Lentils vs Beef, grass-fed, ground
Side-by-side nutrition comparison per serving. See which fits your goals better.
Lentils versus ground beef is the plant-versus-animal protein debate at its most practical and financially relevant. Cooked lentils deliver 9.02g protein at 114 calories per 100g with 0.38g fat and 7.9g fiber. Ground beef (85% lean) provides 19.4g protein at 198 calories with 12.7g fat and zero fiber.
Ground beef has over double the protein per serving, but lentils cost roughly one-tenth as much per gram of protein when bought dried. For a family trying to hit protein targets on a budget, lentils are the most economical whole-food protein source available. A pound of dried lentils costs under two dollars and provides over 100g of protein.
The mixed approach — replacing half the ground beef in a recipe with cooked lentils — is the practical sweet spot. In chili, tacos, bolognese, and soups, a 50/50 blend maintains the meaty flavor and texture while cutting calories, saturated fat, and cost in half. The added fiber from lentils actually improves the dish's satiety beyond what all-beef versions deliver.
Pro tip
In any ground beef recipe, cook lentils separately and mix them 50/50 with browned beef. Season the blend together so flavors meld. Most people cannot tell the difference in tacos, chili, or meat sauce — but the calorie and cost savings are immediate and significant.
Quick Verdict
Best for weight loss
Lentils
Best for muscle gain
Beef, grass-fed, ground
Best for low-carb
Beef, grass-fed, ground
Macro Comparison
Lentils: 100g (100g) | Beef, grass-fed, ground: 100g (100g)
114
Lentils
198
Beef, grass-fed, ground
9.02g
Lentils
19.4g
Beef, grass-fed, ground
19.5g
Lentils
0g
Beef, grass-fed, ground
0.38g
Lentils
12.7g
Beef, grass-fed, ground
Protein Efficiency
What percentage of calories come from protein — higher is better for staying lean.
32%
Lentils
39%
Beef, grass-fed, ground
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| Nutrient | Lentils | Beef, grass-fed, ground |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 114 | 198 |
| Protein | 9g | 19.4g |
| Carbs | 19.5g | 0g |
| Fat | 0.4g | 12.7g |
| Fiber | 7.9g | 0g |
| Sugar | 1.8g | 0g |
| Sodium | 238mg | 68mg |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 62mg |
| Saturated Fat | 0.05g | 5.34g |
| Potassium | 369mg | 289mg |
| Vitamin A | 0mcg | 0mcg |
| Vitamin C | 1.5mg | 0mg |
| Calcium | 19mg | 12mg |
| Iron | 3.33mg | 1.99mg |
Which Should You Choose?
For weight loss
Choose Lentils. With 114 calories and 9.02g protein, it gives you more protein per calorie — keeping you full while cutting calories.
For muscle gain
Choose Beef, grass-fed, ground. Beef, grass-fed, ground delivers 19.4g protein per serving — 10.4g more than Lentils.
For low-carb diets
Choose Beef, grass-fed, ground with 0g carbs per serving.
Stretching your protein budget with plant-based additions is one of the smartest nutrition strategies for families. Sunn helps you track these blended meals accurately so every gram of protein — plant and animal — counts toward your daily goal.
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Take the free quizCommon Questions
Is Lentils or Beef, grass-fed, ground better for weight loss?
For weight loss, Lentils is the better choice. Lentils has 114 calories and 9.02g protein per serving, while Beef, grass-fed, ground has 198 calories and 19.4g protein. Lower calories with higher protein helps you stay full while eating fewer calories.
Which has more protein, Lentils or Beef, grass-fed, ground?
Beef, grass-fed, ground has more protein per serving. Lentils provides 9.02g and Beef, grass-fed, ground provides 19.4g of protein.
Can I eat both lentils and beef, grass-fed, ground together?
Yes! Combining lentils and beef, grass-fed, ground gives you 312 calories and 28.419999999999998g protein. This combination can work well as part of a balanced meal.