A TikTok video about rinsing ground beef recently went viral, and it caught a lot of people off guard. So, we turned to the experts to find out: Should you be washing your ground beef before or after cooking — or at all?
Should You Wash Ground Beef?
According to Diana Clark, a meat scientist with Certified Angus Beef, there’s no need to rinse ground beef before cooking it.
“The most important thing to know is that the U.S. food system ensures that all beef is safe to eat and does not need to be washed before cooking,” Diana Clark, a meat scientist with Certified Angus Beef, tells Southern Living. “If you are worried about food safety, the best practices are to keep ground beef stored in the refrigerator to keep it cool and fresh, and to then cook your ground beef to 160°F.”
But if you do decide to rinse it anyway, Clark emphasizes the importance of cleaning your sink and nearby surfaces afterward to prevent bacteria from spreading.
“In fact, USDA [U.S. Department of Agriculture] notes that water can splash bacteria up to three feet surrounding your sink, so it’s vital to clean those surrounding areas to avoid any cross-contamination,” she adds.
How to Wash Ground Beef (If You Still Choose To)
If you’re still set on rinsing your ground beef, here’s a basic step-by-step:
- Take the ground beef out of the package and put it in a colander.
- Turn on the cold water and place the colander in the sink.
- Rinse the beef under the cold water, using gloved hands to break it apart.
- Once it’s rinsed, turn off the water and gently pat the meat dry with paper towels.
What About Washing Ground Beef After Cooking It?
Some people have started washing ground beef after it’s been cooked.
“We’ve also seen the trend of washing ground beef after it’s been cooked,” says Clark. “From a food safety standpoint, there’s no need, but if you’re worried about the grease, my suggestion is to simply drain your ground beef. Anything that remains is going to be the great flavor that you don’t want to miss out on.”
So, what do professional chefs think about this trend? We asked Ferrell Alvarez, a chef and restaurant owner from Tampa, who runs The Proper House Group. One of his restaurants, Nebraska Mini-Mart, serves burgers.
“I’ve never heard of rinsing ground beef, ever,” says Alvarez. “I don’t think it’s going to harm anything, but there’s no point at all.”
Bottom Line
Don’t rinse raw ground beef — it can actually spread harmful bacteria around your kitchen through splashing. Once the beef is cooked, rinsing it only washes away the flavor. If you’re trying to cut down on grease, just drain it. No need to rinse — it’s not worth it.