Doneness of Burgers

The internal color of the meat is not a reliable doneness indicator when cooking ground meant patties. Regardless of color, a beef, lamb, pork, or veal burger cooked to an internal temperature of 160F is safe to eat. (Ground turkey and chicken burgers must be cooked to 165F.) Sometimes ground beef has lost its pink color before it reaches the safe internal temperature of 160f. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness. If using a dial instant-read thermother, insert it through the side of the burger to a depth of 2 to 3 inches to get an accurate temperature reading.