USDA: cook ground beef and burgers to 160°F (71°C). No rest time is required. Color is not a reliable guide, so check with a thermometer rather than cooking to 'medium rare.'
- USDA safe minimum
- 160°F71°C internal temperature
- Rest time
- NoneNo rest required
- In Celsius
- 71°CSame safe minimum
- Check with
- ProbeA food thermometer, not color
Safe minimums from USDA FSIS and FoodSafety.gov. Checked .
Safe temperature for ground beef
USDA: cook ground beef and burgers to 160°F (71°C). No rest time is required. Color is not a reliable guide, so check with a thermometer rather than cooking to 'medium rare.'
Where to put the thermometer
Push an instant-read thermometer at least 1/2 inch into the thickest part of the patty near the end of cooking; for thin patties go in sideways (USDA FSIS).
Questions people ask
Can a burger be pink and still safe?
Yes. USDA notes a patty at 160°F can still look pink, while a brown patty may be undercooked, so only a thermometer tells you.
Is a medium rare burger safe?
USDA does not recommend it; ground beef should reach 160°F, which is well above medium rare.
Does ground beef need to rest?
No. USDA lists no rest time for ground meats; 160°F is enough on its own.
What is the minimum internal cooking temperature for ground beef?
USDA: cook ground beef and burgers to 160°F (71°C). No rest time is required. Color is not a reliable guide, so check with a thermometer rather than cooking to 'medium rare.'
What temp does hamburger need to be?
USDA: cook ground beef and burgers to 160°F (71°C). No rest time is required. Color is not a reliable guide, so check with a thermometer rather than cooking to 'medium rare.'
When is hamburger meat done?
USDA: cook ground beef and burgers to 160°F (71°C). No rest time is required. Color is not a reliable guide, so check with a thermometer rather than cooking to 'medium rare.'