Meat Facts

Learn general meat facts, where meat comes from, why it matters in our diet, how to choose it, and how to handle it safely. This page also includes meat recipe ideas, a cooking video, and simple kitchen safety reminders.

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Where Does Meat Come From?

Meat includes fish, beef, poultry, pork, and wild game.
Beef includes steak, beef roast, and ground hamburger.
Pork includes ham, pork chops, pork roast, bacon, and sausage.
Poultry includes chicken, duck, turkey, and other birds.

Why We Need Meat in Our Diet

Meat provides protein and other nutrients our bodies need.

Nutrition Note: Protein helps the body grow and repair itself.

Protein Foods: Meat vs. Beans vs. Eggs

Meat is a protein food that includes beef, pork, poultry, and fish. It is often used in main dishes like burgers, casseroles, soups, and skillet meals.

Beans are also a protein food and can be used in soups, salads, tacos, and side dishes. They are a plant-based source of protein.

Eggs are another protein food and are often used in breakfasts, baking, and quick meals.

All three can help provide protein, but they are cooked and used in different ways.

Some Tips for Choosing Meat

Pick meat that is lean and cut off excess fat before using.

Some Tips for Cooking Meat

Cooking meat and fish dishes is often better for you when baked, grilled, or broiled instead of fried.

Cooking Tip: Choosing baked, grilled, or broiled meat can help keep meals lighter than fried versions.

How Much Meat Do We Need in Our Diet?

About 5 ounces a day, or about the size of the palm of your hand.

Meat Storage and Handling Tips

How to Handle Meat Safely

Store meat in the refrigerator or wrapped tightly in the freezer.
Never leave meat out for long periods of time.
Wash counters, dishes, and utensils well after touching raw meat.
Use clean hands and clean tools when preparing food.

Food Safety Reminder

Raw meat can carry germs, which is why careful storage, hand washing, and cleaning surfaces are important parts of cooking.

Raw Meat Safety Rules

Keep raw meat cold until you are ready to use it.
Do not leave raw meat sitting out on the counter for long.
Wash hands with soap and water after touching raw meat.
Wash knives, cutting boards, counters, and dishes well after use.
Keep raw meat away from other foods like fruits and vegetables.
Have an adult help with cooking meat all the way through.

Kinds of Meat

Beef usually comes from cattle and is often used in burgers, roasts, and meatballs.

Pork comes from pigs and includes foods like chops, bacon, and ham.

Poultry includes chicken and turkey and is often lighter than red meat.

Fish is another protein food and is often baked, grilled, or broiled.

Mini Activity

Protein Group Sorting

Make a list of beef, pork, poultry, fish, beans, and egg foods.
Sort recipe ideas into the correct category.
Talk about which foods are baked, grilled, or fried.
Choose which cooking method seems healthiest.

Meat Facts - Recipes for Meat Dishes

If you need recipes for meat dishes, visit our Easy Kids Meals page for ideas.

Browse Recipes by Type of Meat

Looking for a specific type of meat? Explore these recipe sections:

Meal Ideas Using Beef

Meatloaf

A classic baked main dish using ground meat.

Meatballs

Great for pasta, sandwiches, or appetizers.

Shepherd’s Pie

Meat and vegetables topped with mashed potatoes.

Roast Beef

Learn how to make roast beef for a hearty family meal.

More Meal Ideas Using Chicken

Roast Chicken

Try an easy roast chicken recipe cooked in the crockpot.

Chicken Recipes

Try these recipes using chicken.

Chicken Alfredo Lasagna

Try a layered pasta dish made with chicken, sauce, and cheese.

Chicken Soup Recipes

Meal Ideas Using Meat

Casseroles

Mix meat with pasta, rice, or vegetables in one dish.

Soups

Add meat to soups for hearty, filling meals.

Pasta Meals

Find pasta meal ideas that can be paired with meat for easy dinners.

Salad Recipes

Add meat to a favorite salad recipe.

Beef Boats

Category: Main Dish
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: About 15 minutes

Ingredients

1 lb. mince meat or ground meat
1 carrot, grated
1/2 brown onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1/3 cup soy sauce
Long bread stick
Avocado, sliced tomato, and grated cheese for topping

Directions

Divide the bread stick into three pieces.
Cut down the center and hollow out most of the soft bread, leaving the crust.
Cook onion until brown, then add mince meat.
After the mince is brown, add carrot and soy sauce.
Place meat in the bread stick and top with avocado, tomato, and cheese.
Place under the grill until the cheese is melted.

Teaching Tip: This recipe is good for practicing stuffing, topping, and assembling foods after the meat has been safely cooked by an adult or older student.

Taco Salad

By Taylor (United States)

Category: Salad
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 45 seconds microwave finish

You Need

Taco shells, crunched up into chips
Lettuce
Tomatoes
Hamburger meat or shredded chicken, or other meat of choice, cooked with seasonings
Cheese, shredded
Refried beans
Mexican salsa

Directions

Cook the hamburger meat or meat of choice. Season and cook until cooked through.
Place the crunched taco shells on the bottom of a large plate.
Add lettuce, tomatoes, refried beans, and cheese on top.
Add the salsa on top of the salad.
Microwave for 45 seconds, then enjoy.

See more taco salad recipes here.