Ground Meat: A Versatile and Wholesome Ingredient
Ground meat is a versatile and affordable ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is a good source of protein, fat, and iron. Ground meat is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, zinc, and selenium.
Ground meat is made from beef, pork, lamb, or veal that has been ground into small pieces. It can be purchased in a variety of forms, including regular ground meat, lean ground meat, and extra-lean ground meat. The fat content of ground meat varies depending on the type of meat used and the grind size.
Ground meat can be cooked in a variety of ways, including grilling, frying, baking, and roasting. It can be used in a variety of dishes, including burgers, tacos, meatloaf, and meatballs. Ground meat is also a good ingredient for soups, stews, and casseroles.
Nutritional Benefits of Ground Meat
Ground meat is a good source of several nutrients, including:
- Protein: Ground meat is a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues. A 4-ounce serving of cooked ground beef provides about 31 grams of protein.
- Fat: Ground meat is also a good source of fat, which is essential for energy production and hormone production. A 4-ounce serving of cooked ground beef provides about 20 grams of fat.
- Iron: Ground meat is a good source of iron, which is essential for carrying oxygen throughout the body. A 4-ounce serving of cooked ground beef provides about 3 milligrams of iron.
- Vitamin B12: Ground meat is a good source of vitamin B12, which is essential for nerve function and the production of red blood cells. A 4-ounce serving of cooked ground beef provides about 2 micrograms of vitamin B12.
- Zinc: Ground meat is a good source of zinc, which is essential for immune function and wound healing. A 4-ounce serving of cooked ground beef provides about 5 milligrams of zinc.
- Selenium: Ground meat is a good source of selenium, which is essential for thyroid function and antioxidant protection. A 4-ounce serving of cooked ground beef provides about 20 micrograms of selenium.
Uses of Ground Meat
Ground meat can be used in a variety of dishes, including:
- Burgers: Ground meat is a classic ingredient for burgers. Burgers can be made with a variety of toppings, including cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles.
- Tacos: Ground meat is a common filling for tacos. Tacos can be made with a variety of toppings, including cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and sour cream.
- Meatloaf: Ground meat is a traditional ingredient for meatloaf. Meatloaf is typically made with a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal, and is often topped with a tomato-based sauce.
- Meatballs: Ground meat is also a common ingredient for meatballs. Meatballs can be made with a variety of ingredients, including bread crumbs, eggs, and seasonings.
- Soups, stews, and casseroles: Ground meat is a good ingredient for soups, stews, and casseroles. It can add flavor and substance to these dishes.
Tips for Cooking Ground Meat
Here are a few tips for cooking ground meat:
- Brown the ground meat before cooking it. This will help to develop flavor and prevent the meat from becoming greasy.
- Drain the excess fat from the ground meat. This will help to reduce the fat content of the dish.
- Use ground meat in a variety of dishes. Ground meat is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Experiment with different recipes and find your favorites.
Conclusion
Ground meat is a versatile and affordable ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is a good source of protein, fat, and iron, and it is also a good source of vitamins and minerals. Ground meat can be cooked in a variety of ways and can be used in a variety of dishes.
How many calories are in Ground Meat?
Each 4 oz, cooked of Ground Meat contains 308 calories.
Ground Meat Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per 4 oz, cooked (113g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 308 Calories |
| Protein | 31g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 7.4g |
| Cholesterol | 0.101mg |
| Carbohydrates | 0g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Sugar | 0g |
| Sodium | 0.103mg |
| Potassium | 0.4309mg |
| Calcium | 0.032mg |
| Iron | 0.0032mg |