Beef, ground, 85% lean meat / 15% fat, raw
FDC 171796oz (113 g)
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Density 44 · -10 vs Beef medianRaw 85% lean ground beef scores 44 of 100, a Fair result ranking 38th of 60 in the beef category. Per 100 g it delivers an excellent 37% DV of protein and a good 12% DV of iron, with fat as the leading macro at 15 g against 18.6 g of protein and zero carbohydrate, for 215 calories.
This is the everyday grind for burgers, tacos, and pan sauces, usually browned before the fat is drained or absorbed into the dish. The main caveat is saturated fat, high at 5.7 g per 100 g, the trade-off for the fat content in this cut. Sodium and sugar are both low, at 66 mg and 0 g. Since the score sits below the beef category median of 54, a leaner 70% lean patty pan-broiled would trim some saturated fat while keeping protein similarly high.
See how this score is calculated, build a plate around beef, ground, or compare it with another food.
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 215 kcal | 11% |
| Total fat | 15 g | 19% |
| Saturated fat | 5.7 g | 29% |
| Cholesterol | 68 mg | 23% |
| Sodium | 66 mg | 3% |
| Carbohydrate | 0 g | 0% |
| Dietary fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 0 g | |
| Protein | 19 g | 37% |
| Potassium | 295 mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 15 mg | 1% |
| Iron | 2.1 mg | 12% |
| Magnesium | 18 mg | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 4 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0.17 mg | 1% |
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 243 kcal | 12% |
| Total fat | 17 g | 22% |
| Saturated fat | 6.5 g | 32% |
| Cholesterol | 77 mg | 26% |
| Sodium | 75 mg | 3% |
| Carbohydrate | 0 g | 0% |
| Dietary fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 0 g | |
| Protein | 21 g | 42% |
| Potassium | 333 mg | 7% |
| Calcium | 17 mg | 1% |
| Iron | 2.4 mg | 13% |
| Magnesium | 20 mg | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 4.5 µg | 1% |
| Vitamin E | 0.19 mg | 1% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
FDC 171796Original analysis by NutriVerdict
What it is rich in
Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Versus the beef median
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
More nutrient-dense swaps
Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.
Beef, variety meats and by-products, pancreas, rawDensity 45 vs 44Beef, variety meats and by-products, thymus, cooked, braisedDensity 46 vs 44Beef, ground, 70% lean meat / 30% fat, patty cooked, pan-broiledDensity 48 vs 44Original analysis by NutriVerdict
In the kitchen and how to use it
Ground beef at an 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio is the everyday choice for burgers, meatloaf, meatballs, and taco filling, since the fat keeps the meat juicy while browning in a skillet or on a grill. It renders as it cooks, which is why cooks often drain excess fat after browning for dishes like chili or pasta sauce, while burgers and meatballs benefit from letting some of that fat stay in for flavor and moisture. Its loose, ground texture also makes it easy to season and shape, whether into patties, a loaf, or crumbles for a stir-fry or stuffed pepper filling.
Buy it well-chilled or frozen, keep it refrigerated for only a couple of days raw, and freeze what you will not use right away since ground meat spoils faster than a whole cut. Raw, it comes to 215 calories and 18.6 grams of protein per 100 grams, providing 37% of the daily value for protein and 12% for iron, while sodium stays low at just 66 milligrams. That combination makes it a straightforward base for building a high-protein, low-sodium dinner where you control the seasoning yourself, whether that means a simply seasoned burger or a taco filling built up with your own spices.
Frequently asked questions about beef, ground
How many calories are in raw 85/15 ground beef?
Raw 85% lean ground beef has 215 calories per 100 grams before any cooking loss or fat rendering.
Is ground beef a good source of iron?
Yes, it provides 12% of the daily value for iron per 100 grams, alongside 37% of the daily value for protein.
What is 85/15 ground beef best used for?
It suits burgers, meatballs, and meatloaf where the fat content keeps the meat moist through cooking.