain the excess fat from the pan. This can significantly reduce the saturated fat and calorie content of your meal.
Use a cooking rack: When baking or broiling, use a rack to allow the fat to drip away from the meat.
Pair with fiber-rich foods: Eating meals rich in soluble fiber, such as those with vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, can help lower cholesterol absorption.
Control portion sizes: The American Heart Association recommends keeping lean beef portions to 6 ounces or less a day.
Choose cooking methods wisely: Opt for grilling, broiling, or baking instead of pan-frying with additional oils.

Comparison Table: 85-15 vs. Leaner Ground Beef

To better understand how 85-15 compares to other options, here is a table comparing the approximate saturated fat and cholesterol content of different ground beef types per 3-ounce cooked serving.


Ground Beef Type	Approximate Saturated Fat (g)	Approximate Cholesterol (mg)
93/7 Lean	1.5 - 2.5	60 - 70
90/10 Lean	2 - 3	65 - 75
85/15 Lean	3 - 4	70 - 80
80/20	5 - 6	75 - 85

As the table shows, the saturated fat content decreases significantly as the beef becomes leaner, while the cholesterol content changes less dramatically.

The Importance of Overall Diet and Lifestyle

Focusing solely on the cholesterol in 85-15 ground beef misses the bigger picture of heart health. A person's overall dietary pattern is far more crucial. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, and low in saturated and trans fats, is the most effective approach to managing blood cholesterol. In addition to diet, regular exercise, managing weight, and avoiding smoking are critical for cardiovascular wellness. A study found that lean, trimmed red meat, when consumed as part of a diet low in saturated fat, does not increase blood cholesterol levels. This indicates that how 85-15 ground beef fits into your complete nutritional intake is what truly matters.

Other Protein Options for Cholesterol Management

For those looking to reduce their saturated fat intake further or vary their protein sources, numerous alternatives are available:

Fish: Oily fish like salmon and trout are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which can lower triglycerides.
Poultry: Skinless chicken or turkey breast is a very lean protein source.
Plant-Based Proteins: Beans, lentils, tofu, and tempeh are excellent, cholesterol-free options packed with fiber.
Shellfish: While high in dietary cholesterol, shrimp and lobster are very low in saturated fat.

Conclusion: A Balanced Perspective on 85-15 Ground Beef

So, is 85-15 ground beef high in cholesterol? It contains a moderate amount, but its higher saturated fat content is a more important factor for managing blood cholesterol levels. When eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet that is otherwise low in saturated fat, and prepared using healthy cooking methods, it can be part of a heart-conscious eating plan. The key is balance and awareness, not elimination. For those with high cholesterol or heart disease risk, opting for leaner ground beef (90/10 or higher) or other protein sources may be a more prudent choice.

For more information on dietary guidelines, consider consulting the American Heart Association.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, while dietary cholesterol contributes, decades of research show that saturated fat has a more significant impact on raising LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels in the blood.

You can reduce the saturated fat by draining the excess grease after cooking, or by cooking on a rack to allow the fat to drip away. You can also rinse the cooked meat with hot water to remove more fat.

While the dietary cholesterol difference is small, 93/7 ground beef has significantly less saturated fat than 85/15. Less saturated fat is generally better for managing blood cholesterol.

Lean alternatives include skinless chicken or turkey breast, various types of fish, and plant-based proteins like beans, lentils, and tofu.

Yes, but with caution. It is best consumed in moderation, in smaller portions, and prepared using healthy cooking methods that minimize fat. Focus on your overall dietary pattern rather than eliminating one food.

A Texas Tech University study found that there is no difference in cholesterol levels between grass-fed and grain-fed ground beef if the fat content is similar. The primary benefit of grass-fed may be higher omega-3 fatty acids.

Cooking methods that avoid added fats, such as grilling, broiling, or baking, are preferred. Frying with butter or other saturated fats adds unhealthy fat content, whereas using vegetable oils is a better option.