Since the deep research tool is temporarily maxed out, I’ll give you a well-informed comparison using high-confidence baseline data. Here’s a head-to-head breakdown of beef vs. lamb (per 100g cooked):
Macronutrients
| Nutrient | Beef (Ground, 85% lean) | Lamb (Ground) |
| Calories | ~250 kcal | ~282 kcal |
| Protein | ~26g | ~25g |
| Total Fat | ~17g | ~23g |
| Saturated Fat | ~7g | ~9g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | ~7g | ~9g |
| Omega-3 | ~0.05g | ~0.2g |
| Cholesterol | ~80mg | ~97mg |
| Carbs | 0g | 0g |
Micronutrients
| Nutrient | Beef | Lamb |
| Iron | ~2.6mg (15% DV) | ~2.0mg (11% DV) |
| Zinc | ~5mg (45% DV) | ~4.4mg (40% DV) |
| Vitamin B12 | ~2.5mcg (100% DV) | ~2.6mcg (108% DV) |
| Selenium | ~27mcg (49% DV) | ~23mcg (42% DV) |
| Niacin (B3) | ~4.5mg (28% DV) | ~6mg (38% DV) |
Diet Suitability
| Diet | Beef | Lamb |
| Keto | Excellent (low carb, high fat/protein) | Excellent |
| Paleo | Excellent | Excellent |
| High-Protein | Excellent | Excellent |
| Low-Fat | Moderate (choose lean cuts) | Less ideal (higher fat) |
| Heart-Healthy | Better with lean beef | Higher in saturated fat—limit intake |
Health Considerations
- Lamb tends to have higher saturated fat and cholesterol, so moderation is key for cardiovascular health.
- Beef is slightly leaner on average and higher in iron.
- Lamb has more omega-3s due to grazing diets (especially grass-fed).
Conclusion
- Beef is generally leaner and has a better iron profile—ideal if you’re watching calories or prioritizing iron intake.
- Lamb is richer in fat and omega-3s, and slightly more flavorful—ideal for keto, paleo, or bulking diets.
- Both are nutrient-dense, protein-rich, and suitable for ancestral diets—but if you’re aiming for leanness and heart health, go for lean beef. If you want extra flavor and richness, lamb wins.
Want me to build a visual chart or infographic version of this?