Quick Answer
One cup of raw ground beef weighs approximately 227 grams or 8 ounces. This is based on the density of ground beef being around 0.5 ounces per tablespoon. Since there are 16 tablespoons in a cup, 8 ounces of ground beef fits into a measuring cup. 8 ounces converts to 227 grams.
Measuring Ground Beef by Volume vs Weight
When cooking or baking with ground beef, it’s generally better to measure it by weight instead of volume. Using a food scale provides a more accurate measurement compared to measuring cups.
This is because the density and compactness of ground beef can vary between packages and batches. Factors like the fat content and how finely it’s ground affect how compactly it fits into a cup measure. So the weight of 1 packed cup of 80% lean ground beef may differ from 1 packed cup of 93% lean.
For consistent results when a recipe calls for ground beef, it’s best to ignore the volume amount and go by the weight in grams or ounces instead.
Volume Amounts Are Approximations
Any volume measures provided for ground beef, such as cups, tablespoons, etc. should be considered approximations at best. The weights can vary significantly, which will affect the nutrition information and performance in recipes.
For example, 1 cup of ground beef may weigh anywhere from 190-280 grams depending on how compacted it is. That’s a difference of up to 90 grams or over 3 ounces!
Weight Provides Precision
Grams and ounces give you an exact quantity, eliminating the guesswork involved with packing meat into cups or spoons. Kitchen scales are widely available and provide much more control over portions and ingredients.
This is especially important for recipes where the ground beef is a main component, like burgers or meatballs. Using the specified weight helps ensure the recipe turns out as intended.
Factors Affecting Density of Ground Beef
Several factors impact how dense ground beef is, and therefore how much fits into a certain volume measurement. Here are some of the major elements to consider:
Fat Content
– Leaner ground beef with less fat tends to be denser than fattier options. This is because fat weighs less than lean beef per volume.
– For example, 90% lean ground beef weighs around 0.75 ounces per tablespoon while 80% lean beef is around 0.68 ounces.
– Higher fat ground beef compacts less tightly into a measuring cup.
Grind Size
– Finely ground beef packs into a cup measure better than beef ground with larger pieces. The coarser texture leaves more air pockets.
– Finely minced beef can weigh over 0.9 ounces per tablespoon while coarsely ground can be under 0.6 ounces.
Compaction
– The more densely you pack ground beef into a measuring cup, the more it will weigh.
– Lightly spooned beef weighs significantly less than firmly pressed beef.
– For example, 1 gently scooped cup may be 190 grams while 1 firmly packed cup is 260 grams.
Moisture Content
– Wetter ground beef tends to compact more tightly into a cup measure compared to drier meat.
– Partially thawed beef weighs less than fully thawed and drained beef.
– Ensure your meat is fully thawed and drained before measuring for best accuracy.
Weight Ranges for Common Volumes of Ground Beef
Here are some typical weight ranges for certain volumes of ground beef, based on testing done by the USDA and various recipe sites:
1 Cup (237 ml)
– Gently packed: 190-220 grams, 6.5-8 ounces
– Lightly packed: 210-260 grams, 7-9 ounces
– Firmly packed: 240-280 grams, 8-10 ounces
1/2 Cup (118 ml)
– Gently packed: 95-110 grams, 3-4 ounces
– Lightly packed: 105-130 grams, 3.5-4.5 ounces
– Firmly packed: 120-140 grams, 4-5 ounces
1/4 Cup (59 ml)
– Gently packed: 48-55 grams, 1.5-2 ounces
– Lightly packed: 53-65 grams, 2-2.5 ounces
– Firmly packed: 60-70 grams, 2-2.5 ounces
1 Tablespoon (15 ml)
– Gently packed: 9-12 grams, 0.3-0.4 ounces
– Lightly packed: 10-13 grams, 0.35-0.45 ounces
– Firmly packed: 11-14 grams, 0.4-0.5 ounces
Weight of Ground Beef by USDA Categories
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has established standards for ground beef categories based on lean content and fat percentages.
Here are some typical weight ranges for 1 cup of ground beef across the various USDA categories:
| USDA Category | Fat Content | Weight per Cup |
|---|---|---|
| Lean | Less than 10% fat | 258-280 grams |
| Extra Lean | Less than 5% fat | 265-295 grams |
| Medium | 10-17% fat | 230-260 grams |
| Regular | 17-23% fat | 210-240 grams |
As shown above, fattier ground beef in the Regular category weighs less per cup than leaner Extra Lean beef.
Converting Volume to Weight of Ground Beef
Knowing the approximate weights for various volumes of ground beef can help you convert quantities in recipes or food tracking.
Here are some handy conversions to remember:
- 1 tablespoon ground beef = 10-15 grams, 0.35-0.5 ounces
- 1/4 cup ground beef = 60-75 grams, 2-3 ounces
- 1/2 cup ground beef = 120-140 grams, 4-5 ounces
- 1 cup ground beef = 220-280 grams, 8-10 ounces
Based on the above, 1/2 cup of ground beef is equal to approximately:
- 125-150 grams
- 4-5 ounces
- 8-10 tablespoons
To make conversions, look at the specific recipe or nutrition label to determine if the ground beef is gently or firmly packed, lean or regular, and adjust the weight accordingly.
Tips for Measuring Ground Beef Accurately
Here are some tips for measuring ground beef to get a consistent weight per volume:
– Use a kitchen scale for maximum precision. Zero out the scale with an empty bowl on it first.
– Pack the beef firmly into the cup, spoon, or other measuring utensil. Press down with the back of a spoon or spatula to compress.
– Fill and level off the cup without packing down if you want a lighter measurement.
– Choose a clear liquid measuring cup over opaque to see the meat level clearly.
– Avoid scooping directly from the package, as this compresses the meat less.
– Portion into the measuring cup in batches for a precise fill level.
– Refer to the nutrition facts of 80% lean ground beef for a standard 0.5 ounces (14 grams) per tablespoon density.
– For best results, weigh your scoops the first few times to learn what a cup of meat looks like.
Sample Weights of Ground Beef Recipes
To see weights versus volume amounts in action, here are the weights of some common recipes using 1 cup of ground beef as a main ingredient:
Meatloaf
– 1 lightly packed cup of 80% lean ground beef = 210 grams
– Total weight for 1 lb pan of meatloaf = 490 grams
Meatballs
– 1 gently packed cup of 85% lean beef = 200 grams
– 24 x 1.5 inch meatballs = 600 grams total
Burger Patties
– 1 firmly packed cup of 90% lean beef = 260 grams
– Makes 4 x 100 gram patties
Taco Filling
– 1 cup loosely packed regular ground beef = 190 grams
– Total taco filling = 440 grams
Nutrition Differences Based on Weight vs Volume
The calorie and nutrient content changes significantly between different weights of ground beef, even for the same volume amount. Here is a comparison based on 100 grams versus 1 cup:
| Measurement | Grams | Calories | Fat (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 grams 80% lean beef | 100 | 332 | 28 | 17 |
| 1 cup 80% lean beef | 210 | 697 | 59 | 36 |
As shown above, 210 grams or 1 packed cup of beef contains over twice as many calories and grams of fat and protein compared to 100 grams.
This demonstrates why measuring ground beef by weight instead of volume is so important for nutritional accuracy. Even small weight variations can greatly alter the macros and overall nutrition.
Conclusion
While measuring ground beef in cups or tablespoons is convenient, weighing it out in grams or ounces is much more accurate.
This provides precision for recipes and allows you to track nutrition facts correctly compared to the variable weights of volume measures.
For most regular ground beef, assume around 120-140 grams or 4-5 ounces per lightly packed cup as a rough estimate. Check the label specifics for lean content and adjust your weight equivalents accordingly for best results.
Aim for around 225 grams or 8 ounces as the approximate weight of 1 cup of ground beef as a general rule of thumb. Measuring out weights takes the guesswork out of working with this versatile but dense ingredient.
