Last updated: June 10, 2026.
For home cooking, a ground beef burger should reach 160 degrees F in the center, even if you prefer a medium-style burger. Doneness charts often list lower temperatures for medium or medium-rare burgers, but ground meat is different from steak because bacteria can be mixed throughout the patty.
Safe Burger Temperature Table
| Burger type | Use this home safety target | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef burger | 160 degrees F | Ground meat can carry bacteria through the center |
| Ground pork, lamb, veal, or mixed-meat burger | 160 degrees F | Same ground-meat safety logic |
| Turkey or chicken burger | 165 degrees F | Poultry needs the higher target |
| Plant-based burger | Follow the package | Ingredients and processing vary by brand |
Why Medium Burger Charts Can Be Misleading
Steak doneness charts are not a good model for burgers. A steak mostly has bacteria on the surface, while grinding can move bacteria throughout the meat. That means the center of a burger matters more than the center of an intact steak.
Some restaurants use special sourcing, grinding, handling, or advisory language for undercooked burgers. That does not make lower temperatures the safest general advice for home kitchens.
How To Check A Burger
- Use an instant-read thermometer.
- Insert the probe into the thickest part of the patty.
- For thin patties, go in from the side so the tip reaches the center.
- Check more than one patty if sizes vary.
- Clean the thermometer after it touches undercooked meat.
FAQ
What temperature is a medium burger?
Doneness charts often describe medium burgers below 160 degrees F, but for home food safety, ground beef burgers should be cooked to 160 degrees F.
Can a burger be pink at 160 degrees F?
Yes, color can be misleading. Some burgers stay pink after reaching temperature, while others brown before they are safe. Use a thermometer.
Is medium-rare ground beef safe at home?
It is not the safest general home recommendation. Ground beef should reach 160 degrees F because bacteria can be mixed into the center during grinding.
What temperature should turkey burgers reach?
Turkey burgers should reach 165 degrees F in the center. The same target applies to chicken burgers and other ground poultry.