As always, the nutritional information (including calorie count) varies depending on exact ingredients used.I used a 2.25 lb package of ground beef, and 1 1/4 cups of oats. The meat came in a package that size, so I figured we would just try it. I'm not sure if it was the extra meat or why, but it just seemed to need extra oats to set up. So I would suggest starting with the 1 cup and add as needed. Lastly, I didn't turn it off right at the 8 hour mark, and I should have. It was perfect at 8 hours! But I got distracted and let it go the full 10 hours and ended up with burnt edges. Now if my Dad would have been around, he would have been in heaven...he says it doesn't taste good unless the edges are burnt. :)