All burgers are delicious, but a burger that’s cooked to the perfect doneness will make or break your summer cookout. That’s why it’s so important to know the internal temperature of burgers when you’re ready to fire up the grill. Not only will it help you determine just how long it takes to grill a burger, but it’ll also ensure juicy, flavorful results every time! Of course, depending on your burger preferences there are different burger temperatures to consider. Some people might want their burgers medium-rare (like Ree Drummond), while others might prefer them more well-done. Luckily, our handy-dandy guide to burger temperatures will make it easy to find the perfect doneness that’s right for you. Get ready to cook up all the best burger recipes.

So, what’s the best way to tell if your burgers are done? According to the USDA, “Hamburgers should be cooked to a safe minimum internal temperature to destroy harmful bacteria that may be present.” You’ll want to grab a meat thermometer for that. The simple kitchen tool will give you the exact burger temperature, so you know when it’s done and safe to eat. This applies to both burgers that are grilled outdoors and those that are cooked on a cast-iron skillet. Either way, find out more about how long to cook burgers depending on their thickness, then keep reading for more tips on cooking burgers. You’ll be making classic cheeseburgers and BLT sliders in no time.

What temperature should you cook burgers?

The temperature of your burger depends on how you like your burgers cooked. According to the USDA, ground meat should be cooked to a minimum temperature of 160 degrees which will give you a well-done beef burger. But if you like your burgers a little less done, aim for one of the burger temperatures below:

• Medium-rare: 130 to 135 degrees

• Medium: 140 to 145 degrees

• Medium-well: 150 to 155 degrees

Keep in mind that your burger patties will continue to cook (because of residual heat) even after being removed from the grill, so if you want to reach the desired temperatures above, you’ll need to take the patties off five to ten degrees before they reach their ideal temp. Insert your thermometer horizontally from the side to reach the thickest part of the burger and get an accurate read.

How long do you cook burgers?

If you like your patty medium-rare with a red-pink center and browning around the edges, grill for about two and a half minutes per side or five minutes total, or until the internal temperature reads 130 to 135 degrees. Thinner patties will be done on the earlier side and extra-thick patties may need a bit longer, so always use your trusty thermometer to be safe.

Is it OK if your burgers are a little pink?

If you like your burgers cooked less than well done, then yes! The more pink the burger is in the center, the rarer the doneness; the more brown in the center, the more well done. A medium-rare burger will still be pink and juicy in the middle, whereas a medium-well burger will be mostly brown.

Can you check for doneness without a thermometer?

Yes, but it takes practice—and it’s not as accurate. Gently press the burger in the middle and see how squishy it feels. A rare burger will feel soft, like the fleshy area between your thumb and palm when your hand is flat. The more cooked the burger, the firmer it will feel. Press your thumb to your ring finger on one hand and feel that same part of your hand between the thumb and palm; that’s what a medium burger should feel like.