Tag: Drain grease

According to USDA data, the fat content in an 80% lean beef patty can decrease from 22.6 grams to around 15 grams after cooking and draining. This demonstrates that a significant portion of fat can be cooked out of lean ground beef, helping you prepare healthier meals without sacrificing flavor.

While ground beef loses significant weight during cooking, primarily due to water evaporation, the actual calorie reduction depends heavily on how much fat is rendered and drained off. Draining the grease is the key factor in controlling the final caloric value of your meal.

According to Iowa State University research, cooking and thoroughly draining ground beef can significantly reduce its overall fat and calorie content. This often-overlooked fact leads many to question, **does cooking ground beef make it leaner**, and what are the most effective ways to maximize this effect? This article breaks down the science and practical methods for reducing fat in cooked ground beef.