What is Ground Beef Sirloin? A Detailed Look at This Lean and Flavorful Meat

Ground beef sirloin is a type of ground beef that comes from the sirloin primal cut of beef. The sirloin is located between the rib primal and the round primal on the back of the steer. This cut is known for being very lean, flavorful and tender when compared to regular ground beef

In this detailed article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about ground beef sirloin including:

• Where ground beef sirloin comes from on the cow
• The characteristics of ground beef sirloin
• How it differs from regular ground beef
• Its nutrition profile
• How to cook it properly
• The best uses for it in recipes
• And more…

So if you want to become a ground beef sirloin expert keep reading!

What Part of the Cow Does Ground Beef Sirloin Come From?

As mentioned earlier, ground beef sirloin comes from the sirloin primal section of beef Here is a more detailed breakdown

• The sirloin primal is located between the rib primal and the round primal on the back of the steer.
• It runs from the hip bone to the middle of the back.
• This area contains relatively tender muscles that don’t get much exercise compared to other parts of the cow.
• When these sirloin cuts are trimmed of fat and sinew, they are ground into ground beef sirloin.

Characteristics of Ground Beef Sirloin

Here are the main characteristics of ground beef sirloin that set it apart from regular ground beef:

• It is 90-93% lean – Ground beef sirloin contains less fat than regular ground beef. This makes it lower in calories while still delivering lots of flavor.

• Tender texture – The sirloin muscles don’t get much exercise, so ground sirloin has a tender, fine texture when cooked properly.

• Lean with fat marbling – While very lean, ground sirloin still contains delicate thin lines of fat running through the meat. This adds moisture and flavor.

• Rich beefy taste – Ground sirloin has a hearty beef flavor that really comes through when cooked. The sirloin section contains lots of beefy tasting muscles.

• Versatile – Ground sirloin can be used in place of regular ground beef in many recipes like hamburgers, tacos, chili, meatballs and more.

• More expensive – Due to coming from a premium cut, ground sirloin costs $1-2 more per pound than regular ground beef.

How Does Ground Beef Sirloin Compare to Regular Ground Beef?

Now that we understand sirloin’s qualities, how exactly does it compare and differ from regular ground beef? Let’s look at some key differences:

Fat Content

• Ground beef sirloin is 90-93% lean, 7-10% fat
• Regular ground beef is 80-85% lean, 15-20% fat

Clearly, ground sirloin is significantly leaner than regular ground beef. This makes it lower in calories and unhealthy saturated fat.

However, the higher fat content of regular ground beef does make it more moist and juicy when cooking. Ground sirloin can become dry if overcooked since it contains less natural fat.

Flavor

• Ground sirloin has a distinct, beefy flavor from the sirloin muscles.
• Regular ground beef has a milder flavor since it uses meat from different cuts.

The sirloin area contains lots of flavorful muscle, which gets imparted into the ground sirloin product. Regular ground beef has a more generalized flavor profile.

Price

• Ground sirloin costs $1-2 more per pound than regular ground beef since it comes from a higher quality cut.

This price difference is fairly small, but can add up when buying in bulk. Regular ground beef is the more budget friendly option.

Uses

• Ground sirloin can replace regular ground beef in most recipes. Burgers, tacos, chili, etc.

• It is best suited to recipes with quicker cook times to avoid drying out. Or dishes with plenty of sauce to keep it moist.

• Regular ground beef works for any ground beef recipe due to its higher fat content.

Nutrition Profile of Ground Beef Sirloin

Here is the nutrition information in 3 ounces (85g) of raw 90% lean ground beef sirloin:

• Calories: 148
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated fat: 2g
• Protein: 23g
• Iron: 15% DV
• Zinc: 28% DV

Compared to 3 ounces (85g) of regular 80% lean ground beef:

• Calories: 228
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated fat: 7g
• Protein: 16g
• Iron: 15%
• Zinc: 24% DV

As you can see, ground sirloin is significantly lower in calories and unhealthy saturated fat compared to regular ground beef. While having more protein in the same serving size.

It provides an excellent source of minerals like iron and zinc. Overall, ground sirloin is one of the healthiest choices in the ground beef family.

How to Cook Ground Beef Sirloin

The lean composition of ground sirloin means it can become dry and tough if overcooked. Follow these tips for moist, tender results:

• Don’t overcook – Cook just until lightly pink, 160°F for ground beef. Well-done will dry it out.

• Pan fry or grill quickly – High heat helps sear the outside while keeping the inside juicy.

• Add sauce or gravy – Sauces and gravies introduce moisture and flavor. Chili, marinara sauce, etc.

• Combine with fattier meats – Mixing in some regular ground beef or pork adds moisture.

• Avoid freezing – Freezing can negatively impact the texture. Use fresh when possible.

Follow these guidelines when cooking ground sirloin, and it will reward you with tender, moist and full flavored results every time.

Best Uses for Ground Beef Sirloin

Ground sirloin’s qualities make it well suited to certain dishes:

• Hamburgers – Cooked hot and fast, it makes incredibly beefy and juicy burgers. Avoid going above medium.

• Meatballs – Mix with breadcrumbs and Parmesan for tender, flavorful meatballs. The texture shines here.

• Tacos – Cook with taco seasoning and top with sauce for amazing tacos.

• Chili – Combine with beans and tomatoes for a hearty, meaty chili. The sauce keeps it moist.

• Pasta sauce – Break up and simmer in marinara for a Bolognese-style pasta sauce.

• Stroganoff – Cook as crumbles for a delicious beef stroganoff.

Any beef recipes that are cooked quickly, or have sauce/gravy work great with ground sirloin. Use it just as you would regular ground beef.

Ground Sirloin FAQs

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about ground beef sirloin:

Is ground sirloin healthier than regular ground beef?

Yes. Ground sirloin is significantly leaner and lower in saturated fat than regular ground beef. It also has more protein per serving.

Can you use ground sirloin in meatloaf and meatballs?

Absolutely. Ground sirloin makes incredibly moist, tender and beefy meatloaf and meatballs. Mix in some breadcrumbs and eggs too.

What’s the best way to substitute ground sirloin for regular ground beef?

In most recipes you can substitute ground sirloin 1:1 for regular ground beef. Burgers, tacos, chili, etc. May want to mix in a fattier ground meat if concerned about moisture.

Is ground sirloin better for burgers?

It makes for very juicy, beefy tasting burgers. Just be careful not to overcook them. Cook to medium or medium rare at most for best results.

Should you cook ground sirloin longer than regular ground beef?

No, cook for same amount of time. Ground sirloin can dry out faster than regular ground beef so avoid overcooking it.

Is Ground Sirloin Right For You?

Ground beef sirloin is a fabulous choice if you’re looking for:

• A leaner, healthier alternative to regular ground beef
• Maximum beefy flavor
• A tender, finely textured meat
• Convenience and versatility
• Quality ground beef worth a small premium

On the other hand, regular fattier ground beef or ground chuck may be a better option if:

• You prefer more mild flavored beef
• Want maximum juiciness and moisture
• Are on a stricter budget
• Are feeding kids who prefer milder taste

For most recipes, ground sirloin can directly replace regular ground beef. Give it a try and see if you enjoy the qualities of this premium ground beef option!