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Beef sirloin vs. Ground beef — Health Impact and Nutrition Comparison

Article author photo Jack  Yacoubian by Jack Yacoubian | Last updated on April 18, 2023
Medically reviewed by Arpi Gasparyan Article author photo Arpi Gasparyan
Beef sirloin
vs
Ground beef

Summary

Beef sirloin is lower in calories and fats. Sirloin is richer in proteins, phosphorus, potassium, and vitamins B3 and B6. In comparison, ground beef is richer in iron and vitamin B12. Fatty ground beef increases the risks of cardiovascular disease. Ground beef is cheaper.

Introduction 

This article is a comparison between beef sirloin and ground beef. Both of them are derived from different parts of the meat. 
Sirloin is a steak cut derived from the beef's rear back. In comparison, ground beef can be made from most cuts of beef. 

In this article, we will compare cooked forms of bothThe sirloin is a trimmed 0' fat cut, and the ground beef is 70/30 ground. 

We will compare them based on some of their general differences, nutritional content, and health impacts. 

General differences

Well, one of the main differences is the texture. Ground beef is ground meat, and sirloin is a full-cut beef steak. 
This aspect is essential, considering how we can use these cuts. We can prepare different dishes for ground beef, such as lasagna, bolognese pasta, burrito, tacos, burger patty, and many other dishes. In comparison, sirloin, since it's a steak cut, we can do barbeque and steak and cut them into cubes in soups. 

Price

Ground beef is more often prepared by different types of cuts available in the beef, so relatively it's a cheaper cut compared to sirloin. 

Taste

Since it's 70/30, ground beef has a fattier taste than sirloin. The taste also depends on herbs, spices, and other aromatics often used while preparing these meats. 

Nutritional content comparison

This section will compare 100g of each in cooked forms. 

Calories

Ground beef is higher in calories compared to sirloin. This is primarily due to the higher fat profile of ground beef. 
Sirloin contains 177 calories, and ground beef contains 241 calories. 

Carbs and glycemic index

They have negligible carbs, and their glycemic index is 0.

Protein

Sirloin is richer in protein compared to ground beef. Sirloin contains 30g of protein, whereas ground beef contains 24g. 

Fats

The difference in their fat profile is very significant. Ground beef contains 15g of fats, and sirloin contains 5g. In addition, ground beef contains higher amounts of saturated fats and dietary cholesterol.

Fat Type Comparison

Fat type breakdown side-by-side comparison
47% 49% 5%
Saturated Fat: Sat. Fat 1.915 g
Monounsaturated Fat: Mono. Fat 2.006 g
Polyunsaturated fat: Poly. Fat 0.185 g
44% 53% 3%
Saturated Fat: Sat. Fat 6.073 g
Monounsaturated Fat: Mono. Fat 7.322 g
Polyunsaturated fat: Poly. Fat 0.408 g
Contains less Sat. FatSaturated Fat -68.5%
Contains more Mono. FatMonounsaturated Fat +265%
Contains more Poly. FatPolyunsaturated fat +120.5%
 

Minerals

Their mineral profile is similar to a certain extent. The difference is between phosphorus and potassium, higher in sirloin, and iron, higher in ground beef. 

Below we can visualize their mineral content. 

Mineral Comparison

Mineral comparison score is based on the number of minerals by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.
Magnesium Magnesium Calcium Calcium Potassium Potassium Iron Iron Copper Copper Zinc Zinc Phosphorus Phosphorus Sodium Sodium Manganese Manganese Selenium Selenium 19% 6.6% 36% 72% 28% 155% 108% 8.6% 1.4% 212%
Magnesium Magnesium Calcium Calcium Potassium Potassium Iron Iron Copper Copper Zinc Zinc Phosphorus Phosphorus Sodium Sodium Manganese Manganese Selenium Selenium 12% 9.9% 21% 85% 26% 159% 71% 9.5% 1.2% 104%
Contains more MagnesiumMagnesium +58.8%
Contains more PotassiumPotassium +70.1%
Contains more PhosphorusPhosphorus +52.4%
Contains less SodiumSodium -9.6%
Contains more ManganeseManganese +22.2%
Contains more SeleniumSelenium +103.7%
Contains more CalciumCalcium +50%
Contains more IronIron +18.2%
~equal in Copper ~0.079mg
~equal in Zinc ~5.84mg

Vitamins 

Sirloin is richer in vitamins B3 and B6. In comparison, ground beef is richer in vitamin B12

Most of these vitamins are near their daily recommended values, and the vitamin B12 amount in ground beef is 3x the RDV. 

Vitamin Comparison

Vitamin comparison score is based on the number of vitamins by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.
Vitamin C Vit. C Vitamin A Vit. A Vitamin E Vit. E Vitamin D Vit. D Vitamin B1 Vit. B1 Vitamin B2 Vit. B2 Vitamin B3 Vit. B3 Vitamin B5 Vit. B5 Vitamin B6 Vit. B6 Vitamin B12 Vit. B12 Vitamin K Vit. K Folate Folate Choline Choline 0% 0% 7.8% 0% 22% 38% 169% 36% 157% 184% 3.5% 7.5% 64%
Vitamin C Vit. C Vitamin A Vit. A Vitamin E Vit. E Vitamin D Vit. D Vitamin B1 Vit. B1 Vitamin B2 Vit. B2 Vitamin B3 Vit. B3 Vitamin B5 Vit. B5 Vitamin B6 Vit. B6 Vitamin B12 Vit. B12 Vitamin K Vit. K Folate Folate Choline Choline 0% 0.54% 2.4% 0% 13% 39% 75% 31% 72% 311% 7.3% 5.3% 40%
Contains more Vitamin EVitamin E +225%
Contains more Vitamin B1Vitamin B1 +72.5%
Contains more Vitamin B3Vitamin B3 +123.6%
Contains more Vitamin B5Vitamin B5 +18.6%
Contains more Vitamin B6Vitamin B6 +119%
Contains more FolateFolate +42.9%
Contains more CholineCholine +60.2%
Contains more Vitamin AVitamin A +∞%
Contains more Vitamin B12Vitamin B12 +69.4%
Contains more Vitamin KVitamin K +107.1%
~equal in Vitamin C ~0mg
~equal in Vitamin D ~0µg
~equal in Vitamin B2 ~0.171mg
 

Health impacts

Both are derivatives of beef meat, so they have common health impacts. However, due to their nutritional profiles, some differences exist between them. 

If you are looking for a substitute for ground meat, you can read this article comparing ground turkey and ground beef.

Gastrointestinal infections 

Since ground beef gets exposed to many leftovers in the grinder/mincer and gets mixed, we can have the presence of Ecoli, which can cause gastrointestinal infections. In severe cases, this Ecoli can cause HUS hemolytic uremic syndrome. 
It is always recommended not to eat burgers or ground meat in uncooked (medium or rare) forms. Cook thoroughly to prevent any gastrointestinal infections. (1)

Since the inside is not exposed to the outer environment, Sirloin can be eaten medium. 

Anemia

Section reviewed by gastroenterologist Arpi Gasparyan Article author photo Arpi Gasparyan

Ground beef is richer in vitamin B12, and consumption of vitamin B12 is linked with decreased risks of megaloblastic anemia. In addition, it is richer in iron, decreasing the risks of iron deficiency anemia. (2)(3)

Noting that sirloin is also rich in vitamin B12 and iron. 

Overall red meat consumption is associated with decreased risks of iron deficiency and megaloblastic anemias


It is vital to add red meat to your diet in moderate amounts. 

Cardiovascular health

Ground beef is higher in saturated fats, which are associated with increased cardiovascular disease risks. (4)

If you are further interested in the negative impacts of red meat, you can read this article. 

Article author photo Jack  Yacoubian
Education: Haigazian Medical University
Last updated: April 18, 2023
Medically reviewed by Arpi Gasparyan

Infographic

Beef sirloin vs Ground beef infographic
Infographic link

Macronutrient Comparison

Macronutrient breakdown side-by-side comparison
31% 5% 64%
Protein: 30.8 g
Fats: 5.03 g
Carbs: 0 g
Water: 63.58 g
Other: 0.59 g
24% 15% 58% 2%
Protein: 23.87 g
Fats: 15.37 g
Carbs: 0 g
Water: 58.37 g
Other: 2.39 g
Contains more ProteinProtein +29%
Contains more FatsFats +205.6%
Contains more OtherOther +305.1%
~equal in Carbs ~0g
~equal in Water ~58.37g

Comparison summary table

Pay attention to the rightmost column. It displays the amounts side by side, giving a clearer understanding of the difference.
Beef sirloin Ground beef
Lower in Cholesterol ok
Lower in Sodium ok
Lower in Saturated Fat ok
Lower in price ok
Lower in Sugar Equal
Lower in Glycemic Index Equal
Rich in minerals Equal
Rich in vitamins Equal

All nutrients comparison - raw data values

Nutrient Beef sirloin Ground beef Opinion
Calories 177kcal 241kcal Ground beef
Protein 30.8g 23.87g Beef sirloin
Fats 5.03g 15.37g Ground beef
Cholesterol 81mg 88mg Beef sirloin
Vitamin D 2IU Ground beef
Magnesium 27mg 17mg Beef sirloin
Calcium 22mg 33mg Ground beef
Potassium 410mg 241mg Beef sirloin
Iron 1.92mg 2.27mg Ground beef
Copper 0.085mg 0.079mg Beef sirloin
Zinc 5.7mg 5.84mg Ground beef
Phosphorus 253mg 166mg Beef sirloin
Sodium 66mg 73mg Beef sirloin
Vitamin A 0IU 9IU Ground beef
Vitamin A 0µg 3µg Ground beef
Vitamin E 0.39mg 0.12mg Beef sirloin
Manganese 0.011mg 0.009mg Beef sirloin
Selenium 38.9µg 19.1µg Beef sirloin
Vitamin B1 0.088mg 0.051mg Beef sirloin
Vitamin B2 0.163mg 0.171mg Ground beef
Vitamin B3 9.001mg 4.026mg Beef sirloin
Vitamin B5 0.607mg 0.512mg Beef sirloin
Vitamin B6 0.681mg 0.311mg Beef sirloin
Vitamin B12 1.47µg 2.49µg Ground beef
Vitamin K 1.4µg 2.9µg Ground beef
Folate 10µg 7µg Beef sirloin
Trans Fat 1.173g Beef sirloin
Choline 117.3mg 73.2mg Beef sirloin
Saturated Fat 1.915g 6.073g Beef sirloin
Monounsaturated Fat 2.006g 7.322g Ground beef
Polyunsaturated fat 0.185g 0.408g Ground beef
Tryptophan 0.202mg 0.121mg Beef sirloin
Threonine 1.23mg 0.923mg Beef sirloin
Isoleucine 1.401mg 1.055mg Beef sirloin
Leucine 2.45mg 1.861mg Beef sirloin
Lysine 2.603mg 1.976mg Beef sirloin
Methionine 0.802mg 0.614mg Beef sirloin
Phenylalanine 1.217mg 0.931mg Beef sirloin
Valine 1.528mg 1.172mg Beef sirloin
Histidine 0.983mg 0.775mg Beef sirloin
Omega-6 - Gamma-linoleic acid 0.008g Ground beef

Which food is preferable for your diet?

ok
ok
is better in case of low diet
Beef sirloin Ground beef
Low Calories diet ok
Low Fats diet ok
Low Carbs diet Equal
Low Glycemic Index diet Equal

People also compare

Vitamins & Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score

The summary scores indicate the extent to which this food can fulfill your daily vitamin and mineral requirements if you consume 3 servings, consisting of 100 grams of each (an approximation of 3 serving sizes).
Vitamins Daily Need Coverage Score
53%
Beef sirloin
46%
Ground beef
Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score
65%
Beef sirloin
50%
Ground beef

Comparison summary

Which food is lower in Cholesterol?
Beef sirloin
Beef sirloin is lower in Cholesterol (difference - 7mg)
Which food contains less Sodium?
Beef sirloin
Beef sirloin contains less Sodium (difference - 7mg)
Which food is lower in Saturated Fat?
Beef sirloin
Beef sirloin is lower in Saturated Fat (difference - 4.158g)
Which food is cheaper?
Beef sirloin
Beef sirloin is cheaper (difference - $2)
Which food contains less Sugar?
?
The foods are relatively equal in Sugar (0 g)
Which food is lower in glycemic index?
?
The foods have equal glycemic indexes (0)
Which food is richer in minerals?
?
It cannot be stated which food is richer in vitamins. See the charts below for detailed information. See the charts below for detailed information. See the charts below for detailed information.
Which food is richer in vitamins?
?
It cannot be stated which food is richer in vitamins. See the charts below for detailed information. See the charts below for detailed information. See the charts below for detailed information.

References

All the values for which the sources are not specified explicitly are taken from FDA’s Food Central. The exact link to the food presented on this page can be found below.

  1. Beef sirloin - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/168636/nutrients
  2. Ground beef - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/169474/nutrients

All the Daily Values are presented for males aged 31-50, for 2000-calorie diets.

Data provided by FoodStruct.com should be considered and used as information only. Please consult your physician before beginning any diet.