Ground beef is a versatile and popular ingredient used in many classic dishes like burgers tacos chili, and meatloaf. But determining the right portion size for recipes can be tricky when the ground beef is raw. What does 5 ounces of ground beef look like before it’s cooked?
With some simple visual comparisons and examples, you can easily eyeball amounts and get the right serving size of ground beef every time.
What is a Serving Size of Ground Beef?
The recommended serving size for cooked ground beef is 3 ounces, about the size of a deck of cards. This provides around 180 calories and 15 grams of protein.
Many recipes will call for 4 to 6 ounces of raw ground beef per serving to account for cook down. So 5 ounces of raw ground beef will yield a cooked 3-ounce serving portion.
When purchasing ground beef at the grocery store, 5 ounces of raw ground beef equates to just under 1/3 pound Packages are often sold in 1 pound increments, so 5 ounces would be slightly less than half of a 1 pound package
How to Visually Estimate 5 Ounces of Ground Beef
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Baseball size: A 5-ounce raw portion of ground beef is about the size of a baseball or a clenched fist. This visual is helpful when forming patties or meatballs.
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Palm of hand: A palm-sized amount of raw ground beef equals around 4-5 ounces. Using the palm as a guide works well for dishes like chili or tacos.
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Identical balls: Dividing the beef into 2.5-ounce balls, about the size of a golf ball or large egg, can help portion it out into 5-ounce servings.
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Kitchen scale Getting an exact 5-ounce portion is easy with a digital kitchen scale. Simply place a bowl on the scale tare to zero it out, then add ground beef until hitting 5 ounces on the display.
Examples of 5 Ounces of Ground Beef
- Burger patty
- 2 small meatballs
- Taco filling for 2 tacos
- Chili or sloppy joe meat for 1 serving
- Filling for 1 burrito or enchilada
- Lasagna layer for 1 serving
- Shepherd’s pie filling for 1 serving
Tips for Portioning Ground Beef
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Use ice cream scoops for evenly-sized meatballs or patties. A 2-tablespoon scoop yields about 1 ounce.
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Weigh out meat for recipes in bulk and divide into 5-ounce portions to freeze for later use. Thaw before cooking.
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Buy pre-portioned 5-ounce tubes of ground beef at some grocery stores for easy weeknight meals.
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Cook extra ground beef and freeze leftovers in 5-ounce amounts that can be reheated for future recipes.
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Invest in a kitchen scale for the most accurate way to portion ground beef and other ingredients.
Summary
Getting the right 5-ounce serving of ground beef before cooking comes down to some simple size comparisons and examples. A baseball size amount, palm of the hand, or two identical 2.5-ounce balls are easy visual guides. Kitchen scales can also precisely measure 5-ounce portions. Properly portioning ground beef helps get servings accurate in recipes and also allows smart prep ahead options for future meals. With this handy reference, you’ll be an expert at eyeballing 5 ounces of ground beef in no time.
Bodybuilding Nutrition Tip: How to Accurately Weigh Cooked Meat
FAQ
How much meat is 5 ounces?
What does a serving size of ground beef look like?
What do 3 ounces of cooked ground beef look like?
What does 2oz of meat look like?
What does 1 oz of meat look like?
In this section, we will explore visual comparisons to help you understand what 1 oz of meat looks like. A standard 1 oz serving of meat is generally equivalent to the size of a small matchbox or the palm of your hand. To visualize this, imagine a slice of deli meat about the size of a slice of bread, or a single chicken tenderloin.
Ground beef vs Ground round: Which is healthier?
Ground round is better than ground beef because of less fat content as compared to ground beef. It can be used in soups and hamburgers. Beef falls into red meats and is high in cholesterol and saturated fats which are unhealthy for heart and even for diabetic patients. Lean meats like chicken and fish which are used skinless in soups and curries are better option than red meats.
What is a 5 oz steak?
A 5 oz steak is a smaller portion size compared to the 8 oz steak. Let’s explore its appearance, dimensions, and characteristics to give you a better understanding of its size. A 5 oz steak is typically thinner than an 8 oz steak, measuring around 0.75 inches to 1 inch in thickness.
How many calories in 5 oz of ground beef (80% lean / 20% fat)?
There are 356 calories in 5 ounces of Ground Beef (80% Lean / 20% Fat). Calorie breakdown: 72% fat, 0% carbs, 28% protein. There are 356 calories in 5 ounces of Ground Beef (80% Lean / 20% Fat). Get full nutrition facts and other common serving sizes of Ground Beef (80% Lean / 20% Fat) including 1 oz and 1 oz.