Yes, You Can Use 85-15 Ground Beef for Burgers: Here's What You Need to Know

October 24, 2025 •

5 min read

Nearly 70% of all ground beef is sold as a mixture of different cuts, labeled by its lean-to-fat ratio. So, can I use 85-15 ground beef for burgers? Absolutely. It offers a delicious balance of flavor and leanness that works exceptionally well for classic patties, yielding a satisfying bite without excessive grease.

Quick Summary

85-15 ground beef is a versatile choice for flavorful and juicy burgers, providing a satisfying texture without excess grease, and can be cooked to perfection with the right technique.

Key Points

Balanced Flavor and Juiciness: 85/15 offers a satisfying burger experience without the excessive grease of higher-fat blends.
Avoid Overworking the Meat: Gentle handling when forming patties prevents a dense, tough texture, ensuring a tender burger.
Use a Thumbprint: Pressing a small indent into the center of the patty helps it cook evenly and prevents it from bulging.
Monitor Internal Temperature: For food safety and optimal tenderness, cook burgers to a minimum internal temperature of 160°F.
Drain Excess Fat: For a less greasy result, drain rendered fat after cooking, especially when pan-frying.
Season Generously: Due to its slightly leaner profile, a good seasoning blend is crucial for maximizing flavor and enhancing the beef's taste.
Rest the Patty: Allowing the cooked burger to rest for a few minutes helps the juices redistribute, locking in flavor and moisture.

Understanding the Lean-to-Fat Ratio in Ground Beef

When you see a package of ground beef labeled "85/15," it signifies that the mixture is 85% lean meat and 15% fat by weight. This ratio is a moderate-fat option, striking a balance between the richer, more flavorful cuts and the extra-lean varieties favored for dietary reasons. The specific cut of beef used can vary, but 85/15 often comes from the round primal cuts of the cow. This moderate fat content is key to its performance as a burger, providing enough moisture to keep the patty tender and juicy without making it overly greasy during cooking.

Where 85/15 Sits in the Ground Beef Spectrum

Compared to other common ratios, 85/15 occupies a sweet spot. Higher-fat ground beef, such as 80/20, is a popular choice for maximum flavor and juiciness, as the higher fat content renders during cooking to create a richer patty. However, this can also lead to more grease and potential flare-ups when grilling. On the other hand, leaner ground beef, like 90/10 or 93/7, is a healthier option but can result in a drier, less flavorful burger if not handled correctly. The 85/15 blend offers the best of both worlds—ample beefy flavor with a satisfying texture, but without the excess grease.

Why 85-15 Ground Beef Works for Burgers

Choosing 85/15 ground beef for burgers comes with several benefits that contribute to a superior result. Its moderate fat content is the primary reason it works so well.

Perfect Juiciness: The 15% fat content provides enough moisture to keep the burger from drying out, even when cooked to a medium-well or well-done temperature. This ensures a tender, moist patty that won't feel like a dense hockey puck.
Enhanced Flavor Profile: Fat is a carrier of flavor. The 15% fat in this blend contributes to a robust, beefy taste that is more satisfying than that of leaner options. This means you get a delicious burger that doesn't need excessive seasoning to stand out.
Good Structure and Texture: The fat helps hold the patty together during cooking, reducing the risk of it crumbling apart on the grill or in the pan. As the fat renders, it binds the meat, resulting in a firm yet tender patty.
Less Greasy: For those who dislike a greasy burger experience, 85/15 is a perfect compromise. It provides a rich flavor without the pooling of fat that often occurs with higher-fat beef, leading to a cleaner eating experience.

How to Cook a Perfect 85-15 Burger

To get the most out of your 85/15 ground beef, a few simple techniques can make a big difference in the final outcome. Whether you're grilling or pan-frying, these tips will help ensure a juicy, flavorful burger.

Shaping Your Patties

Work the meat gently: Do not overwork the meat when forming patties. Overworking can lead to a dense, tough texture. Handle the beef just enough to form the patties.
Add a thumbprint: Before cooking, press a small, shallow indentation into the center of each patty. This prevents the burger from puffing up and helps it cook evenly and stay flat.
Season generously: Seasoning the exterior of your patties with salt, pepper, and other spices is crucial for building flavor. The moderate fat content can handle a good amount of seasoning.

Grilling 85/15 Burgers

Preheat the grill: Get your grill hot and clean before placing the burgers on the grates. The sizzle is what creates a great sear.
Control the heat: The 15% fat content is less likely to cause flare-ups than fattier cuts, but it's still wise to monitor the heat. This is a primary benefit for grilling.
Avoid pressing: Never press down on the burgers with your spatula. This squeezes out the precious juices and fat, leading to a drier burger.

Pan-Frying 85/15 Burgers

Use a hot cast-iron skillet: A cast-iron skillet provides an excellent, even heat surface for a perfect sear.
Don't overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning. Overcrowding can steam the meat instead of searing it.
Rest the burgers: After cooking, let your burgers rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the patty.

85-15 vs. Other Popular Ratios: A Comparison

To help you decide which ground beef is best for your specific needs, here is a comparison of common ratios.


Feature	85/15 Ground Beef	80/20 Ground Beef	90/10 Ground Beef
Flavor	Rich, beefy flavor.	Maximum flavor, very rich.	Less intense beef flavor.
Juiciness	Very juicy and moist, but not greasy.	Extremely juicy, can be greasy.	Can be dry if overcooked.
Texture	Tender, holds shape well.	Softer, looser texture.	Firmer, denser texture.
Best For	Everyday burgers, meatballs, meatloaf.	The ultimate juicy, flavorful burger.	Sauces, crumbles, health-conscious dishes.
Cooking	Grills and pan-fries well, less flare-ups.	Prone to flare-ups on the grill.	Requires careful cooking to avoid dryness.

Nutritional Considerations for 85-15 Ground Beef

On the nutrition front, 85/15 ground beef provides a great source of protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins, including vitamin B12. While it contains saturated fat, which should be consumed in moderation, its fat content is lower than that of 80/20 beef. For individuals watching their fat intake, draining the excess grease after cooking can help reduce the overall fat and calorie count. This makes 85/15 a satisfying and nutritious option that can fit into a balanced diet. To make it even healthier, consider opting for grass-fed beef, which offers a better omega-3 fatty acid profile.

For a delicious burger recipe using this blend, check out The Kitchn's stove top method.

Conclusion

In summary, 85/15 ground beef is not only an acceptable choice for burgers but a superb one, offering a balanced combination of flavor, juiciness, and moderate leanness. By understanding its characteristics and applying proper cooking techniques, you can achieve a tender, delicious burger every time. Whether you prefer the grill or the stovetop, this versatile ratio consistently delivers a satisfying and less greasy result that caters to a wide range of tastes. It is the go-to ground beef for many who seek a middle ground between flavor and health-consciousness, making it a staple in any kitchen. Ultimately, your personal preference will guide your choice, but 85/15 is a reliable and flavorful workhorse for any burger night.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, 85/15 ground beef is an excellent choice for burgers. It provides a great balance of flavor, juiciness, and leanness, resulting in a tender and satisfying patty without being overly greasy.

The main difference is the fat content. 85/15 is leaner with 15% fat, producing a less greasy burger, while 80/20 has 20% fat, resulting in maximum juiciness and a richer flavor.

Yes, 85/15 ground beef is ideal for grilling. Its moderate fat content reduces the likelihood of flare-ups compared to fattier blends, while still providing plenty of flavor.

To prevent 85/15 burgers from drying out, avoid overworking the meat when forming patties, make a small thumbprint in the center, and use a meat thermometer to ensure you cook them only to a minimum internal temperature of 160°F.

While the cuts can vary, 85/15 ground beef is often made from the round primal cuts of the cow, which contributes to its leaner profile.

Yes, 85/15 is healthier than 80/20 because it has a lower fat content. This means it contains fewer calories and less saturated fat per serving.

Yes, the 15% fat content in 85/15 ground beef is sufficient to help the patties hold their shape well during cooking, whether you're grilling or pan-frying.

Yes, 85/15 ground beef can be used for smash burgers, and it produces a satisfying result. While some prefer 80/20 for maximum juiciness, many home cooks find 85/15 works well and is less greasy.