The butcher’s daughter, part two
Can ground meat fit into a healthy diet? I would argue that yes, it sure can! Here are some things to consider when eating ground meat.
How lean is it? First let’s get the obvious out of the way - ground beef is higher in fat than ground turkey and chicken, and red meat (beef) is recommended to be consumed once a week or less.
Now let’s tackle those numbers… how do you know which option is leanest? 80/20 (lean/fat) is a common breakdown for ground beef. That means that 80% of the beef is lean and 20% of the beef is fat. Ground turkey and chicken range from 85/15 to the leanest option at 99/1.
What temperature should it be cooked to?
Ground beef and pork- 160 degrees Fahrenheit
Ground chicken and turkey - 165 degrees Fahrenheit
What are healthy, tasty recipes using ground meat?
Chicken parmesan meatballs is a winner, I skip the mozzarella cheese and just throw them into marinara sauce, serve over whole wheat pasta.
Simple turkey chili is a great way to introduce your family to ground turkey. Pro tip - try making it with half beef and half turkey the first time you have it.
Chicken keema with peas sounds exotic, but it’s really not. It is, however, DELICIOUS. Try this easy crockpot meal over brown rice or with a piece of naan bread.
Ground meat has a similar nutritional profile as a piece of chicken, turkey, or steak. I believe it can help choosy kids to be more accepting of protein on their plate and it’s an affordable, convenient option for busy households.
References:
More on food safety from FoodSafety.gov
Considerations of ground beef vs ground turkey from Healthline