Is Ancestral Ground Beef Healthy? Benefits & Nutrition

We’ve all heard the phrase “food is medicine.” But what if your burger could actually deliver the nutrition of a multivitamin—without the pill?  We've actually run into customers at our local farmers markets whose doctors have recommended they take beef liver supplements.  Our question is, why take a pill when you can enjoy it in your taco?  A spoonful of beef makes the medicine go down!

At Dos Lobos Ranch, we’re always looking for ways to bring traditional nourishment to modern tables. That’s why we created our Ancestral Ground Beef—a blend of our grass-finished Dexter beef with just the right amount of heart and liver for a powerful boost in nutrition (and flavor).

What Is Ancestral Ground Beef?

It’s simple, really. We take our 100% grass-fed and grass-finished Dexter beef, known for its rich flavor and balanced fat, and mix in 5–10% beef heart and liver.

This small but mighty addition transforms ordinary ground beef into a nutrient-dense powerhouse—packed with:

• Iron for energy

• Vitamin A & B12 for brain and immune health

• CoQ10 for heart and cellular function

• Zinc & Choline for metabolism and hormones

Why Organ Meats Matter

Our ancestors didn’t throw away the heart and liver—they prized them. Why?

Because ounce for ounce, organ meats are the most nutrient-rich foods on earth.

• Liver is high in Vitamin A, iron, folate, and B vitamins

• Heart is an excellent source of CoQ10, essential for energy production and cardiovascular health

Just 4 oz of our ancestral blend can deliver over 100% of your daily B12, plus boosted levels of iron, zinc, and Vitamin A—with no strong organ flavor.

By blending in just 5–10% organ meat, you dramatically boost the nutrition of your ground beef without overpowering the flavor—making it perfect for families, athletes, and anyone looking to eat more “nose-to-tail.”

Nutritional Comparison (per 4 oz cooked)

Estimates based on USDA nutrient data for grass-fed beef, heart, and liver.

Note: The liver drives the Vitamin A and B12 values, while heart contributes CoQ10, B vitamins, and choline.

Top Health Benefits

1. Improved Energy & Focus

High B12 and iron levels support red blood cell production and oxygen transport—great for mental clarity and stamina.

2. Immune & Hormonal Health

Zinc, selenium, and vitamin A all support immune function, skin health, and hormone production.

3. Cardiovascular & Cellular Support

CoQ10 from heart is a powerful antioxidant that fuels the mitochondria in every cell—especially important for the heart and muscles.

4. Nutrient Density Without the Liver Taste

At just 5–10%, both blends are mild enough for burgers, tacos, or meatballs—no strong organ flavor, just deeply savory beef.

5. More Bang for Your Bite

You’re getting more vitamins and minerals per ounce—so your food works harder for your body.

How to Cook It

Use it just like any ground beef:

• Smash burgers

• Meatballs or meatloaf

• Chili, tacos, and spaghetti sauce

• Shepherd’s pie or stuffed peppers

It’s kid-approved and flavor-balanced—rich, savory, and satisfying.  Some our friends who were hesitant to try it are now hooked!

Why Dexter Cattle?

Dexters are a heritage breed raised slowly, respectfully, and 100% on grass. Their smaller frame yields beef that’s:

• Naturally tender

• Nutrient-dense

• Ethically raised without shortcuts

We believe in raising animals the right way, and delivering products that do more than taste good—they support your health and the land.

Ready to try it?
Check out our Ancestral Ground Beef here or add it to your next farm delivery.

To celebrate the launch of our nation-wide shipping, we've introduced some Ancestral Ground Beef Boxes!  These are stuffed with several pounds of our Ancestral Ground Beef and discounts!  Want 15% off the regular price of our Ancestral Ground Beef?  Pick up the Small Box!  For 25% off, choose our Large Box!

Still have questions? Drop us a message or find us at the next farmers market—we love talking nose-to-tail nutrition.

—The Dos Lobos Ranch Team

*This blog was written with the help of ChatGPT to help curate nutritional information and tips in an easy to read format... and because we're busy farmers, and anything but lazy.  :)

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