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Ground Beef Nutrition Facts: Is Ground Beef Good for You?
A 100-gram portion of cooked 85/15 ground beef is a significant source of protein and several vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin B12 and zinc. It contains no carbohydrates or sugar. However, it is also a source of saturated fat, providing 29% of the daily value. Whether it is a healthy choice depends on portion size and how it fits into your overall diet.
Per 100 g · Beef, ground, 85% lean meat / 15% fat, patty, cooked, broiled
What stands out in ground beef
- High in protein. A 100-gram serving of cooked 85/15 ground beef provides about 26 grams of protein, which is 52% of the Daily Value (DV).
- Very high in vitamin B12. This portion of ground beef supplies 2.6 mcg of vitamin B12. This amount is 110% of the Daily Value.
- Source of key minerals. Ground beef is high in zinc (57% DV) and selenium (39% DV). It is also a good source of iron, providing 14% of the Daily Value per 100 grams.
- Fat and cholesterol. This type of ground beef contains about 15 grams of total fat, including 6 grams of saturated fat (29% DV). It also has 88 mg of cholesterol (29% DV) per 100 grams.
What to keep in mind
- A 100-gram serving contains 5.9 grams of saturated fat, which is 29% of the recommended daily limit.
- The same portion also provides 88 mg of cholesterol, or 29% of the Daily Value.
Ground Beef nutrition facts per 100 g
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal | – |
| Protein | 25.9 g | 52% |
| Total fat | 15.4 g | 20% |
| Saturated fat | 5.9 g | 29% |
| Monounsaturated fat | 6.7 g | – |
| Polyunsaturated fat | 0.48 g | – |
| Cholesterol | 88 mg | 29% |
| Carbohydrate | 0 g | 0% |
| Dietary fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Total sugars | 0 g | – |
| Water | 58 g | – |
| Sodium | 72 mg | 3% |
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Potassium | 318 mg | 7% |
| Calcium | 18 mg | 1% |
| Iron | 2.6 mg | 14% |
| Magnesium | 21 mg | 5% |
| Phosphorus | 198 mg | 16% |
| Zinc | 6.3 mg | 57% |
| Copper | 0.09 mg | 9% |
| Manganese | 0.01 mg | 1% |
| Selenium | 21.5 mcg | 39% |
| Vitamin A (RAE) | 3 mcg | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin D | 0 mcg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0.12 mg | 1% |
| Vitamin K | 1.2 mcg | 1% |
| Thiamin (B1) | 0.05 mg | 4% |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 0.18 mg | 14% |
| Niacin (B3) | 5.4 mg | 34% |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.38 mg | 22% |
| Folate (DFE) | 9 mcg | 2% |
| Vitamin B12 | 2.6 mcg | 110% |
| Choline | 82.4 mg | 15% |
% Daily Value uses the FDA Daily Values for adults and children 4 years and older. Highlighted rows are 20% DV or more per 100 g. A dash means no Daily Value is set.
Ground Beef by portion
The nutrition data is for a 100-gram (about 3.5 oz) serving. A smaller 3-ounce (85g) cooked portion contains 212 calories, 22 grams of protein, and about 13 grams of fat. A single cooked patty made from a quarter-pound of raw meat weighs about 77 grams and provides 192 calories, 20 grams of protein, and 12 grams of fat. Both portions contain 0 grams of carbohydrates, fiber, or sugar.
| USDA portion | Weight | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fiber | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 oz | 85 g | 212 | 22 g | 0 g | 0 g | 13.1 g |
| 1 patty (yield from 1/4 lb raw meat) | 77 g | 192 | 19.9 g | 0 g | 0 g | 11.9 g |
How ground beef compares with other meats
Compared to other meats on this site, this 85/15 ground beef has more calories and fat per 100 grams than sirloin steak and chicken thigh, but less than lamb. Among the 11 meats compared, it ranks as the top source of zinc and the second-highest source of vitamin B12. It is a mid-range source for protein, ranking 8th out of 11. It is also a higher source of iron than most other meats in the group. Beef liver has more protein and less fat, but also contains carbohydrates, which ground beef does not.
| Per 100 g | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fiber | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Beef | 250 | 25.9 g | 0 g | 0 g | 15.4 g |
| Lamb | 283 | 24.8 g | 0 g | 0 g | 19.6 g |
| Beef Liver | 191 | 29.1 g | 5.1 g | 0 g | 5.3 g |
| Sirloin Steak | 187 | 29.5 g | 0 g | 0 g | 6.7 g |
| Chicken Thigh | 179 | 24.8 g | 0 g | 0 g | 8.2 g |
Quick answers
How much protein is in a ground beef patty?
A single cooked patty that comes from a quarter-pound of raw 85/15 ground beef has about 20 grams of protein.
Does ground beef have carbs or sugar?
No, this type of cooked ground beef contains 0 grams of carbohydrates, 0 grams of dietary fiber, and 0 grams of total sugars.
How many calories are in a 3 oz serving of ground beef?
A 3-ounce (85g) cooked serving of 85% lean ground beef has 212 calories.
When to talk to a doctor or dietitian
- This page describes nutrient content, not medical advice. If a health condition, medicine or pregnancy affects what you eat, a doctor or registered dietitian can tell you how ground beef fits your situation.
Last updated October 21, 2026