• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Best Beef Recipes logo
  • Home
  • Find A Recipe
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe Index
  • About Best Beef Recipes
  • Follow Us!

    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Steak Recipes

    Beef and Steak Temperature

    Published: Jan 14, 2023 Modified: Jan 14, 2023 by Isabel Laessig

    Share

    Share
    Pin431
    Tweet
    Email

    Best Beef Recipes is an Amazon Associate. We receive compensation for purchases made through affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video

    Our handy beef, burger, and steak temperature chart will show you how to cook the perfect steakhouse steak, burger, or prime rib, every single time!

    We love our steaks, burgers, prime ribs, and roasts... in fact, we could eat beef every single day! The question we get asked the most is, "How do I cook the perfect steak?" And if it's not steak, we're being asked what the perfect temperature is for prime rib and burgers.

    Medium rare steak on a beef fork
    Jump to:
    • Steak Temperature
    • How to Cook Steak Perfectly
    • Medium Rare Steak Temp
    • How to Cook Steak on the Stove
    • How to Cook Steak on the Grill
    • Best Steak Recipes
    • Roast Beef Temperature
    • Best Roast Beef Recipes
    • Prime Rib Temps
    • Best Prime Rib Recipes
    • Beef Tenderloin Recipes
    • Burger Temp Chart
    • Best Burger Recipes
    • Internal Temp for Meatballs
    • Best Meatball Recipes
    • Internal Temp for Meatloaf
    • Brisket Temp
    • Tri-Tip Temp
    • Beef Temperature Tips
    • Beef Internal Temps Chart (Printer-Friendly)
    • 📋 Recipe
    • 💬 Reviews

    Steak Temperature

    What temp should steak be? That all depends on how you like it done. We have an easy steak temperature chart. It allows you to cook the perfect steakhouse steak, no matter what cut is your favorite. Make sure to use a meat thermometer when measuring beef temperature.

    The USDA recommends steak internal temperature should be a minimum of 145°F.

    Steak DonenessInternal Temperature
    Rare125°F - bright red in the middle
    Medium-rare135°F - warm red in the middle
    Medium145°F - warm pink at the center
    Medium-well150°F - slightly pink at the center
    Well-done160°F - little to no pink throughout
    chart showing slices of beef with temperatures

    How to Cook Steak Perfectly

    My personal favorite cut of steak to cook is ribeye. It's tender and flavorful, and simple to master cooking on the stove and grill. My guides on how to cook steak on the stove and how to grill steak perfectly will show you how to make the perfect ribeye steak!

    Medium Rare Steak Temp

    • If using frozen steak, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator first.
    • Let your steaks come to room temperature by leaving them out for 30 minutes before cooking. This ensures your beef will cook evenly.
    • Liberally season steaks on both sides with the seasoning of your choice.
    • Always use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of your steaks.
    • Remove from the heat when your steaks are 5 degrees less than your desired temperature.
    • Always rest your steaks after cooking them for at least 8 to 10 minutes.
    • Slice against the grain after resting.
    Degrees of doneness with labels showing different beef temperatures

    How to Cook Steak on the Stove

    1. Preheat the oven to 450°F. Place a cast iron or another oven-proof pan in the oven for 5 minutes while it heats up. Meanwhile, season the steak with salt and pepper. When the oven is heated, carefully remove the skillet using oven mitts and place it on the stovetop over medium heat.
    2. Place ribeye steak in the skillet and sear for 2 minutes on each side. Top the steak with garlic and thyme, then place the skillet back in the oven for 6-7 minutes.
    3. After 6-7 minutes, carefully remove the pan from the oven and place it back on the stove over low heat. Flip the steak and top with butter. Using pot holders, carefully tilt the pan to pour the melted butter, garlic, and thyme over the steak for approximately 3 minutes. Cook to the desired doneness with an instant-read thermometer.
    4. Allow resting for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Cut against the grain for best results. Enjoy!

    See the full post for more info: Pan Seared Ribeye Steak

    Desired DonenessTotal Time to Cook
    Rare11-13 minutes for 1"; 13-15 minutes for 1.5"
    Medium-rare12-14 minutes for 1"; 14-16 minutes for 1.5"
    Medium13-15 minutes for 1"; 15-17 minutes for 1.5"
    Medium-well14-16 minutes for 1"; 16-18 minutes for 1.5"
    Well-done15-17 minutes for 1"; 17-19 minutes for 1.5"
    steak cooking on a cast iron skillet

    How to Cook Steak on the Grill

    1. Generously season both sides of your steak with your desired steak seasoning. After seasoning, let the steaks sit to reach room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
    2. Preheat outdoor grill to high heat, about 450 to 500°F for the ideal beef cooking temp. Sear steaks for 3 minutes per side with the lid open. Then, reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking with the lid closed until the steaks reach the desired level of doneness.
    3. Remove steaks from grill and top with garlic butter compound butter. Allow steaks to rest for 10 minutes before cutting into them, then slice against the grain for best results.

    See the full post for more info: Grilled Ribeye Steak

    Desired DonenessTotal Time to Cook (Gas or Charcoal)
    Rare8-11 minutes for 1"; 11-14 minutes for 1.5"
    Medium-rare9-12 minutes for 1"; 12-15 minutes for 1.5"
    Medium10-13 minutes for 1"; 13-16 minutes for 1.5"
    Medium-well12-15 minutes for 1"; 15-18 minutes for 1.5"
    Well-done14-16 minutes for 1"; 16-18 minutes for 1.5"
    Two rib eye steaks on the grill

    Best Steak Recipes

    Now that you know the proper steak temps, you are ready to give one of our best steak recipes a try:

    • Grilled Chuck Steak
    • Reverse Sear Ribeye
    • Grilled New York Strip
    • Picanha Steak
    • Smoked Tri-Tip Recipe
    • Grilled Porterhouse Steak
    • Smoked Tomahawk Steak
    Close up of New York Strip Steak after grilling

    Roast Beef Temperature

    Check the beef's internal temp using a meat thermometer for best results.

    Beef DonenessInternal Temperature
    Rare beef temp125°F - bright red in the middle
    Medium-rare roast135°F - warm red in the middle with slight pink around the edges
    Medium roast145°F - warm pink throughout
    Medium-well roast150°F - slightly pink at the center
    Well-done roast160°F -fall-apart shredded beef

    Best Roast Beef Recipes

    • Dutch Oven Pot Roast
    • Instant Pot Pot Roast
    • Mississippi Pot Roast
    • Slow Cooker Roast Beef
    • Baked Chuck Roast
    • Birria Tacos

    Check out all our best pot roast recipes!

    Prime Rib Temps

    Beef Roast recipes are our specialty. We love prime rib recipes of all kinds, from smoking prime rib to cooking it in the Instant Pot! You can use this roast beef temperature chart no matter what preparation you use to cook your beef.

    The USDA recommends roast beef cooking temp be a minimum of 145°F.

    Beef DonenessInternal Temperature
    Rare beef temp125°F - bright red in the middle
    Medium-rare roast135°F - warm red in the middle with slight pink around the edges
    Medium roast145°F - warm pink throughout
    Medium-well roast150°F - slightly pink at the center
    Well-done roast160°F - little to no pink throughout

    Best Prime Rib Recipes

    • Smoked Prime Rib Roast
    • Instant Pot Prime Rib Roast
    • Boneless Rib Roast
    • Best Prime Rib Recipe
    • Standing Rib Roast Recipe
    • Sous Vide Prime Rib
    • Air Fryer Prime Rib

    Our absolute favorite Prime Rib Seasoning!

    Two slices of boneless prime rib roast on a white plate
    our Boneless Rib Roast

    Beef Tenderloin Recipes

    • Whole Beef Tenderloin Roast
    • Sous Vide Beef Tenderloin
    • Grilled Beef Tenderloin
    • Sous Vide Filet Mignon
    Shredded slow cooker roast beef with potatoes and carrots on a white dish

    Burger Temp Chart

    Burgers are a staple at my house. My family loves them! From grilled burgers topped with a fried egg to air fryer burgers with garlic butter spread, we never get tired of a good burger.

    For as often as I make burgers at home, one statement has always remained true... it can be difficult to get the exact temperature you want! How do you know when a burger is done? How do you reach that perfect, juicy medium-rare burger?

    Luckily, I have a few tricks to share with you. Above all else, you will want to go armed with my burger cooking chart. This easy burger temp chart has all of the info you need to achieve your desired degree of doneness without any second-guessing. Just make sure you use a meat thermometer to check beef internal temperature!

    The USDA recommends ground beef be cooked to a minimum of 160°F.

    DonenessTemperatureAppearance
    Rare120-125°FBright reddish pink throughout
    Medium-rare130-135°FPink throughout
    Medium140-145°FSlightly pink at the center
    Medium-well150-155°FMostly brown throughout, with some pink
    Well-done150-155°FBrown throughout

    Burger Temp Chart FAQs

    What temperature should a burger be?

    For ground beef, the USDA recommends an internal temperature of 160°F to 165°F as read on a meat thermometer. This results in a well-done burger. Bear in mind, beef continues to cook for a short time after being removed from the heat source, so remove your burgers from the heat 5 degrees below your desired degree of doneness (so at 150°F to 155°F, for example, if cooking to well-done). For other temperatures, see my burger cooking chart below.

    How long should you cook a burger?

    How long you cook a burger depends on a few factors: the heat source you're cooking with, the thickness of the beef patty, and your desired degree of doneness. Thinner patties, such as in my Smash Burger Recipe, always finish more quickly, while thicker patties will take longer to cook, as with my Egg Burger Recipe. Instead of relying on an exact time, it is best to use a meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature of your beef.

    Can you check doneness without a meat thermometer?

    Although it is possible to check beef doneness without using a meat thermometer, it is not always accurate. The only way to tell doneness without a meat thermometer (and without cutting open the burger!) is to press the thickest part of the burger, generally the center, and feel how soft it is. If it's soft and squishy, it's closer to rare, and if it's firmer, it's more cooked.

    How to Grill the Perfect Burger

    1. Gently mix your ground beef with seasoning of choice and form into equally-sized patties. Chill in the refrigerator. Unlike other cuts of meat, burgers hold together better and are more juicy when chilled.
    2. Add to the grill or grill pan over high heat. If using a grill pan, lightly grease with oil. Once hot, add the chilled patties to the grill.
    3. Flip after the first side no longer sticks to the grill. If the burger still sticks to the pan, it isn't ready to flip. Cook burger patties to desired degree of doneness, using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. If adding cheese, you can add it in the last 1-2 minutes of cooking time to melt over the top.
    4. Add toppings of choice, serve, and enjoy!

    Perfect Burgers Tips

    • Always pull your burgers off of the heat 5°F below your desired degree of doneness. For example, if you want medium-rare burgers, take your burgers off of the heat at at least 120°F.
    • Let your beef rest after cooking for best results. If you serve the burgers right away without letting them rest, all of the juicy goodness will leak right out of them with the first bite.
    • Always use a meat thermometer to measure doneness with a burger. It really will make your life so much easier when cooking any meat at all. I use a thermometer for everything on my beef temperature chart!
    • If adding cheese to a burger, add it close to the very end of the cooking time, within 1-2 minutes of your burger being ready to pull off the heat. You'll get that perfect melty cheese.
    • My burger temperature chart works for burgers cooked on the stove, burgers cooked on the grill, and even for burgers cooked with alternate methods like the air fryer or smoker. The temperature you aim for will always remain the same.

    How to Defrost Frozen Burgers

    It is totally possible to make perfect burgers using frozen patties. If you have frozen patties to defrost, you should completely defrost them before cooking them. The best way to defrost burgers is to leave them overnight in the refrigerator to cook the next day, but if you're in a rush you can also defrost them using other methods.

    • The safest and best method: defrost burgers overnight in the refrigerator. Always keep a paper towel or some other protection underneath the burgers as they defrost to prevent them from potentially leaking into your fridge. Trust me.
    • A quick method: defrost burgers using the microwave. Add your ground beef to a microwave-safe bag and add it to a plate. Set your microwave to defrost mode, or use the low heat setting. Defrost for 3 to 4 minutes, turning the beef over to the other side halfway through. Cook immediately if using this defrost method, as it is unsafe otherwise.
    • Defrost in water: You can also defrost hamburger beef using cold water. Add the package of beef to a bowl of cold water and it will begin to defrost. Every 30 minutes, for safety reasons, replace the water with fresh cold water.
    Holding a smash burger in hands over a plate

    Best Burger Sauce

    One of the best burger sauces you can serve with a burger is my incredible Special Burger Sauce. This is an unbelievably flavorful sauce recipe perfect for pairing with a beef burger. Another favorite option is to serve burgers with garlic butter sauce!

    Best Burger Seasoning

    The best burger seasoning, by far, is my Burger Seasoning Recipe. You will be blown away by the flavor this burger seasoning adds to your favorite burger! I love it with my best burger recipes.

    Best Burger Recipes

    Ready to try your newfound techniques by cooking burgers? Try one of my best burger recipes! I guarantee you'll find a new favorite on this list:

    • Smoked Burgers
    • Egg Burger with Caramelized Onions
    • Smash Burger with Special Sauce
    • Mushroom Swiss Burger
    • Air Fryer Burger with Garlic Butter Spread
    • Loaded Burgers with Bacon and Caramelized Onions
    • Cheeseburger Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls
    Two loaded burgers on a piece of parchment paper
    our Loaded Burgers

    Internal Temp for Meatballs

    Always cook your meatballs until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer.

    Best Meatball Recipes

    • Instant Pot Meatballs
    • Honey Sriracha Meatballs
    • Baked Meatball Sub
    • Air Fryer Meatballs
    • Italian Wedding Soup
    Honey Sriracha Meatballs on a white plate.

    Internal Temp for Meatloaf

    The ideal temperature for meatloaf is 160°F. Always use a meat thermometer to check that your meatloaf is cooked properly before pulling it out of the oven.

    Our absolute favorite Meatloaf recipe is this Cheesy Keto Meatloaf Recipe using our homemade meatloaf seasoning. It is out of this world!

    Brisket Temp

    There is something so incredibly delicious about a brisket. My favorite way to prepare a beef brisket is by smoking it. I recommend smoking it unwrapped until your brisket temperature reaches 165°F. Then, wrap it in foil. Once your smoked brisket internal temp reaches 205°F, it's ready.

    Slow Cooker Brisket is also a flavorful way to prepare a brisket when you want to set it and forget and still serve a delicious meal.

    Tri-Tip Temp

    The Tri-Tip Steak is cut pieces of the triangular tri-tip. It is also known as triangle steak. It has become extremely popular because of its superior flavor. 

    My favorite Tri-Tip recipe is this smoked tri-tip recipe! It is packed with flavor and oh so delicious!

    It should always be cooked to the same degree of doneness as a steak.

    DonenessTemperatureAppearance
    Rare Tri-tip temp125°Fbright red in the middle
    Medium-rare Tri-tip temp135°Fwarm red in the middle
    Medium Tri-tip temp145°Fwarm pink at the center
    Medium-well Tri-tip temp150°F slightly pink at the center
    Well-done Tri-tip temp160°Flittle to no pink throughout

    Beef Temperature Tips

    • Use an instant-read thermometer or meat thermometer.
    • Insert the thermometer through the side of the beef with the tip towards the center. Don't touch fat or bone for a proper read.
    • Take burgers and steaks off the heat when they are 5 degrees lower than the doneness you desire.
    • Remove roast beef from heat when it reaches 5 to 10 degrees lower than your desired doneness.
    • Allow beef to rest after cooking to lock in the juices and finish cooking to your desired degree of doneness.
    • Follow this guide with our Best Cuts of Beef.

    Beef Internal Temps Chart (Printer-Friendly)

    Print our handy beef temperature chart below for a quick reference guide to have on hand at all times! Click here to print the chart.

    beef temperature chart showing different temperatures for beef

    📋 Recipe

    steak cooking on a cast iron skillet
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    5 from 2 votes

    Steak Temps - How to Cook Steak Perfectly

    Learn how to cook steak perfectly on the stovetop and grill! My easy recipe for ribeye steak will show you the best way to cook steak and how to achieve the perfect temperature.
    Prep Time5 mins
    Cook Time13 mins
    Resting Time10 mins
    Total Time28 mins
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: beef cooking temps, beef temperature, roast beef temperature, steak temperature
    Servings: 1 steak
    Calories: 884kcal
    Author: Isabel Laessig

    Equipment

    • 1 Cast-iron pan if cooking on the stove
    • Grilling tongs if cooking on the grill
    • Meat thermometer
    • Steak knife
    • Cutting board

    Ingredients

    For cooking steak on the stove

    • 1 large thick-cut ribeye steak
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    • ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
    • 2 thyme sprigs
    • 2 garlic cloves
    • 4 Tablespoons butter

    For cooking steak on the grill

    • 1 large thick-cut ribeye steak
    • seasoning of your choice

    See our Beef Temperature Chart for helpful tips on cooking any cut of beef!

    Instructions

    How to Cook Steak on the Stove

    • Preheat oven to 450°F. While heating, place a cast iron pan or other oven-proof pan in the oven for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, season steak with salt and pepper. When the oven is heated, carefully remove the skillet using oven mitts and place it on the stovetop over medium heat.
      1 large thick-cut ribeye steak, ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, ½ teaspoon kosher salt
      Pan seared ribeye steak ingredients on a wood surface
    • Place ribeye steak in the skillet and sear for 2 minutes on each side. Top the steak with garlic and thyme, and place the skillet back in the oven for 6-7 minutes.
      2 garlic cloves, 2 thyme sprigs
      Searing steak in a skillet
    • After 6-7 minutes is up, carefully remove the pan from the oven and place it back on the stovetop over low heat. Flip the steak and top with butter. Using pot holders, carefully tilt pan to pour the melted butter, garlic, and thyme over the steak for approximately 3 minutes. Cook to the desired doneness (see post for chart) with an instant-read thermometer.
      4 Tablespoons butter
      Cooking ribeye steak in a cast iron pan
    • Allow to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Cut against the grain for best results. Enjoy!
      Pan-seared ribeye with garlic and thyme sliced on a cutting board

    How to Cook Steak on the Grill

    • Generously season both sides of your steak with your desired steak seasoning. After seasoning, let the steaks sit to reach room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
      1 large thick-cut ribeye steak, seasoning of your choice
      How to season rib eye steak: pat down the seasoning
    • Preheat outdoor grill to high heat, about 450 to 500°F. Sear steaks for 3 minutes per side with the lid open. Then, reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking with the lid closed until the steaks reach the desired level of doneness (see post for chart).
      Two rib eye steaks cooking on the grill
    • Remove steaks from grill and top with 1 tablespoon garlic butter compound butter. Allow steaks to rest for 10 minutes before cutting into them. Slice steaks against the grain.
      grilled ribeye with compound butter on a serving board

    Video

    Notes

    Note: Nutrition value is for steaks cooked on the stove, including compound butter. For full nutrition value of steaks cooked on the grill and recommended seasoning, see my Grilled Ribeye Recipe.
    Tips for cooking steak on the stove:
    • Allow your steaks to come to room temperature. If your steaks are cold when put into the hot pan, they will shrivel and you will not get as tender or juicy of a steak! Leave them out for 30 minutes prior to cooking.
    • If you have time to salt your steaks while they are coming to room temperature, do this. Moisture from inside the steak will rise to the surface for a perfectly flavored bite each time. Be sure to pat the steak dry to remove access moisture before putting them into the hot cast iron skillet.
    • Use a really hot cast iron pan to achieve the perfect sear! It is important to preheat your cast iron for 5 minutes in a 450°F oven.
    • Do not crowd your pan. If you are cooking more than one steak at a time, work in batches because overcrowding will not give you the same result.
    • Take the time to baste your ribeye in the crushed garlic, butter, and thyme. You will want to generously coat the ribeye in this mixture for maximum flavor!
    • Use a meat thermometer to reach your desired degree of doneness.
    Tips for cooking steak on the grill:
    • Let the steaks come to room temperature first. This takes about 30 minutes and ensures they will cook evenly.
    • Really pat down your rib eye steak rub! Patting down the seasoning gives the meat a perfect crust on the grill.
    • Allow the steaks to rest before cutting into them, at least 10 minutes.
    • Always slice steak against the grain.
    • Use a meat thermometer for best results when checking for your desired degree of doneness.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 884kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 46g | Fat: 77g | Saturated Fat: 43g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 27g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 258mg | Sodium: 1681mg | Potassium: 662mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1532IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 4mg

    Share

    Share
    Pin431
    Tweet
    Email
    « Cocktail Meatballs
    Mexican Casserole »

    About Isabel Laessig

    Isabel Laessig, better known as Family Foodie and the founder of the Sunday Supper Movement, is passionate about food and family! She is the author of the Boujee Steak Cookbook, and makes regular television appearances to spread her mission of bringing Sunday Supper back around the family table in every home.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Charles Brown says

      December 29, 2022 at 4:30 pm

      This is GREAT. Everything one needs for cooking beef in one article. Thank you

      Reply
      • Em Beitel says

        January 09, 2023 at 1:22 pm

        Thank you so much, Charles! We're happy to be of help!

        Reply

    Leave a comment or question - we love to hear from you! Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    • Family Foodie Facebook
    • Sunday Supper Pinterest
    • Sunday Supper Youtube
    • Family Foodie Instagram
    • Family Foodie Tiktok

    Best Beef Dinner Ideas

    • Beef chuck roast with potatoes and carrots
      Chuck Roast in the Oven
    • Burger seasoning in a bowl on a white wood surface
      Our Famous Burger Seasoning
    • Two air fried steaks on an offwhite plate, cut partially into slices to show the medium rare middle and topped with garlic butter
      Air Fryer Steak
    • Beef birria tacos on a white platter
      Birria Tacos Recipe
    • smoked brisket sliced with red gravy
      Smoked Brisket
    • Two slices of prime rib roast on a cutting board
      Boneless Rib Roast

    Footer

    Our Brands

    Best Beef Recipes | Sunday Supper Movement | Easy Sauce Recipes | Best Side Dishes | Best Pork Bites

    About Us

    • Contact Us
    • About Best Beef Recipes
    • Disclosure & Privacy
    • Sign up for our Newsletter!
    sunday supper movement logo

    Best Beef Recipes is part of the Sunday Supper Media publishing family.

    ↑ back to top

    Copyright ©2019-2023 Best Beef Recipes, All Rights Reserved.