Rice VS Cooked Ground Beef
A detailed nutritional comparison
Rice
Cooked Ground Beef
🎯 Quick Verdict
Cooked ground beef is significantly higher in protein, healthy fats, and micronutrients like iron and vitamin B12. In contrast, rice is lower in calories and provides fiber and carbohydrates, making it ideal for quick energy and digestion support. Both foods serve different roles depending on dietary goals, with rice suited for energy-driven diets and beef for muscle-building and nutrient density.
Smart Nutrition Tracking with SnapCalorie
📊 Nutritional Comparison
Macronutrients
| Nutrient | Food 1 | Food 2 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 130 per cup (white rice) | 250 per 100g (85% lean ground beef) | ✓ |
| Protein | 2.5g per cup | 20g per 100g | ✓ |
| Carbs | 28g per cup | 0g per 100g | ✓ |
| Fat | 0.3g per cup | 17g per 100g | ✓ |
| Fiber | 0.6g per cup | 0g per 100g | ✓ |
Vitamins & Minerals
| Nutrient | Food 1 | Food 2 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 1mg per cup | 2.7mg per 100g | ✓ |
| Vitamin B12 | 0mcg | 2.4mcg per 100g | ✓ |
| Magnesium | 11mg per cup | 20mg per 100g | ✓ |
🏆 Category Winners
Protein
Ground beef contains 8 times more protein per serving, essential for muscle growth and repair.
Fiber
Rice provides a small amount of fiber, whereas beef has none.
Calories
Rice has roughly 50% fewer calories per serving compared to ground beef, making it lighter for weight-conscious diets.
Vitamins
Ground beef is a source of essential micronutrients like iron and vitamin B12 that rice lacks entirely.
🥗 Diet Compatibility
Keto
Food 1: Not Compatible
Food 2: Compatible
Rice is high in carbohydrates, while beef is carb-free and higher in fat, fitting a ketogenic diet.
Vegan
Food 1: Compatible
Food 2: Not Compatible
Rice is plant-based, while ground beef is an animal product.
Gluten Free
Food 1: Compatible
Food 2: Compatible
Neither food contains gluten.
Paleo
Food 1: Not Compatible
Food 2: Compatible
Ground beef aligns with paleo principles, while rice (a grain) does not.
Low-Carb
Food 1: Not Compatible
Food 2: Compatible
Rice is high in carbohydrates, whereas beef has no carbs.
💪 Health Benefits Comparison
Food 1 Benefits
- Good source of quick digesting carbohydrates for energy.
- Low in fat and calories, supporting weight management.
- Provides a small amount of dietary fiber beneficial for digestion.
Food 2 Benefits
- High-quality protein for muscle maintenance and repair.
- Rich in iron, supporting oxygen transport and energy production.
- Contains vitamin B12, crucial for brain function and red blood cell formation.
✅ The Bottom Line
Choose cooked ground beef if your goal is to build muscle, replenish key nutrients like vitamin B12 and iron, or follow a low-carb diet. Opt for rice when you need quick energy, a lighter calorie option, or a vegan-friendly food source. Both can complement one another in balanced meals.
Choose Food 1 for: Quick energy, vegan diets, light meals.
Choose Food 2 for: Muscle building, nutrient density, low-carb/keto/paleo diets.
