US Trends

what temp is hamburger done

Hamburger made from ground beef is considered safely “done” at an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) when checked with a food thermometer in the thickest part of the patty.

Quick Scoop

  • For food safety, ground beef burgers should reach 160°F (71°C) internally to kill harmful bacteria like E. coli.
  • Don’t rely on color; burgers can still look pink even when they’ve hit a safe temperature, or look brown before they’re actually safe.
  • Insert an instant‑read thermometer from the side into the center of the patty for the most accurate reading.

Doneness vs. Safety

Culinary doneness levels (like medium or medium‑rare) use a range of internal temps, but only 160°F and above is the widely recommended safe zone for regular store‑bought ground beef. Here is a common chef-style doneness guide (note: temps below 160°F may be less safe for typical pre‑ground beef):

  • Rare: 120–125°F, cool red center.
  • Medium rare: 130–135°F, warm red center.
  • Medium: 140–145°F, warm pink center.
  • Medium well: 150–155°F, mostly brown with a touch of pink.
  • Well done: 160°F+ and fully brown throughout (this is the food‑safety recommendation for ground beef).

In other words: if you care strictly about safety, aim for 160°F; if you cook cooler than that for taste, you’re accepting more risk.

Other Burger Types

Different “hamburger” styles have slightly different safe temperatures:

  • Turkey or chicken burgers: cook to 165°F (74°C) minimum.
  • Plant‑based burgers: follow the package; many suggest around 160°F internal.

Simple Step‑By‑Step Check

  1. Cook your burger over medium–high heat until the outside is nicely browned.
  2. Insert an instant‑read thermometer into the side toward the center.
  3. Once it reads 160°F (71°C), pull it off the heat and let it rest a couple of minutes before eating.

TL;DR: For ground beef, if you’re wondering “what temp is hamburger done?” in the food‑safe sense, the target is 160°F (71°C) internal. Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.