Ground meat & meatloaf temperature chart
USDA safe minimum internal temperatures for ground meat & meatloaf, measured in the thickest part with a food thermometer.
| Cut | °F | °C | Rest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground beef, pork, lamb or veal | 160°F | 71°C | — |
| Meatloaf (beef, pork or lamb) | 160°F | 71°C | — |
| Ground chicken or turkey, turkey meatloaf | 165°F | 74°C | — |
| Fresh sausage (beef or pork) | 160°F | 71°C | — |
Where to check a meatloaf
Insert the thermometer into the center of the thickest part of the loaf, the Beef Checkoff says.
Why meatloaf can be pink at 160°F
Onions, celery and bell peppers contain natural nitrates, and meatloaf made with them can stay pink even after it reaches 160°F, according to the Beef Checkoff. USDA says the same of ground beef cooked with vegetables. Color isn't a reliable sign either way, so go by the thermometer.
Mixed beef and turkey meatloaf
If the loaf contains any ground poultry, cook it to 165°F, the minimum for ground chicken and turkey. Reheat leftover meatloaf to 165°F as well.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature should meatloaf be in Celsius?
71°C (160°F) for beef or pork meatloaf, 74°C (165°F) for turkey or chicken meatloaf.
Does meatloaf need to rest?
Not for safety. Ground meat has no USDA rest time; it is safe once the center reaches 160°F.
Other meat temperatures
- Ground Beef: 160°F (71°C)
- Beef & Steak: medium rare 135°F (57°C)
- Turkey: 165°F (74°C)
- Pork: 145°F (63°C)
The full meat temperature chart has every USDA safe minimum and the doneness temperatures for beef, lamb and pork. After cooking, check how long ground beef lasts in our food storage chart.
Sources
- USDA FSIS, Beef from Farm to Table www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/meat-catfish/beef-farm-table
- USDA FSIS, Fresh Pork from Farm to Table www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/meat-catfish/fresh-pork-farm-table
- USDA FSIS, Lamb from Farm to Table www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/meat-catfish/lamb-farm-table
- USDA FSIS, Safe Minimum Internal Temperature Chart www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/safe-temperature-chart
- Beef Checkoff (Beef. It's What's for Dinner.), Determining Doneness www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com/cooking/determining-doneness
- USDA FSIS, The Color of Meat and Poultry www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/color-meat-and-poultry
Checked October 19, 2026.