What is the Difference Between Mince and Steak Mince?

The terms ‘mince’ and ‘ground steak’ are often used interchangeably and can refer to the same thing. However, ‘mince’ and ‘steak mince’ aren’t the same thing. Read on to find out more.

Ground beef is beef that has been finely chopped or ground. It’s most commonly used to make burgers, meatballs, meatloaf, and chili. But do you know what the difference is between mince and steak mince? Or, how can you tell the difference?

Both words come from the word ‘minces’, which is short for minced beef. The word ‘mince’ is also used to refer to the meat from cows that are raised specifically for meat, usually in a feed lot.

The word ‘steak’ comes from the French word ‘estoc’, which means ‘a cut from the rump (or from the flank)’. So, what’s the difference between steak mince and mince? Read on to find out.

What is Mince?

Mince is a general term for ground beef. It can be used interchangeably with the words ‘ground steak’ and ‘ground beef’. Mince is usually sold in bags or cans and has sometimes been minimally processed. It’s the least expensive form of ground beef and is commonly used to make meatballs, meatloaf, and chili.

What is Steak Mince?

Steak mince is a specific type of mince that comes from the meat from an especially marbled steer, usually an older animal. It’s more expensive than regular mince and is often used to make beefburgers, beef Stroganoff, and beef Wellington.

Differences Between Mince and Steak Mince

Besides the obvious differences in price, there are a few other ways in which steak mince is different from regular mince. First, and most obviously, is the level of processing.

Steak mince must be cut from a well-marbled cow. A leaner cut of meat typically means a lower quality mince.

Steak mince has a stronger flavor than regular mince due to the higher level of fat present.

These days lean mince is seen as quality by some because of the low fat craze. Low fat mince is not as tasty as a high quality steak mince.

Final Words:

You’ve probably seen or used mince a lot lately — it’s a popular new way to use up extra beef. But just because something is mince, that doesn’t mean you can call it ‘ground steak’ and expect people to understand.