Cook temp for hamburger refers to the internal temperature at which ground beef is considered safe to eat. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends cooking ground beef to a minimum internal temperature of 160F (71C) to kill harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli.
Cooking ground beef to the proper temperature is important for food safety. Undercooked ground beef can harbor harmful bacteria that can cause foodborne illness. Symptoms of foodborne illness can include abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.