How Long to Cook Loose Ground Beef
Crumbled in a skillet for tacos, pasta sauce, chili, and sloppy joes.
Pick an Appliance
All Cook Times
| Temp | State | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 400°F204°C | refrigerated | 7–10 min |
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature should ground beef be cooked to?
+
Ground beef must reach 160°F (71°C) internal per USDA. Unlike whole steaks, ground beef cannot be served rare or medium-rare because grinding distributes surface bacteria throughout the meat.
How long do I cook a burger on the grill?
+
A ¾-inch burger patty takes 8–10 minutes total on a 450°F grill, flipping once at the 4-minute mark. Verify 160°F internal before serving.
Can I cook frozen burgers?
+
Yes. Add ~5 minutes total versus thawed. 13–16 minutes on the grill at 450°F. Never press the patty during cooking — it squeezes out fat and moisture.
Why can steak be rare but not a burger?
+
Whole steaks have bacteria only on the surface, which gets seared off. Grinding distributes that surface bacteria throughout the meat, so the entire patty must reach a pasteurization temperature (160°F).