The amount of protein in a pound of ground beef varies depending on the lean- to-fat ratio:
- 70% lean (30% fat) ground beef contains about 112 grams of protein per pound.
- 80% lean (20% fat) ground beef contains approximately 78 to 88 grams of protein per pound, with one source listing 77.88 grams and another around 88 grams.
- 85% lean (15% fat) ground beef has about 93 grams of protein per pound.
- 90% lean (10% fat) ground beef provides just under 86 grams to about 96 grams of protein per pound.
- 95% lean (5% fat) ground beef contains roughly 96 grams of protein per pound (calculated from 24.19 grams per 4 oz serving).
In general, leaner ground beef contains more protein per pound because it has less fat displacing the protein content
. To summarize:
Lean-to-Fat Ratio| Protein per Pound (grams)
---|---
70% lean / 30% fat| ~112
80% lean / 20% fat| ~78-88
85% lean / 15% fat| ~93
90% lean / 10% fat| ~86-96
95% lean / 5% fat| ~96
This variation depends on the exact fat content and whether the beef is raw or cooked, but these figures provide a reliable estimate for protein content in a pound of ground beef.
