Calories in Ground Lamb: Full Nutrition Breakdown

Ground lamb is a flavorful and versatile meat widely used in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and South Asian cuisines. It has a distinctly rich taste and a higher fat content than many other ground meats, which contributes to its tender texture and bold flavor. Here is a complete breakdown of ground lamb nutrition by serving size.

Calories by serving (cooked, pan-browned):

Ground lamb is a good source of vitamin B12, zinc, iron, niacin, and selenium. It also contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a naturally occurring fatty acid found in ruminant meats that has been studied for potential health benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How does ground lamb compare to ground beef?

Ground lamb has about 283 calories per 3.5 oz cooked, which is comparable to regular (80/20) ground beef at around 254 calories for the same serving. Ground lamb is slightly higher in total fat at 19.6 grams versus about 17 grams for ground beef. The flavor profiles differ significantly, with lamb having a more distinctive, slightly gamey taste compared to beef.

How much fat does ground lamb have?

A 3.5 oz cooked serving of ground lamb contains approximately 19.6 grams of total fat, of which about 8.1 grams is saturated fat. This puts ground lamb in the moderate-to-high fat category among ground meats. Draining the rendered fat after cooking can reduce the total fat content by 20-30%, bringing the calorie count down noticeably.

What are the best uses for ground lamb?

Ground lamb excels in dishes like lamb kebabs, kofta, lamb burgers, moussaka, shepherd's pie, and Middle Eastern-style meatballs. It is also commonly seasoned with spices like cumin, coriander, mint, and garlic, which complement its rich flavor. Ground lamb works well as a substitute for ground beef in most recipes where a more robust flavor is desired.

Is lamb a healthy meat choice?

Lamb is a nutritious meat that provides high-quality protein along with important micronutrients including vitamin B12, zinc, and heme iron. While it is higher in fat than poultry or lean beef cuts, lamb from grass-fed animals tends to have a more favorable omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acid ratio. Consuming lamb in moderate portions as part of a varied diet can be part of a healthy eating pattern.

What is CLA in lamb and why does it matter?

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a naturally occurring fatty acid found in the fat of ruminant animals like lamb, beef, and goats. Lamb is one of the richest dietary sources of CLA, containing roughly 5-6 mg per gram of fat. Research has investigated CLA for potential benefits related to body composition, immune function, and metabolic health, though results in humans have been mixed and more studies are needed.