Ground beef changes weight and volume after cooking because moisture and fat are released. This makes it hard to know exactly how many cups you get from a pound. Whether you are meal-prepping, tracking calories, or scaling a recipe, understanding the cooked-to-raw conversion is important.
This guide explains the exact cups per pound, how cooking changes volume, yield tables for all fat percentages, and helpful measuring tips.
⭐ Quick Answer: How Many Cups of Cooked Ground Beef Are in 1 Pound?
1 pound of raw ground beef gives about 2 to 2.5 cups of cooked ground beef.
Here’s the breakdown:
| Raw Ground Beef | Fat % | Cooked Yield | Cups of Cooked Beef |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 pound | 70/30 | ~10–12 oz cooked | 1.75–2 cups |
| 1 pound | 80/20 | ~11–12.5 oz cooked | 2–2.25 cups |
| 1 pound | 85/15 | ~12–13 oz cooked | 2.25–2.5 cups |
| 1 pound | 90/10 | ~13–14 oz cooked | 2.5–2.75 cups |
| 1 pound | 93/7 | ~13.5–14.5 oz cooked | 2.75–3 cups |
Simple Average:
➡️ 1 pound of cooked ground beef = about 2 to 2.5 cups
🍔 Why the Volume Changes After Cooking
Ground beef loses weight as fat and moisture melt away. The more fat the beef has, the more it shrinks.
1. Fat melts away
This is why 70/30 beef shrinks the most and gives fewer cups.
2. Water evaporates
Heating removes moisture, making the cooked beef lighter and more compact.
3. Crumbling reduces air pockets
Raw beef is fluffy. Cooked beef becomes dense crumbles.
4. Cooking method matters
- Frying → more shrinkage
- Boiling → less shrinkage
- Pressure cooking → moderate shrinkage
🥄 Exact Measuring Guide: Pounds → Cups of Cooked Beef
Ground Beef (80/20) Conversion Table
| Raw Weight | Cooked Weight | Cups Cooked |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4 pound (4 oz) | 2.5–3 oz | 1/2–3/4 cup |
| 1/2 pound (8 oz) | 5.5–6 oz | 1–1.25 cups |
| 3/4 pound (12 oz) | 8–9 oz | 1.5–1.75 cups |
| 1 pound (16 oz) | 11–12 oz | 2–2.25 cups |
| 2 pounds | 22–24 oz | 4–4.5 cups |
🧂 How Fat Percentage Affects Cups of Cooked Beef
70/30 Ground Beef (High Fat)
- Most shrinkage
- One pound gives only 1.75–2 cups
80/20 Ground Beef (Standard Fat)
- Most common in recipes
- One pound gives 2–2.25 cups
85/15 Ground Beef (Lean)
- Less shrinkage
- One pound gives 2.25–2.5 cups
90/10 Ground Beef (Very Lean)
- One pound gives 2.5–2.75 cups
93/7 Ground Beef (Extra Lean)
- One pound gives 2.75–3 cups
🔥 Cooking Methods That Change the Final Volume
1. Pan-frying
- Most common
- Fat drains away → more shrinkage
- 1 lb → 2–2.25 cups
2. Slow cooking
- Less fat loss
- Meat stays moist
- 1 lb → 2.25–2.5 cups
3. Boiling / simmering
- Retains moisture
- 1 lb → 2.5+ cups
4. Air frying
- Dries out faster
- 1 lb → 2 cups
🥣 How to Measure Cooked Ground Beef Accurately
Method 1: Using Cups
- Spoon beef gently into a measuring cup.
- Don’t press it down.
- Level the top.
Method 2: Using a Kitchen Scale
- Weigh the bowl.
- Add cooked beef.
- Subtract bowl weight.
Most accurate method.
Method 3: Portion Prep Method
Weigh total cooked yield → divide into meal portions.
📦 Raw vs Cooked Ground Beef Yield (Complete Guide)
Ground beef shrinks by 25–30% when cooked.
| Raw Beef | Cooked Beef | Shrink % |
|---|---|---|
| 1 lb | 11–12 oz | 25–30% |
| 2 lb | 22–24 oz | 25–30% |
| 3 lb | 33–36 oz | 25–30% |
Lean beef shrinks less, fatty beef shrinks more.
🧮 Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many cups is 1 pound of cooked ground beef?
About 2 to 2.5 cups, depending on fat level and cooking method.
2. How many cups is 1/2 pound of cooked ground beef?
About 1 to 1.25 cups.
3. How many cups in 2 pounds of cooked ground beef?
Around 4 to 4.5 cups.
4. How many grams is 1 cup of cooked ground beef?
1 cup cooked = 110–130 grams, depending on density.
5. How many ounces are in 1 cup cooked ground beef?
1 cup = 4.5–5.5 ounces cooked.
6. Does draining the fat reduce the cups?
Yes. Draining removes moisture and fat, reducing the final cup amount.
7. Why do recipes say “1 lb ground beef” but use cups later?
Because raw meat is sold by weight, but cooked meat is easier to portion using cups.
8. Does seasoning affect the volume?
Lightly. Sauces and liquids can increase the cup measurement slightly.
9. Is cooked ground beef lighter than raw?
Yes. It loses fat and water during cooking.
10. Does breaking beef into smaller pieces change the cup amount?
Yes. Fine crumbles pack tighter, giving slightly more cups per pound.
