The Differences Between Ground Buffalo & Beef

Ground buffalo provides an alternative to ground beef, pictured here.

Buffalo meat, also known as bison, has been popping up on restaurant menus and in grocery stores across the country. While the the taste of ground buffalo is often compared to ground beef, there are many significant differences between the two types of meat.

Appearance and Taste

While ground buffalo and ground beef may look very similar, there are slight differences between the two. Raw buffalo meat tends to be darker red than ground beef because of the fact that buffalo meat is not marbled with fat like ground beef. The taste of ground buffalo, though similar to that of ground beef, is another selling point of this meat. Many people claim buffalo meat is slightly sweeter and richer tasting that beef, according to the Nebraska State Buffalo Association. The group adds that many people even claim bison is the most flavorful meat the have ever tasted.

Nutritional Value

Cooks looking for more nutritious alternative to ground beef will be pleased to learn that ground buffalo holds greater nutritional value. Buffalo meat is considered nutrient-dense because it offers a substantial amount of healthy protein, minerals, fats and fatty acids with relatively few calories. Ground bison has more iron per serving (3.42 mg) than ground beef (2.99 mg). Grass-fed buffalo also provides consumers with more omega-3 fatty acids than grain-fed beef.

Fat and Calories

Ground buffalo has less fat and calories than ground beef, making it a healthier choice. Ground buffalo, for instance, has about 2.42 grams of fat per serving, while ground beef boasts a whopping 8.09 to 10.15 grams. Ground buffalo also has fewer calories compared to ground beef. Rather than the 200 to 220 calories per serving found in beef, buffalo has only about 140 calories.

Uses

Because of its similarities to beef, ground buffalo can be used as a substitute for ground beef in many recipes, from burgers to tacos or other dishes. However, ground buffalo tends to cook more quickly than ground beef because it is a leaner meat with a lower fat content. To avoid overcooking ground buffalo, cook the buffalo over low heat for a longer amount of time.

References

• Bison Basics: Consumers Guide to Nutritional Comparison Charts and Data
• Beech HIll Farm & Bison Ranch: Nutrition Facts
• United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service: Meat Preparation - Focus on Bison
• Nebraska State Buffalo Association: Bison as a Healthy Red Meat