Game meat, elk, ground, raw
FDC 174425patty ( yield from 102.2 g raw meat ) (102 g)
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Density 59 · -13 vs Lamb, veal & game medianGround elk earns a Nutrient Density Score of 59 of 100, a Fair rating that places it 43rd of 60 foods in the lamb, veal and game category, with protein reaching an excellent 44% DV and iron adding a further 15% DV. At 172 calories per 100 grams, that density comes mostly from the meat's naturally high protein content rather than any other standout nutrient.
Ground elk behaves like any other ground red meat in the kitchen, formed into patties, meatballs or chili base, and a patty portion here works out to roughly 102 grams of raw meat. It scores below the category's median of 72, so cooks who want a similar protein hit with a higher per-calorie ranking might look to grass-fed ground bison instead.
See how this score is calculated, build a plate around game meat, elk, 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 | 172 kcal | 9% |
| Total fat | 8.8 g | 11% |
| Saturated fat | 3.5 g | 17% |
| Cholesterol | 66 mg | 22% |
| Sodium | 79 mg | 3% |
| Carbohydrate | 0 g | 0% |
| Dietary fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 0 g | |
| Protein | 22 g | 44% |
| Potassium | 322 mg | 7% |
| Calcium | 12 mg | 1% |
| Iron | 2.8 mg | 15% |
| Magnesium | 22 mg | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0.28 mg | 2% |
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 175 kcal | 9% |
| Total fat | 9 g | 12% |
| Saturated fat | 3.5 g | 18% |
| Cholesterol | 67 mg | 22% |
| Sodium | 81 mg | 4% |
| Carbohydrate | 0 g | 0% |
| Dietary fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 0 g | |
| Protein | 22 g | 44% |
| Potassium | 328 mg | 7% |
| Calcium | 12 mg | 1% |
| Iron | 2.8 mg | 16% |
| Magnesium | 22 mg | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0.29 mg | 2% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
FDC 174425Original 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 lamb, veal & game median
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
More nutrient-dense swaps
Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.
Lamb, variety meats and by-products, brain, rawDensity 63 vs 59Bison, ground, grass-fed, cookedDensity 63 vs 59Game meat, muskrat, rawDensity 63 vs 59Original analysis by NutriVerdict
In the kitchen and how to use it
Ground elk works like ground beef in most recipes but is much leaner, which means it can dry out fast if overcooked. It shows up in burgers, chili, meatloaf, tacos, and bolognese, and because it is so lean, cooks often mix in a little fat, egg, or broth when forming patties or meatballs, and pull it off the heat at medium rather than well-done. Its texture is finer grained than beef, and its flavor is only mildly gamey, much less pronounced than venison from deer, so it takes well to bold seasonings like juniper, black pepper, rosemary, and garlic, along with root vegetables, mushrooms, and red wine reductions that are traditional with game meats.
Buy ground elk from a butcher or specialty market, keep it refrigerated and use it within a day or two, or freeze it, since ground meat spoils faster than whole cuts due to its larger surface area. At 172 calories and 21.8 grams of protein per 100 grams, with sodium at just 79 milligrams, it leaves plenty of room in a meal for sauces or sides. It supplies 44% of the Daily Value for protein along with 15% DV for iron, making it a solid base for a burger, meatball, or chili night built around a high-protein, low-sodium main.
Frequently asked questions about game meat, elk
How many calories are in ground elk?
Raw ground elk has 172 calories per 100 grams, with 21.8 grams of protein and 8.82 grams of fat.
Is elk a good source of iron?
Yes, a 100 gram serving provides about 15% of the Daily Value for iron alongside 44% DV for protein.
How do you cook ground elk without drying it out?
Because it is very lean at 8.82 grams of fat per 100 grams, it is best cooked to medium rather than well-done, or blended with a little fat, egg, or broth when forming patties or meatballs.