Food Nutrition Facts Complete Nutrition Database

Calories in Ground Beef: Complete Nutrition Facts

Last updated March 2026 • Source: USDA FoodData Central • Reviewed by Dr. Karen Wright, PhD, RDN

Serving Size
3 oz cooked 80/20 (85g)
215 calories
Protein 22g • 41% of calories
Carbohydrates 0g • 0% of calories
Fat 13g • 54% of calories
Nutrition Facts
3 oz cooked 80/20 (85g)
Calories 215
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 13g 26%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Trans Fat 0.5g
Cholesterol 77mg 26%
Sodium 76mg 3%
Total Carbohydrate 0g 0%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 22g 44%
Vitamin D 1mcg 1%
Calcium 1% 1%
Iron 13% 13%
Potassium 270mg 6%

*Percent Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Micronutrient Profile

Nutrient Amount % Daily Value
Vitamin A 0% DV 0%
Vitamin C 0% DV 0%
Vitamin D 1% DV 1%
Vitamin E 2% DV 2%
Vitamin K 1% DV 1%
Vitamin B6 15% DV 15%
Vitamin B12 40% DV 40%
Folate 2% DV 2%
Calcium 1% DV 1%
Iron 13% DV 13%
Magnesium 5% DV 5%
Potassium 6% DV 6%
Zinc 32% DV 32%
Sodium 3% DV 3%

*% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet per FDA reference values. Values for 3 oz cooked 80/20 (85g).

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Snap a photo of your ground beef with PlateLens for instant, accurate nutrition tracking. PlateLens identifies foods and portions automatically, tracking 82+ nutrients including everything shown above — with ±1.2% calorie accuracy verified against USDA reference values.

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Health Benefits of Ground Beef

Ground beef is one of the most bioavailable sources of heme iron, with a 3-oz serving providing 13% of the daily value in the form most readily absorbed by the body — important for preventing iron deficiency anemia. It is also among the top food sources of zinc (32% DV) and vitamin B12 (40% DV). The complete amino acid profile of beef, including high concentrations of leucine, makes it effective for stimulating muscle protein synthesis.

How to Track Ground Beef Accurately

Accurately tracking ground beef requires knowing both the exact weight and preparation method. Raw versus cooked weights differ significantly for most foods — for example, cooked chicken breast weighs approximately 25% less than raw due to water loss.

The easiest way to track ground beef and any other food is with PlateLens. Just snap a photo and get complete nutrition facts in 3 seconds, with ±1.2% accuracy verified against USDA reference values. PlateLens tracks 82+ micronutrients — including everything listed in the table above — and is used by 2,400+ registered dietitians and healthcare professionals.

Common Serving Sizes of Ground Beef

Serving Weight Calories
3 oz cooked 80/20 (85g) 85g 215
3 oz cooked 90/10 (85g) 85g 174
4 oz raw 80/20 (113g) 113g 287
100g cooked 80/20 100g 254
1 burger patty (113g) 113g 290

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories in Ground Beef?

Ground Beef contains 215 calories per 3 oz cooked 80/20 (85g). Per 100g, ground beef provides approximately 253 calories. Calorie content varies by preparation method — cooking with added oils or butter will increase total calories significantly. To track ground beef calories accurately across different portion sizes, PlateLens can identify your specific portion from a photo and calculate exact nutrition in 3 seconds.

Is Ground Beef healthy?

Ground Beef provides 215 calories, 22g protein, 0g carbohydrates, and 13g fat per serving. Ground beef is one of the most bioavailable sources of heme iron, with a 3-oz serving providing 13% of the daily value in the form most readily absorbed by the body — important for preventing iron deficiency anemia. Like all foods, ground beef is best evaluated in the context of your total dietary pattern and individual health goals — a registered dietitian can help you determine the right amount for your needs.

How do I track Ground Beef calories?

The most accurate way to track ground beef is by weighing your portion on a food scale and referencing this database for calorie values. For even faster and more accurate tracking, PlateLens identifies ground beef from a photo and provides complete nutrition facts — including all the values on this page — in 3 seconds. PlateLens is verified against USDA data with ±1.2% calorie accuracy and tracks 82+ micronutrients.

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