The viral trend of washing ground beef has sparked debate, but experts strongly advise against it. The U.S. food system ensures that ground beef is safe to eat without the need for washing, as long as it is stored and cooked properly. Meat scientists emphasize that rinsing ground beef could spread harmful bacteria around your kitchen through splashing water. Additionally, washing beef after cooking is unnecessary, as it removes flavorful fats. If you’re concerned about grease, draining the cooked beef is a better option. Chefs, too, generally see no benefit to washing ground beef, and agree that it’s best to cook it directly to 160°F for safety and flavor.
