How Many Calories Are in a Quarter Pound of Ground Beef?

Ground beef is a staple ingredient in many delicious dishes like burgers, tacos, chili, meatloaf, and more. But with varying fat contents, the number of calories in ground beef can differ significantly depending on the leanness.

So how many calories are actually in a quarter pound of ground beef? Let’s take a look at the calorie counts for some of the most common types:

Calories in 80/20 Ground Beef (80% Lean / 20% Fat)

• 288 calories in 1/4 lb (114g)
• 22.7g total fat
• 8.7g saturated fat
• 81mg cholesterol
• 19.5g protein

80/20 is the most popular ground beef option. With 80% lean meat and 20% fat, a quarter pound contains 288 calories and 22.7g of fat.

Of the total fat, 8.7g is saturated. It also has 81mg of cholesterol. Protein content is 19.5g per quarter pound.

This standard 80/20 beef is on the fattier side but provides plenty of flavor. It’s commonly used for burgers, meatballs, meatloaf, chili, tacos, and more.

Calories in 85/15 Ground Beef (85% Lean / 15% Fat)

• 244 calories in 1/4 lb (114g)
• 17g total fat
• 6.7g saturated fat
• 77mg cholesterol
• 21.1g protein

85/15 ground beef contains 85% lean meat and 15% fat. A quarter pound has 244 calories and 17g of fat.

The saturated fat content is lower at 6.7g. It has 77mg cholesterol and 21.1g of protein per quarter pound.

The 85/15 blend has a bit less fat and calories than 80/20. It provides a leaner option that’s still flavorful enough for most recipes.

Calories in 90/10 Ground Beef (90% Lean / 10% Fat)

• 200 calories in 1/4 lb (114g)
• 10g total fat
• 4g saturated fat
• 71mg cholesterol
• 22.3g protein

Upgrading to a 90/10 ratio drops the fat content down to just 10%. A quarter pound contains 200 calories and 10g of total fat.

Saturated fat decreases to 4g. Protein increases slightly to 22.3g. Cholesterol is 71mg per quarter pound.

This very lean blend is great if you’re looking to reduce calories without losing flavor or texture. It works well for burgers, tacos, meatballs, and other dishes.

Calories in 95/5 Ground Beef (95% Lean / 5% Fat)

• 172 calories in 1/4 lb (114g)
• 5g total fat
• 2g saturated fat
• 62mg cholesterol
• 23.8g protein

Extra lean 95/5 ground beef is 95% lean beef and just 5% fat. A quarter pound contains only 172 calories and 5g of total fat.

Saturated fat drops even further to 2g. Protein content is 23.8g. Cholesterol is low at 62mg.

This ultra-lean option provides the lowest fat and calories. It makes excellent burgers and meats crumbles. However, the texture may be a bit drier than fattier blends.

Ground Turkey as Lower Calorie Alternative

Ground turkey can also be used as a lower calorie substitution:

• 156 calories in 1/4 lb (114g) 93% lean ground turkey
• 3.5g fat
• 1g saturated fat
• 82mg cholesterol
• 24.9g protein

93% lean ground turkey contains just 156 calories in a quarter pound. It has slightly less fat than 95/5 beef, while providing more protein.

Ground turkey has a milder flavor. If substituting in recipes, you may want to amp up seasoning. It works great for burgers, meatballs, chili, tacos, etc.

Comparing Calories in a Quarter Pound of Ground Beef

Type of Ground Beef | Calories | Total Fat