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80/20 Ground Beef

If there's a Hall of Fame for ground beef, 80/20 ground beef deserves a spot as the undisputed champion. This iconic ratio, with 80% lean meat and 20% fat, is a true culinary workhorse, delivering juicy, flavorful results in everything from classic burgers to hearty meatloaf.

The Magic of 80/20

The beauty of 80/20 lies in its perfect balance:

  • Juiciness: The 20% fat content ensures your burgers (or meatballs, or meatloaf) won’t dry out on the grill or in the oven. The fat melts during cooking, infusing the meat with moisture and preventing that dreaded hockey-puck texture.
  • Rich Flavor: Fat carries flavor, and 80/20 has just enough to give your dishes a deep, satisfying beefiness. It’s the classic, crave-worthy flavor that defines the perfect burger experience.
  • Versatility: The balance of lean and fat makes 80/20 the ultimate multitasker. It’s fantastic for burgers and meatloaf, but also shines in tacos, pasta sauces, chili, or anywhere you want reliably flavorful ground beef.

Why Chefs and Home Cooks Love 80/20

This ratio isn’t just iconic; it’s also practical:

  • Forgiving: It offers a little more wiggle room in cooking than leaner options. Your burgers will still be juicy even if slightly overcooked.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: 80/20 delivers the satisfying richness and juiciness most people crave in their ground beef dishes.
  • Widely Available: It’s the most common ratio in grocery stores, making it easy to find.
Kitchen Guide

Ground Beef Meat

The USDA minimum safe internal temperature is 160°F.

Popular serving temperatures:

  • 120 – 130°F – Rare
  • 130 – 140°F – Medium Rare
  • 140 – 150°F – Medium (most popular, especially by chefs)
  • 150 – 160°F – Medium Well
  • 160°F and more – Well Done
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Tips for Cooking with 80/20

  • Gentle Handling: To preserve the juicy results, form patties with a light touch to avoid toughening the meat.
  • Consider Drainage: For dishes where too much grease isn’t ideal (like tacos or sauces), you might want to drain some fat after cooking.
  • Experiment: Don’t be afraid to branch out beyond burgers! 80/20 ground beef is your secret weapon for amazing homemade meatballs, the richest meatloaf, and countless other dishes.
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The All-Around Winner

If you could only buy one type of ground beef, 80/20 could confidently be your choice. It boasts the ideal combination of juiciness, flavor, and adaptability with a forgiving nature that makes it a pleasure to cook with. Whether you’re a grilling master or a kitchen novice, 80/20 ground beef will reliably help you create delicious, crowd-pleasing meals.

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