Ground pork vs. ground beef and can ground pork be substituted for ground beef? We have all the answers to using and substituting ground pork for other meats.
Are you tired of using the same ingredients over and over? Maybe you want to try a different recipe that’ll make you the star of your kitchen. In that case, ground pork is a good option for a savory and sweet delight at the same time.
But what can you make using ground pork? Take a look at these easy ground pork recipes to level up your cooking. But if you’re wondering about beef vs. pork and which meat to choose for your next big meal, keep reading!
Ground Pork vs. Ground Beef
Cooking with ground pork
Ground pork is a versatile meat, less in calories, and an excellent source of protein. This distinction makes it a healthier option than ground beef or lamb (unless the beef is extra lean meat). Also, it can be used for a range of dishes without breaking your bank.
A few other perks of consuming ground pork are:
- Ground pork is easier to break and cook
- It’s made up of one type of cut - usually the shoulder
- It contains less sodium per serving.
- Suitable for dishes that require a moist texture - sausages, pork chops, etc.
- Ground pork has a higher sugar content than ground beef; it tastes sweeter when combined with the other ingredients and is delicious in Zucchini Pasta dishes and topped over Gluten-Free Pizza.
Can ground pork be refrozen?
This question lingers in meat lovers’ minds, and the answer isn’t that simple. While you’re ecstatic about meat shopping and making the next big meal for your family, saving unused meat is a task. Experts believe you can refreeze meat (ground pork) if it's thawed.
Aside from thawing, the below factors need to be considered.
- Freezing time and temperature
- The number of hours the meat was left outside
- Proper storage in the refrigerator
- The simple answer is - ground pork can be refrozen under certain conditions. While it’s not always a bad thing to change your mind, sticking to the correct methods of freezing can save time and health.
Cooking with ground beef
Ground beef is also a versatile meat, an excellent source of protein, iron, zinc, and comes in variations from lean to fatty. This distinction makes useful for dishes like burgers, meatloaf, or ground into stuffed peppers.
Perks of consuming ground beef are:
- It can be found at stores organic and grass-finished, making it a sustainable nourishing source of protein
- Ground beef is great for tacos, pasta, burgers, and meatloaf
- It’s made from the less tender and less popular cuts of beef — round, chuck and sirloin, but grinds into a perfectly juicy consistency
- It contains less saturated fat than ground pork.
When looking at beef vs. pork, beef has less sugar content than ground pork; has a variation of fat content ranging from lean to fattier cuts, and works well in place of pork when using a higher fat content. Beef that is 80/20 fat and is perfect for hamburgers, and anything 85/15 is more tough and better for cooking and adding to tacos, meatloaf, and casserole dishes.
How can you use ground pork instead of ground beef?
An array of delicacies can be made from ground pork or beef. If you’re running low on ground beef, substitute it with ground pork for extra flavors. One of the famous ground meat recipes are these Cabbage Bowls, where the ground meat can be substituted for ground pork or ground beef. This savory delight has a mixture of veggies, carrots, cabbage, and a Thai peanut butter sauce, making it a wholesome meal for your family.
Other dishes you can try with ground pork in place of beef or turkey:
- Juicy Hamburger Recipes
- Wraps
- Pasta
- Dumplings
- Rice
- Noodles
- Oven Baked Turkey Meatballs
Why is ground pork better with meatballs?
One dish that goes well with any ingredient is meatballs. Ground pork and ground beef have similar tastes and textures when used in meatballs. So, substitute ground beef with ground pork without hesitation or use them together.
Is ground pork healthier than ground beef?
Since ground pork is less fatty than ground beef, it can be a healthier choice, just choose your accompaniments accordingly. Most of the recipes for ground pork take time to make, but you’re sure to thank yourself later.
Pork can also be healthy if the meat is raised properly. Pork is a meat that is hard to digest so it is important to choose a brand raised without antibiotics, no added hormones, and without nitrates added. We love ButcherBox ground meats, including their ground breakfast sausage and ground pork. Check out my review on the company here.
Why ground pork works well when comparing ground pork vs ground beef
- Ground pork is smoother in texture.
- It binds well when used with any ingredient - oats, breadcrumbs, etc.
- It produces more grease/fat while cooking, which adds flavor.
Except for a few minor differences, ground pork and ground beef are similar. So, go ahead and use ground pork as much as you need. Again, choosing healthy, pork without nitrates added, no added hormones, and no added antibiotics.
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