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Determining Doneness

How do you know when your steaks, burgers and roasts are done? Using a meat thermometer to determine doneness is the best way to enjoy perfectly cooked beef.

While we recognize that everyone’s tastes and doneness preferences are different, we prefer our steaks and roasts to be cooked to a final internal temperature of 145°F (medium rare) and our burgers cooked to a final internal temperature of 160°F (medium).

Tips for Determining Doneness


  • Insert an instant-read thermometer through the side of the thickest part of the steak, burger or roast to get an accurate temperature. Avoid fat and bones.
  • Remove steaks and burgers from heat 5-10°F before it reaches your ideal internal temperature. Temperature will continue to rise after being removed from heat. Allow to rest 5-10 minutes.
  • Remove roasts from heat 10-15°F before it reaches your ideal internal temperature. Temperature will continue to rise after being removed from heat. Allow to rest 15-20 minutes.
  • Ground beef burgers should always be cooked to 160°F.