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    Home » Kitchen Laughter Recipes Blog » Beef

    Ground Chuck Vs Ground Beef

    Published: Sep 1, 2022 by Ginny C · This post may contain affiliate links ·

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    When you have options and you want to build the best burger or meatloaf possible, here’s what you need to know about Ground Chuck Vs Ground Beef. This post will give you all of the information you need to make an informed decision, but in the end it all comes down to personal preference and the two meats can be used interchangeably.

    ground chuck and ground beef on a lines sheet pan.
    Ground Chuck vs. Ground Beef
    Contents hide
    1 ⚖️ Comparisons
    2 What is Ground Chuck?
    3 What is Ground Beef?
    4 🍔 How to Choose
    5 🔥 How to Grill Burgers with Different Fat Content
    6 How to Use Ground Beef and Ground Chuck
    7 ❗ Recipe Tips and Tricks
    8 How to Store Leftovers
    9 FAQ
    10 Related Recipes and Helpful Links

    Ground chuck is a form ground beef, but not all ground beef is ground chuck. That’s because chuck comes from a specific part of the cow so the content is more controlled and predictable.

    ⚖️ Comparisons

    The difference between ground beef vs ground chuck is displayed in the graph below.

    Ground ChuckGround Beef
    Cost$4 per pound$4.50-5 per pound
    Fat Content15-20% Fat7-30% Fat
    FlavorGoodExcellent
    Cooking MethodGrilled in patties, baked in meatloaf, browned to use in sauces and soups, tacos and sandwiches such as sloppy joesGrilled in patties, baked in meatloaf, browned to use in sauces and soups, tacos and sandwiches such as sloppy joes
    CutShoulder and Neck Area of the cowTrimmings from any cut of the cow
    ShrinkageModerateDepends on the fat content
    Direct Comparison Between Ground Chuck vs Ground Beef.
    Prices pulled from shopping website for comparison. Prices vary by location.

    What is Ground Chuck?

    top down view of ground chuck on a sheet pan.
    Ground Chuck

    This cut of beef and anything labeled “chuck” comes from the neck and shoulder of the cow and is fatty with significant, tough connective tissue. Chuck is one of several “primal cuts” as categorized by the USDA. It has good flavor from the muscle and rendering of fat.

    Ground chuck has anywhere from 15-20% fat content. The muscle is well used giving it plenty of flavor. Chuck is definitely not the most tender cut of beef, but grinding it helps tenderize it making it perfect for burgers or meatballs, like we did for the Travis Scott Burger.

    What is Ground Beef?

    top down view of ground beef on a sheet pan.
    Ground Beef

    Ground beef is comprised of leftover trimmings and edge pieces from any cut of beef as it is butchered. The quality and content can vary greatly. Flavor will also vary. If the beef comes a very specific location, it is labeled ground sirloin, ground chuck, or ground round instead of the more generic ground beef. If it is labeled “ground beef” it originated as a way to simply use up all those extra bits and pieces of the cow.

    The fat content of ground beef ranges widely depending on the makeup of the beef mixture and whether or not fat has been added in the grinding process. The USDA has specific rules for selling and labeling ground beef. The maximum amount of fat allowed is 30%. In order to be labeled extra lean, it must be less than 7% fat. There is a range available and the leaner the ground beef the higher the cost.

    We used a Kobe Beef that is lean for the Grilled Kobe Beef Kebabs. Using the chuck would make the little kebabs shrink quite a bit.

    🍔 How to Choose

    side by side showing chuck vs beef with text overlay showing chuck on the left and beef on the right.
    Ground Chuck is from the Neck and Shoulders

    Your choice between ground chuck and ground beef really comes down to preferences for cost, fat content, and flavor. Ground chuck is cheaper, more moderately flavored and less fatty than your typical ground beef.

    It is, however, more flavorful and more fatty than any ground beef labeled lean or extra lean. Both of these cuts cook at approximately the same rate. Ground beef with more than 15-20% fat will shrink more than ground chuck. Both require seasoning to make a good burger, meatball, or meatloaf.

    🔥 How to Grill Burgers with Different Fat Content

    No matter what you make your burgers with, the fat content will cause shrinkage as the burger cooks and the fat renders away. Preheat your grill and give the burgers a good sear on both sides before cooking them for a few minutes on each side to your desired doneness. Use an instant read thermometer to determine the finish you like.

    The more fat in the meat, the greater the shrinkage. To compensate, make sure to form the burgers large than you want and smash them flatter since they will pull up and thicken as they shrink in the cooking process. Adding an egg, diced onions, shredded zucchini or even ground mushrooms can help keep the burgers more uniform and add significant flavor.

    How to Use Ground Beef and Ground Chuck

    These are the most common recipes where you’ll use ground meat.

    TacosBurgersMeatloaf
    MeatballsStroganoffPasta Dishes
    SaucesSloppy JoesSoups
    StewsCasseroles
    Different Recipes that Use Ground Beef or Chuck

    ❗ Recipe Tips and Tricks

    Use a burger press. This will not control the shrinkage of your burgers, but it will guarantee a uniform size and thickness.

    Add an egg. Mixing your hamburger with an egg before forming the patties will help the patties stick together and add a bit of protein and flavor.

    Add seasoning to the ground beef mixture. Before you form the patties, mix-in salt and pepper to the meat to bring up the flavor. You can also use your favorite burger seasoning so that it’s flavor is spread throughout the burger and not just sprinkled on the outside.

    With the cost of beef rising, you might consider any of these add-ins to stretch your browned ground beef or beef patties.

    • shredded zucchini
    • oatmeal
    • mashed beans
    • cornflake crumbs
    • breadcrumbs
    • egg
    • diced onions
    • ground or diced mushrooms
    • shredded potatoes

    Know your temperatures. The USDA recommends a minimum of 160° for a safe temperature for ground beef. Don’t try and use the temperature guide for steaks and other cuts of meats.

    How to Store Leftovers

    Keep anything cooked with ground beef for two days in the refrigerator. Keep them in an airtight container. If you won’t use the leftovers within one or two days consider freezing them.

    Freeze burger patties cooked or uncooked and plan to use them within three months. Freeze them on a tray, and then throw the individual burgers in a freezer-quality zipper bag. Cook them in a skillet or on the grill directly from frozen. Once cooked, beef can frozen to use at a later date. Once cooked, frozen, and then thawed meat should be consumed immediately or thrown away.

    Learn how to reheat burgers on the stovetop, in the air fryer, on the grill, in the oven and in the microwave.

    FAQ

    Which is better, ground beef or ground chuck?

    This really depends on personal preference. Ground chuck is about 15% fat and more moderate in flavor. Ground beef has a very wide range in fat content and have better flavor but more shrinkage. Weigh out the differences for your purposes.

    The inside of my ground beef package is brown and not bright red. Is this normal?

    The normal color of beef is brown. Red dye may be added in some cases to improve the color. The inside will go back to brown before the outside and the beef is probably still useable. Check the sell by date and use it within two days of the sale by date. Check the smell and don’t use meat that is off-putting. If the entire package of refrigerated meat is brown, it has been packaged long enough for all of the red dye to oxidize and is probably not edible. Frozen meat will be brown.

    How long should I brown ground beef and ground chuck?

    Browned meat should be cooked until all of the pieces are thoroughly brown. Do not leave pink pieces of meat. Brown the meat in a medium skillet and separate the pieces with a spatula to make sure it is all cooked.

    Can I grind my own beef?

    Yes! Use a meat grinder and purchase whatever meat you would like to use for your recipe of choice. Sirloin mixed with chuck is a really nice blend with plenty of flat and excellent flavor.

    What is the ideal temperature for raw ground beef or raw ground chuck?

    Raw meat should be kept in a refrigerator at a temperature of less than 40ºF.

    What is the target temperature of my burger?

    Follow the USDA’s guidance and cook your burger until 160°.

    Related Recipes and Helpful Links

    • Travis Scott Burger (McDonald’s Copycat)
    • Best Onions for Burgers
    • How to Reheat a Burger
    • Smoked Hamburgers
    Ground Chuck Vs Ground BeefGround Chuck Vs Ground BeefGround Chuck Vs Ground Beef
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