Why You Should Never Wash Ground Beef Before Cooking

Recently, a viral post stirred quite a debate online. A person shared their experience about visiting their mother-in-law’s home for dinner. The mother-in-law had prepared a meal using ground beef — but to the poster’s surprise, she didn’t wash the meat before cooking it. The poster was so disturbed by this that they refused to eat the meal and didn’t let their kids eat it either.

This raises an important question: Should you wash ground beef before cooking?

The Short Answer: No, You Should Not Wash Ground Beef

According to the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) and food safety experts, washing raw meat, including ground beef, is not recommended. Here’s why:

Why You Shouldn’t Wash Ground Beef

Risk of Cross-Contamination

Washing ground beef can splash harmful bacteria, like Salmonella and E. coli, onto your sink, counters, utensils, and other nearby surfaces. This increases the risk of spreading bacteria rather than eliminating it.

It Doesn’t Remove Bacteria

Any bacteria present on raw ground beef will be effectively killed during proper cooking, not washing. Cooking meat to the recommended internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) ensures it’s safe to eat.

You Might Be Ruining the Texture

Washing meat can lead to excess moisture, which may affect how the meat browns in the pan. Wet meat can steam rather than sear, leading to an undesirable texture.

What You Should Do Instead

Cook It Thoroughly: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the ground beef reaches 160°F (71°C).

Keep It Clean: Wash your hands, utensils, and surfaces before and after handling raw meat.

Store It Properly: Refrigerate or freeze ground beef as soon as you get home from the store, and cook or freeze it before the “use by” date.

Final Thoughts

The belief that ground beef needs to be washed is a common food myth passed down through generations. While it may feel like a cleaner or safer step, it’s actually riskier and unnecessary. Trust in proper cooking and good hygiene practices — they’re the key to safe and delicious meals.