What Is Ground Chuck? The Facts You Need To Know!

Why does it have to be ground beef? Well, as you all know, ground meat is the most versatile type of meat sold on the market. A small portion of it can give your soup or dish a meaty taste. Whether it’s burgers, meatloaf, taco or spring rolls, you need ground meat.

It is also cheaper than big cuts and slices of meat. So, if your budget is tight, just keep portions of it in your freezer and you can plan your whole week’s meals from it.

With this thought in mind, I was curious to find out where ground meat comes from and what ground chuck is? Is it the same as the ground beef that I bought earlier? Let’s first find out how ground meat is made and the different types there are. Are you ready?

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What Is Ground Chuck?

What Is Ground Beef?

Ground beef is typically beef that has been either ground up or chopped. The method of grinding tenderizes those cuts that are usually tough. Grinding the fatty cuts together with lean cuts helps to lessen its dryness and also enhances the taste of regular cut meat.

If you want to find out how the beef is being ground, this video covers it all. Enjoy!

Different Types Of Ground Beef

So that you won’t be confused, I’ll give you an idea about the different types of ground beef there are. This way, you will know what to buy and what to call it. Remember both the fat level and texture of the grind when you buy ground beef. Where ground beef comes from can vary.

Fat

Where It Come From

Others

Regular Ground Beef

25-30% fat

Extras of brisket and chunks

The least costly with the best taste. It shrinks the most during cooking because of the fat content, but it is the most delicious and juicy.

Ground Chuck

15-20% fat

The anterior area of the animal at the shoulder

This is a versatile form of ground beef, since it is less fatty than the regular kind. It has good flavor and is labeled in the supermarket as “Lean ground meat”.

Ground Round

12% fat

The lower end of the cow, close to the tail area

It has a less beefy flavor and is labeled in the supermarket as “Extra lean ground meat”.

Ground Sirloin

10-14% fat

Mid-section of the cow

This is the leanest and most luxurious type, but the driest when cooked.

Hamburger/Ground Beef

30% fat

From any part of the cow

 

As you have learned, ground chuck is a type of ground beef that comes from a special cut of the meat for grounding. It is best used just for hamburgers, meatloaf, and meatballs. That’s why it’s a lot cheaper than the others.

The maximum allowable fat content in any hamburger or ground beef is 30% fat and 70% lean. A three-ounce serving of ground chuck contains 209 calories, 14 gm fat, 20 gm protein and zero carbohydrates. It is useful for you to know that the protein in ground chuck is easily absorbed by the body.

Tips On How To Buy Ground Chuck

  • Buying from a butcher is less risky because there is less chance of bacterial contamination, as it comes from just one or two cows and is ground before your eyes. Ground beef in the supermarket is packed somewhere else before it gets to the store. It also comes from many cows. As a result, the contamination control is minimal.
  • Your ground chuck should look “fresh cherry red” on the outside and a little bit brown in the center. Do not panic. This is caused by a lack of oxygen exposure. However, if you see that the ground beef is already gray and brownish on the outside, do not buy it as it’s beginning to go off.
  • If you’re planning to buy ground chuck, buy all the items on your list first, and then pick it up last of all. It should always be placed in cold storage. Don’t give bacteria the time to thrive in the meat.
  • If you like fresh ground chuck, you could ask the supermarket staff or your butcher to make it for you. You can also ask for a custom blend, which is a big advantage, or grind it yourself at home, which is the best and safest option.

Now that we have learned what ground chuck is, and found out about the other types of ground meat, I am confident that you won’t be confused during your next trip to the supermarket. It is easy to buy one of my recipes as well.

If you think this information is important and it’s worth sharing, don’t hesitate to tell your friends. Who knows, we might help somebody who is having a hard time figuring out what kind of meat to buy!