Are you wondering how much ground beef you need for your next recipe?
Whether you’re making tacos, meatloaf, or spaghetti sauce, it’s important to know how much meat to use. But with different percentages of lean and fat, and varying cooking yields, it can be confusing to figure out the right amount.
In this article, we’ll focus on 12 ounces of ground beef and explore how many calories it contains, how much cooked meat it yields, and how to measure it without a scale. Plus, we’ll introduce you to a high-quality, lean beef option that’s perfect for family meals.
So let’s dive in and learn more about this versatile ingredient!
How Much Is 12 Oz Of Ground Beef?
12 ounces of ground beef is a common serving size for many recipes. But how much is it exactly?
First, let’s talk about calories. 12 ounces of ground beef that is 80% lean and 20% fat contains 853 calories. On the other hand, 12 ounces of ground beef that is 90% lean and 10% fat contains 599 calories. So if you’re watching your calorie intake, it’s important to pay attention to the percentage of lean and fat in your ground beef.
Next, let’s talk about cooking yield. One pound of raw ground beef (16 ounces) yields only 12 ounces of cooked ground beef, or 3/4 pound. This means that if your recipe calls for 12 ounces of cooked ground beef, you’ll need to start with one pound of raw ground beef.
So how do you measure out 12 ounces of ground beef without a scale? One method is to compare your fist size to an actual measuring cup. Two servings, or 6 oz., of lean meat (poultry, fish, shellfish, beef) should be a part of a daily diet. Measure the right amount with your palm. One palm size portion equals 3 oz., or one serving. Another method is to use plates or cups and spoons to measure out the portion size approximately.
But if you’re looking for a high-quality, lean beef option that you can feel good about serving to your family, consider Laura’s Lean 96% Lean 4% Fat Ground Beef. This flavorful beef is sourced from cattle that never receive antibiotics or added hormones, making it a healthier choice for your family meals.
The Nutritional Value Of 12 Oz Of Ground Beef
Now, let’s take a closer look at the nutritional value of 12 ounces of ground beef. According to the USDA, 3 ounces (85g) of cooked ground beef that is 85% lean, pan-browned, with no added fat or sodium contains 184 calories. This serving size also provides 22 grams of protein, which is important for building and repairing muscle tissue.
In addition, ground beef is a good source of several essential nutrients. It contains iron, which helps transport oxygen throughout the body, and zinc, which supports immune function and wound healing. It also provides vitamin B12, which is important for nerve function and red blood cell production.
However, it’s important to note that ground beef can also be high in saturated fat and cholesterol. Choosing leaner cuts of beef and moderating portion sizes can help reduce intake of these nutrients.
How Much Cooked Meat Does 12 Oz Of Ground Beef Yield?
When cooking ground beef, it’s important to keep in mind that the meat will shrink in size. One pound of raw ground beef, 85 percent lean or leaner, yields approximately 3 cups of cooked ground beef crumbles. However, ground beef containing a higher percentage of fat yields slightly less because the fat will cook and drain away. This means that 12 ounces of raw ground beef will yield about 9 ounces of cooked ground beef.
To get an accurate measurement of how much cooked meat 12 ounces of raw ground beef will yield, it’s best to use a kitchen scale. Start with one pound of raw ground beef and cook it as desired. Once fully cooked, weigh the meat to determine how much it has shrunk. For example, if one pound of raw ground beef yields 12 ounces of cooked meat, then 12 ounces of raw ground beef will yield approximately 9 ounces of cooked meat.
It’s important to take this shrinkage into consideration when planning meals and portion sizes. If your recipe calls for 12 ounces of cooked ground beef, make sure to start with one pound of raw ground beef to ensure you have enough meat for your dish. By keeping this in mind, you can avoid running out of meat or having excess leftovers.
Measuring 12 Oz Of Ground Beef Without A Scale
Measuring 12 ounces of ground beef without a scale can be a bit tricky, but there are a few methods you can use to get an approximate measurement.
One method is to use your hand as a guide. A serving size of meat should be about the size of your palm, or roughly 3 ounces. So, for 12 ounces of ground beef, you would need four palm-sized portions.
Another method is to use measuring cups and spoons. One cup of raw ground beef is equal to 8 ounces, so you would need 1 and 1/2 cups of raw ground beef to get 12 ounces of cooked ground beef.
You can also use plates or bowls as a guide. A typical serving size of meat is about the size of a deck of cards or the palm of your hand. So, you could use a plate or bowl that is roughly the same size as a deck of cards or your palm to measure out your portion size.
It’s important to note that using these methods will provide an approximate measurement and not completely accurate ones. Additionally, the fat content and cooking method will affect the weight and volume of the cooked ground beef. Therefore, it’s always best to weigh your ingredients for precise measurements when possible.
Introducing A High-Quality, Lean Beef Option For Family Meals
If you’re looking for a high-quality, lean beef option for your family meals, Laura’s Lean 96% Lean 4% Fat Ground Beef is an excellent choice. This beef is not only flavorful, but it’s also sourced from cattle that never receive antibiotics or added hormones, making it a healthier option for your family.
When it comes to choosing ground beef, it’s important to pay attention to the percentage of lean and fat in the beef. Laura’s Lean Ground Beef is 96% lean and only 4% fat, which means you can feel good about serving it to your family. This beef is perfect for weeknight family meals such as tacos, meatloaf, chili, lasagna, or a classic spaghetti meat sauce.
One of the benefits of choosing a lean beef option like Laura’s Lean Ground Beef is that it contains fewer calories than regular ground beef. For example, a 4-ounce serving of extra-lean ground beef contains only 260 calories compared to 350 calories in regular ground beef. Additionally, Laura’s Lean Ground Beef provides you with 21 grams of protein per serving, which is essential for building and repairing body tissues.
When cooking with ground beef, it’s important to pay attention to cooking yield. One pound of raw ground beef yields only 12 ounces of cooked ground beef. So if your recipe calls for 12 ounces of cooked ground beef, you’ll need to start with one pound of raw ground beef.