With Father’s Day around the corner, it’s a good time to spotlight the role beef plays in supporting men’s health, while still delivering benefits for anyone focused on staying strong, energized and well-nourished.
As producers, you already know the value of beef. From younger consumers pursuing fitness goals to older adults wanting to maintain strength and independence, beef delivers what the body needs even in smaller portions.
Meeting Today’s Health and Nutrition Trends
High-protein diets continue to lead as one of the most sought-after nutrition trends. And with more people aiming to lose weight, taking appetite-suppressing medications or simply eating less with age, the need for nutrient-dense, high-quality protein has never been greater.
Just 3 to 4 ounces of beef provides complete protein and essential nutrients like iron, zinc, choline and vitamin B12 critical for muscle health, energy metabolism, and immune support. Research consistently shows that lean beef can help preserve muscle mass and strength, especially as we age, reducing the risk of falls and frailty in both men and women.
Backed by Research, Built for Real Life
Beef also keeps meals satisfying by promoting fullness, an important benefit for anyone managing appetite or weight. And, when it comes to convenience, beef delivers: easy to prepare, flavorful and a natural complement to other nutrient-rich foods like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
Your Beef Checkoff investment continues to fund the research and outreach that gets this message to consumers and health professionals, strengthening beef demand and reinforcing its role in a healthy and balanced diet.
Thanks for helping put beef at the center of strength, health and satisfaction—this Father’s Day and every day.
Maplewood-Smoked Bacon Beer Burgers
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Ground Beef (96% lean)
- 1/4 cup beer
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 whole wheat hamburger buns, split
- 4 slices reduced-fat Cheddar cheese
- 4 extra-thick slices Maplewood-smoked bacon, cut in half, cooked crisp
Cooking:
- Combine Ground Beef, beer, and Worcestershire in medium bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Shape into four 1/2-inch thick patties.
- Place patties in center of grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, uncovered, 8 to 10 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, 7 to 9 minutes) until instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 160°F, turning occasionally. About 2 minutes before burgers are done, place buns, cut-side down, on grid. Grill until lightly toasted. During last minute of grilling, top each burger with cheese.
- Place burgers on bottom of buns; top with bacon slices. Close sandwiches.
Cook’s Tip: Reduced-sodium or regular bacon may be substituted for Maplewood-smoked bacon.
Safe Handling Tips:
- Wash hands with soap and water before cooking and always after touching raw meat.
- Separate raw meat from other foods.
- Wash all cutting boards, utensils, and dishes after touching raw meat.
- Do not reuse marinades used on raw foods.
- Wash all produce prior to use.
- Cook steaks and roasts until temperature reaches 145°F for medium rare, as measured by a meat thermometer, allowing to rest for three minutes.
- Cook Ground Beef to 160°F as measured by a meat thermometer.
- Refrigerate leftovers promptly.
For more information on degree of doneness and other cooking tips visit: https://www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com/cooking/determining-doneness
For more information on safe food handling and beef safety, see: https://www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com/cooking/food-safety
