Burgers are among the bestsellers of most diners because of their rich, juicy flavor and numerous options for toppings. The key to a good burger is a patty prepared to absolute perfection—and under the right temperature. Here’s what you need to know about how restaurants turn ground beef into a tasty, properly cooked meal.

What’s the Perfect Temperature for Cooking Burgers?

Diners and restaurants won’t tell you how they cook their burgers, but it’s still important to know how done your patty is. Like steaks, burgers also have their degree of doneness when cooked. A rare patty will have a mostly reddish, warm middle, since it’s cooked by searing only the outside, with temperatures of at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooking it longer to reach a higher internal temp range of 130 to 135 degrees Fahrenheit yields a pink-ringed red center—a medium-rare burger.

A medium burger has no red center but a pink-tinted one, with a temperature of about 140 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit. A medium-well one is cooked far longer or to at least 150 degrees, with only a hint of pinkness. Any burger that’s cooked to reach internal temps of 160 degrees Fahrenheit is considered well-done. Since it has lost its juices, a well-done burger is often drier compared to others.

Why the Right Temperature Matters

According to the US Department of Agriculture, the recommended cooking temperature for ground beef, which includes burger patties, is 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooking a burger to its well-done state takes about 15 minutes or less, depending on its thickness and size. So, why the need to cook patties at safe temperatures?

Ground beef that’s cooked at rare or medium-rare temperatures could be unhealthy for consumption because of bacteria. All kinds of meat could contain bacteria like E. coli, but ground varieties are riskier than others. Ground meat is susceptible to contamination since bacteria on the slab are spread throughout when it’s minced or chopped. Fortunately, harmful bacteria can be destroyed with longer cooking times and proper handling. The next time you’re at a diner, ask for your burger to be cooked well-done instead of medium-rare like steak. 

For the best-tasting half-pound burgers, drop by Belgian Waffle & Pancake House, a diner in Branson, MO. Since 1976, they’ve been famous for their Belgian waffles made using an old family recipe from Belgium. They offer a hearty selection of home-cooked favorites for breakfast and brunch, like burgers, sandwiches, and pancakes. Call (417) 334-8484 or check out their delectable diner menu online.