No, you should not rinse ground beef before or after cooking. Here's why rinsing ground beef isn’t recommended and what you should do instead for safe and tasty meals.
Why You Shouldn’t Rinse Ground Beef
1. Risk of Cross-Contamination
When you rinse raw ground beef, the water can splash onto nearby surfaces like countertops, sinks, and utensils, spreading bacteria such as Salmonella or E. coli.
This increases the risk of foodborne illness.
2. It Doesn’t Remove Bacteria
Cooking ground beef to the recommended internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) is the only reliable way to kill bacteria.
Washing does not make the meat safer to eat.
3. It Affects Texture and Flavor
Rinsing ground beef can wash away its natural juices, leading to dry, less flavorful meat.
Water left on the surface can interfere with browning during cooking.
