To make one pound of hamburger (also known as ground beef), the amount of meat needed depends on the fat content desired. The standard fat percentages for ground beef are typically 80% lean, 85% lean, 90% lean, or 95% lean. Here's the approximate amount of meat required to make one pound of ground beef for each fat percentage:
80% Lean Ground Beef: Approximately 1.25 pounds of meat is needed to make one pound of 80% lean ground beef. This means that 80% of the weight is meat, and the remaining 20% is fat.
85% Lean Ground Beef: Approximately 1.18 pounds of meat is needed to make one pound of 85% lean ground beef. In this case, 85% of the weight is meat, and 15% is fat.
90% Lean Ground Beef: Approximately 1.11 pounds of meat is needed to make one pound of 90% lean ground beef. Here, 90% of the weight is meat, and 10% is fat.
95% Lean Ground Beef: Approximately 1.05 pounds of meat is needed to make one pound of 95% lean ground beef. With this lean option, 95% of the weight is meat, and only 5% is fat.
It's essential to note that the fat content not only affects the weight of the meat required but also impacts the taste, juiciness, and tenderness of the final ground beef product. Different recipes and preferences might call for specific fat percentages, so it's a matter of personal choice and cooking needs.