Hamburger & Ground Beef. Is there a difference?

[Ozone]

So, like the subject asks.... Is there a difference between hamburger and ground beef? Is it all ground beef until you form it into a patty and put it on a bun, and then it becomes a hamburger, or are there actually difference between the two types of meat? Can hamburger contain things other than ground beef?

Anyone know the Straight Dope?

[AWB]

Originally posted by Ozone
So, like the subject asks.... Is there a difference between hamburger and ground beef? Is it all ground beef until you form it into a patty and put it on a bun, and then it becomes a hamburger, or are there actually difference between the two types of meat? Can hamburger contain things other than ground beef?

Anyone know the Straight Dope?

Yes, I do.

Hamburger means either: a sandwich consisting of a cooked patty of ground or chopped beef, usually in a roll or bun or the ground or chopped beef itself.

It's also called Hamburg Steak or just hamburg.

Where I grew up, we called ground beef either that or "hamburger". My wife calls it "hamburg". Every time she says that, I put a mental "-er" on it. :D:D

[KneadToKnow]

From Britannica.com, http://www.britannica.com/bcom/eb/article/9/0,5716,39809+1+39007,00.html

According to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) standards, hamburger meat may be designated either "hamburger," "chopped beef," or "ground beef." It must be ground from fresh beef with no by-products or nonmeat extenders, but the USDA does permit the inclusion of loose beef fat and seasonings in meat labeled "hamburger." Also, by law, hamburger and chopped or ground beef sold commercially may contain no more than 30 percent fat. Fifteen percent fat is regarded as the ideal proportion in terms of juiciness and flavour of the cooked product.

[wring]

if you go to some meat stores, you'll see some stuff labled "hamburger" some labled "ground beef", some labeled "ground chuck" etc.

and just a' lookin' at 'em, you'll see a difference, the "hamburger" is noticeably a different color, more pink, as in (ahem) more fat content. the rest would refer to lower fat ratio, and the specific cut of beef that is ground up into it...
or at least that's what it's like at the place I shop at.