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
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.