Iowa, Stop Calling This Food By The Wrong Name

People in Iowa like to come up with their own terminology, phrases, and, on occasion, language. Words like ope or the popular summer phrase "knee high by the 4th of July" can be heard coming out of the mouths of Iowans.

It's been a year since one of my 4 sisters decided to take to social media to remind everyone what many Iowans call this cooked meat that you would put tacos or casseroles and it's time to set the record straight on exactly what it's called.

Ground Beef or Hamburger?

Iowa is known for having a lot of pigs. There are more pigs than people in the state of Iowa. But Iowa cattle farmers take pride in their beef and the Iowa Beef Industry Council is a strong supporter of those cattle farmers.

But when those Iowa cows are turned into food, some people in the state have a hard time calling the meat that is ground up to be used to create different dishes or even a sandwich that includes a beef patty. My sister Erica decided to share the argument she had with her boyfriend, Jason, on social media about what you call beef that has been ground up and cooked. It sparked an internet debate that I bring to you today.

Is it hamburger or ground beef?

Most of the people in the comments who are from Iowa said it's called hamburger. Everyone else, including her Illinois boyfriend, called it ground beef. Jason even pointed out the packing of the beef to make his case.

The Answer...

It's ground beef. Why is it called ground beef?

When describing how to cook this kind of beef "cut" in a skillet, the Iowa Beef Industry Council calls it Ground Beef.

Here is the definition of a hamburger;

"a round patty of ground beef, fried or grilled and typically served on a bun or roll and garnished with various condiments."

Sorry for the reminder, Erica.