Mixing different types of ground meat together is a common question many home cooks have. There are several reasons you may want to mix ground beef and chicken together, such as cost savings, adding flavor, or trying to reduce the fat content in a recipe. The short answer is yes, you can safely mix ground beef and ground chicken together in recipes, as long as you follow a few guidelines.
Safety Concerns
One of the main concerns when mixing different ground meats is food safety. Ground beef and chicken have different optimal internal cooking temperatures to kill any potential bacteria and pathogens present. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F, while ground chicken needs to reach 165°F for safety.
When mixing the two, it’s important to cook the mixture thoroughly until it reaches 165°F internally. Use a food thermometer to check the temperature and ensure it reaches this safe level. Properly cooking it to temperature will kill any bacteria present and prevent food poisoning.
Additional Safety Tips
- Wash your hands before and after handling raw ground meats.
- Don’t cross-contaminate by using the same plates and utensils for raw and cooked meat without washing them in between.
- Refrigerate raw ground meat mixtures promptly and cook within 1-2 days.
- Cook all ground meat mixtures to 165°F as measured with a food thermometer.
Following basic food safety guidelines will help minimize any risks when mixing different ground meats.
Flavor and Texture
In terms of flavor, ground beef and ground chicken can work well together in recipes. Ground beef provides beefy, savory notes, while ground chicken has a milder flavor. When combined, they create a more complex flavor profile.
You’ll also get contrasting textures between the two. Ground chicken is generally a bit softer and finer than beef. The beef will add more coarseness and chew. Mixing them allows you to balance the texture.
Some key tips for combining ground beef and chicken include:
- Use a ratio that suits your tastes – 50/50, 75/25, etc. Adjust to get the flavor and texture you prefer.
- Season well with salt, pepper and other spices to help unify the flavors.
- Cook properly to meld the textures and flavors.
- Finely mincing aromatics like onions and garlic will also help marry the two meats.
Nutrition
In terms of nutrition, ground chicken is generally healthier than beef. It’s much lower in saturated fat and calories. Per 3 ounces cooked (which is about the size of a deck of cards):
| Ground Meat | Calories | Total Fat | Saturated Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| 85% lean ground beef | 235 | 15g | 6g |
| 93% lean ground chicken | 140 | 4.5g | 1g |
Mixing some ground chicken into ground beef recipes can help reduce the calories, fat, and saturated fat per serving. It allows you to lighten up certain dishes like burgers, meatballs, meatloaf, etc.
Other Nutrition Benefits
- Chicken provides more protein per calorie than beef.
- Chicken contains more of some micronutrients like vitamin B6, selenium, and choline.
- Beef contains more iron and B vitamins like B12 and niacin.
Balancing ground beef and chicken can allow you to obtain a greater variety of nutrients in your diet.
Ground Beef and Chicken Recipe Ideas
There are many recipe options for mixing ground beef and chicken. Some ideas include:
Burgers
Mixing ground chicken into burger patties is a great way to reduce the fat and calories. Make patties using a ratio like 75% lean ground beef to 25% ground chicken. Season the patties well and cook to 165°F internal temperature.
Meatballs
For lighter meatballs, use 50% ground beef and 50% ground chicken. Season with your favorite Italian-style herbs and spices. Cook until done and use in pasta dishes or appetizers.
Meatloaf
For a healthier meatloaf, replace half the ground beef with ground chicken in your favorite recipe. Cook to proper temperature and slice for entrees or sandwiches.
Casseroles
Any casserole calling for ground beef can be made with a ground beef and chicken blend. Try 50/50 in dishes like chili, lasagna, shepherd’s pie and more.
Tacos
Spiced ground beef and chicken makes tasty taco meat. Season a blend with taco seasoning and top tacos, burritos, nachos and more.
Let your creativity guide you and adapt any ground beef recipe to use a mixture of chicken and beef.
Conclusion
Mixing ground beef and ground chicken together is perfectly safe and provides some potential benefits compared to using only beef. Be sure to cook thoroughly to 165°F, follow proper food safety practices, and season well. Combining the two meats can allow you to balance nutrition, texture, and flavor in recipes using ground meat. With the right ratio and cooking, you can safely mix these two versatile ingredients.