Degrees of Beef Doneness

With so many different kinds of beef, knowing the proper degrees of beef doneness is essential if you want to stay safe and maximize flavor. Here is everything you need to know about cooking beef to temp following USDA recommendations.

Jump to:

• All Safe Internal Temperatures for Steaks, Roasts, and Ground Beef!
• USDA Recommendations for Beef Doneness
• Minimum Internal Temperatures for Beef
• Desired Doneness of Beef
• How to Cook a Steak
• How to Broil a Steak
• How to Pan Sear a Steak
• How to Reverse Sear a Steak
• Roasts (Roast Beef)
• How to Cook Roast Beef
• Oven Roasting Roast Beef
• Roast Beef in the Slow Cooker (or Crockpot)
• Prime Rib
• Ground Beef
• How to Cook Burgers
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• 💬 Reviews

All Safe Internal Temperatures for Steaks, Roasts, and Ground Beef!

Remember the iconic phrase, 'Beef, it's what's for dinner'? This catchy slogan truly captured the essence of beef as a beloved centerpiece in meals. As a fan of both succulent steaks and juicy burgers topped with my favorite ingredients, I understand the importance of cooking beef to perfection.

Achieving the ideal doneness is crucial, not just for the taste but also for a satisfying dining experience. Overcooked beef can be disappointing, but undercooked beef can be a concern too.

Thankfully, the USDA provides comprehensive guidelines on the proper doneness for various beef cuts, ensuring both delicious and safe meals. These guidelines are invaluable for cooking everything from tender steaks to flavorful burgers to your preferred level of doneness.

To further assist you, I've compiled detailed recommendations for achieving the perfect beef doneness, ranging from a rare, juicy interior to a well-cooked, flavorful exterior. Whether you're a fan of rare, medium, or well-done beef, these tips will guide you to cook your beef just the way you like it.

USDA Recommendations for Beef Doneness

Following the recommendations of the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) will help keep you safe when consuming meat by preventing foodborne illnesses.

The recommendations provided are the safe minimum internal temperatures. These are the lowest temperatures that each cut of beef must meet to be considered safe for eating.

These are the temperatures at which any potentially harmful bacteria that has the potential to cause illness is killed. In addition to the minimum temperature measured upon completion of cooking, the USDA also recommends several cuts of meat have a specific rest time. The rest time allows the meat to fully reach the minimum temperature throughout (it also helps enhance the flavor and keep the juices in the cooked meat). 

Here is where it gets a little bit tricky. The USDA can’t recommend meat be cooked at less than the minimum temperature, despite these rare or medium-rare levels of doneness being preferred by many.

If you adhere to the USDA recommended temps, the minimum temperature for a steak or roast will be medium (which will give you a nice pink center). And any burgers or meatloaf or meatballs would be cooked until well done.

While the USDA can’t recommend eating meat that is less than the minimum internal temperature, you can still enjoy a rare or medium-rare steak if you would like.

The chart below will make it super simple to find the perfect doneness for any piece of meat, beginning with the USDA recommended minimum.

Minimum Internal Temperatures for Beef

• Steak 145°F
• Roast 145°F
• Ground Beef 160°F (burgers, meatloaf, meatballs, uncooked beef sausage)

Desired Doneness of Beef

The recommended doneness for steak is 145°F. However, some people prefer a steak that is even a bit more done, while others like a steak on the rare side. Use the chart below to find your perfect temperature.

Chart 1: Doneness Levels of Beef

Doneness	Internal Temperature	Appearance
Rare	120-125°F/49-52°C	Bright red center, lukewarm.
Medium Rare	130-135°F/54-57°C	Bright red center, pink edges, warm.
Medium	135-145°F/57-63°C	Pink and warm throughout.
Medium Well Done	145-155°F/63-68°C	Slightly pink center and warm throughout.
Well Done	155-165°F/68-74°C	Very little to no pink.

Can you eat rare or medium-rare beef?

According to the USDA, you should only eat beef cooked to a minimal internal temperature. However, there is some debate around the topic especially when it comes to enjoying a rare or medium-rare steak.

This is simply because there is a risk of not all bacteria being killed unless it reaches the minimum temperature. There are still ways to enjoy a steak that is redder, rather than pink, though.

Choosing a high-quality cut of beef and buying it from a butcher you know (rather than a general piece from the grocery store) are two good places to begin. Doing your research on how to prepare a rare or medium-rare steak properly is also recommended.

You may also consider paying a little bit more to enjoy your steak in a reputable and high-end steak house. Chefs who work primarily with steak have the best knowledge on how to prepare a healthy and safe steak on the rare end.

How to Cook a Steak

Now that you know what the final goal is, you need to decide how to cook your steak. Whether you are a seasoned vet or brand new when it comes to cooking steak, I have 4 ways to cook the perfect steak that will make any cook feel like an expert.

• Broiled
• Pan-Seared
• Reverse Seared
• Grilled

How to Broil a Steak

Broiling a steak is super easy and hands-off. It is also the best way for a beginning cook to achieve a steak that will impress anyone. This method works best with a ribeye that has a lot of marbling (this will help achieve a super juicy steak).

Since you aren’t paying to have someone else prepare it in a restaurant, you can pay a little bit more for the cut you really want.

Broiled Ribeye Steak

To achieve the perfect broiled ribeye all you need are 2 ingredients: a ribeye of your choice and your favorite steak seasoning. Once you have those, it is only 5 simple steps to the perfect steak. Check out the steps here: Broiled Ribeye Steak.

How to Pan Sear a Steak

When you think of cooking a steak at home, you may naturally think of pan searing. This is a classic way to get a nice caramelized golden outside with the perfect pink center.

Another great thing about this option is that it is easy to season the steak with fresh ingredients like herbs and garlic. Not to mention, how tasty a pan-seared steak topped with rich creamy butter tastes. 

The best way to make a pan-seared steak is to use a cast-iron skillet. This provides the best tool for achieving that golden outside. If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, though, you can still cook a beautiful steak with any large skillet you have at home.

I prefer to use this method of cooking for T-bone steaks and really love how decadent these steaks are – perfect for a special occasion. Check out this recipe to get all the details for making your own perfectly pan-seared T-bone steaks.

How to Reverse Sear a Steak

This method takes the low-and-slow approach to cooking a steak, perfect for thick cuts of meat. If you love a thick, juicy cut of meat, like a cowboy cut ribeye or 2-inch tomahawk steak, then you want to try this method!

Some people are wary of cooking steak in the oven because they think it will toughen it up. Reverse searing does just the opposite!

Since you start the meat out at low heat and cook it slowly over time, it seals in the juices and creates a super tender steak. Then, you flash-sear it over high heat to get that golden outside.

This is also a great option for cooking a beautiful roast or prime rib. If you are ready to try out reverse searing, head on over to my tasty recipe for the simple steps to a reverse-seared tomahawk steak.

Grilled Ribeye

Grilling your perfectly marbled steaks will result in a much more flavorful steak than leaner cuts. Choose your steak carefully, looking for a cut that is well-marbled throughout.

This quick, high-heat cooking method is a summertime favorite for us and many others! You can see all of my easy instructions for a grilled cowboy steak here.

Tips for getting the best-cooked steak

Cooking the perfect steak isn’t just about the cooking time, it is about what happens before cooking and immediately after. Follow these tips to add to any cooking method.

• Let your steak sit on the counter and come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking.
• Let your steak sit and rest for about 10 minutes after you remove it from the heat.
• Don’t let a perfect piece of meat go to waste just because you get full. Save the leftovers and reheat it to enjoy for a second time. See my post on some of the best steak leftover recipes!

Roasts (Roast Beef)

The great thing about beef is that there is an option for every occasion. A steak can be used for enjoying a casual dinner at home or as a celebratory meal.

Burgers are great for casual family nights or summer parties. Prime rib is ideal for holiday parties and roast beef is the perfect piece of meat to bring the family together once a week. 

Roasts are one of my favorite family dinner meals. Even though they take several hours to cook, they are so easy because once the roast is in the oven (or the crockpot) you just sit back and smell the delicious aromas starting to fill the kitchen.

By the time it is done, the whole family will be more than ready to sit down and eat!

How to Cook Roast Beef

There are a couple of different options when it comes to cooking roast beef. Traditionally, a roast is cooked in the oven. Another great option is to use a slow cooker (like a Crockpot). 

Oven Roasting Roast Beef

When cooking a roast in the oven, the best method to follow is the same reverse searing method used for thick-cut steaks or prime rib.

You may also sear the roast beef in a skillet over medium-high heat prior to putting it in the oven if you prefer a brown crust on the outside of your roast. Either searing method is completely optional, and the roast will be delicious either way.

This low and slow method allows you to choose the exact desired doneness you would like. If you prefer a medium, to medium-well roast, then this is the best choice.

Oven-roasting roast beef is as simple as seasoning it (you can use a simple blend of salt and pepper, but I highly recommend my pot roast seasoning) and placing it in a roasting pan with a roasting rack.

It is recommended to tie your roast with kitchen twine. It may come that way at purchase, but if not, use some twine tie it in sections every 3 inches or so. This helps keep the meat in its shape and cook evenly.

The general rule of thumb is to cook a roast for 20 minutes per pound of meat at a temperature of 350°F (175°C). Oven-roasting an eye of round roast allows for more control over your desired internal temperature.

Roast Beef in the Slow Cooker (or Crockpot)

Using a slow cooker is one of my favorite ways because once I season the meat and put it in the Crockpot, I am done.

This method does not allow for as much control over the desired doneness, though, as it will cook until it is well done. Well done for a pot roast. It is not a bad thing, though.

A well-done pot roast is not dry but rather super tender beef that just falls off the fork. The easiest and tastiest dish that you can prepare in the morning and forget about until it is time to eat.

If you are ready to try a tasty roast using the slow cooker method, check out my Crockpot Yankee Pot Roast recipe.

Prime Rib

Prime rib is a cut of meat that is commonly used for special occasions. A popular choice for Easter or Mother’s Day, you do not want to leave room for any errors when cooking prime rib.

Therefore, make sure that you have taken the time to cook it perfectly and achieve the desired doneness.

How to Cook Prime Rib

The best way to cook a prime rib, to guarantee you get the perfect red or pink center, is to go low and slow. This ensures that it will get cooked evenly throughout. It also helps maintain the juiciness of the meat.

My favorite way to cook prime rib is to follow the same reverse sear method that was mentioned for steaks. It takes about 4 hours to cook, but that is all hands off!

That leaves you with 4 hours to relax or prepare other side dishes to complement the meal. Use this recipe for the best boneless prime rib roast for your next holiday meal.

Ground Beef

Ground beef is probably the beef you use the most frequently. It is the least expensive cut and the most versatile.

How to Cook Ground Beef

Due to the versatility of ground beef, it can be used in various dishes. Some methods of cooking ground beef, such as for a filling in tacos or a casserole, do not require as much attention to checking the internal temperature.

The ground beef in these dishes is broken up and cooks quite quickly throughout. However, when cooking ground beef in dishes like meatloaf, where the beef is thicker, it is important to check the internal temperature.

The additional processing that ground beef goes through (compared to a steak or roast) lends itself to the potential for more exposure to bacteria. Therefore, even though the desired doneness of ground beef ranges from rare to well done, the USDA recommends that it reach a higher internal minimal temperature of 160°F.(Compared to other minimally processed cuts of meat.)

How to Cook Burgers

Burgers can be hit or miss when you eat out, but you are completely in charge when you make them at home. That means you get to choose the seasoning, size of the burger, and all of your favorite burger toppings!

You also get to cook it to the exact doneness you desire. Even though the USDA recommends a well-done burger, most people tend to lead towards medium or medium-well.

As long as you follow best practices for storing and refrigerating the meat before use and checking for expiration dates, then a medium or medium-well burger should be fine. Always follow your discretion, though.

There is nothing quite like grilling a burger in the middle of summer. I love a burger year-round though, which means finding other ways to enjoy a deliciously juicy burger.

In addition to grilling, a cast-iron skillet or frying pan are great options for cooking a burger year-round. Whether cooking on a grill or the stove top, cooking your burgers over medium heat is a good rule of thumb. This allows you to control how done they get without overcooking them.

To maintain the juiciness of the burger (and your desired doneness), wait until the burger starts to brown just around the edges and is still pink in the center before flipping it.

One of my favorite burgers is my Western Bacon Burger. This recipe mimics the smoky and tangy barbecue flavor found in the same burger at Hardee’s or Carl’s Jr.

Give this recipe a try the next time you want an American classic: Western Bacon Cheeseburger (Hardee's or Carl's Jr).

Cooking Frozen Hamburger Patties

Short on time? Pop some frozen hamburger patties in the oven to feed a crowd! You can see all of my handy instructions for this effortless meal made in the oven.

You can also cook up frozen burgers on the fly using your air fryer too!

How to Cook Meatballs

Meatballs are an overlooked food for how delicious and versatile they are. A traditional appetizer for many parties or potlucks, they are also a tasty addition to a meal or a meal all on their own.

Since meatballs are often a shared food, it is one that you want to be especially mindful of in terms of internal temperature. Unlike burgers, you will usually want to cook meatballs until they reach the recommended 160°F.

If you have never made meatballs before (or want a tasty new twist on a classic), my Chinese Beef Meatballs with Hoisin Ginger Sauce are always a hit! These meatballs have all the savory and sweet flavors of traditional meatballs but with an Asian twist.

I'm not sure what hoisin sauce is or if you have it on hand. Not to worry, there are plenty of great substitutes you can use for hoisin sauce that you may already have in your kitchen.

And for a quick and easy frozen meatball appetizer, you can try my crockpot grape jelly meatballs!

How to Cook Meatloaf

Meatloaf is a classic for a reason. It is not only super delicious but also so easy to make! My favorite meatloaf recipe is a classic take on this dish and includes ground beef, oatmeal, eggs, and a traditional tangy ketchup topping.

Even if you have a kid who thinks they don’t like meatloaf, sneak them a bite of this and see what they think. Like meatballs, meatloaf is best enjoyed when it reaches the recommended 160°F.

Don’t worry; if you follow these directions and have enough moisture in your recipe, your meatloaf will still be nice and juicy: Easy Meatloaf (with Oatmeal).

Whether you are cooking a steak or grilling up a burger use the recommendations above to find your perfect desired doneness! This will ensure that you enjoy the very best beef entree for your dinner!  

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