How Many Calories Are in a Quarter Pound of Ground Beef?

Ground beef is a kitchen staple that can be used in a variety of delicious dishes like burgers, tacos, chili, meatloaf, and more. But with varying fat contents, the number of calories in ground beef can differ significantly depending on the leanness.

So how many calories are actually in a quarter pound of ground beef? Let’s break it down based on some of the most common types.

Calories in 80/20 Ground Beef

The most popular ground beef option is 80/20, which contains 80% lean meat and 20% fat.

• In a 1/4 lb (114g) serving of 80/20 ground beef, there are:
  • 288 calories
  • 22.7g total fat
    • 8.7g saturated fat
  • 81mg cholesterol
  • 19.5g protein

With 80% lean meat and 20% fat a quarter pound of 80/20 ground beef packs 288 calories and 22.7g of total fat. Of that fat content, 8.7g is saturated fat. It also contains 81mg of cholesterol and 19.5g of protein per quarter pound serving.

This standard 80/20 blend is on the fattier side but provides plenty of flavor It’s commonly used for burgers, meatballs, meatloaf, chili, tacos, and more

Calories in 85/15 Ground Beef

The 85/15 ground beef ratio contains 85% lean meat and 15% fat.

• In a 1/4 lb (114g) serving of 85/15 ground beef, there are:
  • 244 calories
  • 17g total fat
    • 6.7g saturated fat
  • 77mg cholesterol
  • 21.1g protein

With a slightly lower fat percentage, a quarter pound of 85/15 ground beef has 244 calories and 17g of total fat, with 6.7g saturated fat. It contains 77mg of cholesterol and 21.1g of protein.

The 85/15 blend provides a leaner option than 80/20 that still has enough flavor for most recipes.

Calories in 90/10 Ground Beef

Upgrading to a 90/10 ratio further drops the fat percentage down to just 10%.

• In a 1/4 lb (114g) serving of 90/10 ground beef, there are:
  • 200 calories
  • 10g total fat
    • 4g saturated fat
  • 71mg cholesterol
  • 22.3g protein

A quarter pound serving of 90/10 beef contains 200 calories and 10g total fat, with 4g saturated fat. Protein increases slightly to 22.3g, while cholesterol decreases to 71mg.

This very lean blend is excellent for reducing calories without compromising on texture or flavor. It works well in burgers, tacos, meatballs, and other beef dishes.

Calories in 95/5 Ground Beef

The leanest option is 95/5 ground beef, which is 95% lean beef and just 5% fat.

• In a 1/4 lb (114g) serving of 95/5 ground beef, there are:
  • 172 calories
  • 5g total fat
    • 2g saturated fat
  • 62mg cholesterol
  • 23.8g protein

A quarter pound of this ultra-lean blend contains only 172 calories and 5g total fat, including just 2g saturated fat. It has 23.8g of protein and just 62mg of cholesterol.

While providing the lowest calories and fat, the extremely lean 95/5 ground beef may have a drier texture than fattier options. It works well for super lean burgers and meat crumbles.

Ground Turkey as a Lower Calorie Alternative

Ground turkey can provide an even lower calorie substitute:

• In a 1/4 lb (114g) serving of 93% lean ground turkey, there are:
  • 156 calories
  • 3.5g total fat
    • 1g saturated fat
  • 82mg cholesterol
  • 24.9g protein

A quarter pound of 93% lean ground turkey contains just 156 calories. It has slightly less total and saturated fat compared to 95/5 ground beef, with more protein.

Ground turkey has a milder flavor than beef. When using it in beef recipes, you may need to increase seasoning. It can be used in burgers, meatballs, chili, tacos and more.

Comparing Calories in a Quarter Pound of Ground Beef

As shown in the table, the fattier the ground beef blend, the more calories and fat it contains per quarter pound. Switching to a leaner blend or substituting ground turkey can significantly reduce the calories.

When choosing ground beef, opt for the leanest option suitable for your recipe. This allows you to balance flavor with calories and fat intake. Checking the percentage lean, fat percentage or nutrition label can help identify lower calorie varieties.

Other Factors Affecting Ground Beef Calories

A few other factors impact the calories and nutrients in ground beef:

• Raw vs. Cooked: Calories are based on cooked ground beef unless otherwise noted. Raw ground beef contains around 20% fewer calories than after cooking.
• Fat Content: The lean percentage greatly affects fat, calories and saturated fat. Opt for 90-95% lean or ground turkey for fewer calories.
• Portion Size: Larger portions contain more calories and nutrients. Stick to recommended serving sizes to control calories.
• Cooking Method: Fattier cooking methods like pan frying can add extra calories from oil. Leaner cooking techniques include grilling, broiling and baking.

Healthiest Ways to Enjoy Ground Beef

To keep ground beef as healthy as possible:

• Choose at least 90% lean or leaner varieties.
• Limit portion to about 4 ounces cooked (quarter pound).
• Drain and blot cooked ground beef to remove excess fat.
• Combine with veggies to increase nutrients.
• Use healthy cooking methods like broiling, grilling or baking.
• Avoid high-calorie additions like heavy cheese or creamy sauces.

While fattier ground beef packs more calories, leaner blends and moderate portions can fit into a healthy eating pattern. Enjoying a quarter pound a few times per week is unlikely to have a significant impact for most people. Just balance it out with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other healthy fare.

The Bottom Line

A quarter pound of 80/20 ground beef contains about 288 calories, while 95/5 extra lean has roughly 172 calories. Choosing a leaner blend reduces calories, fat, and saturated fat. Ground turkey provides an even lower calorie option. Compare nutrition facts and ingredients to pick the best ground beef for your recipe and dietary needs. Stick to reasonable portions to keep calories in check.