Sausage Internal Temperature (Pork, Beef, and Other Meat)
on Mar 29, 2022
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When cooking cuts of chicken, beef, or pork, you’re probably aware of the internal temperature necessary for the meat to be considered safe to eat. But what about sausage? If you’re planning to serve pork sausage, you should also ensure that it’s fully cooked through. Today we’re sharing some guidelines on the proper Sausage Internal Temp.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), raw sausage must be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 160°F for it to be safe to eat. Whether you’re cooking breakfast sausage patties, traditional sausage in casings, or ground pork, the same rules apply.
Ground Pork Internal Temperature: 160°F
If you’re cooking a cut of pork like a roast, chops, or a tenderloin, the minimum internal temperature is 145°F. However, because the grinding process can introduce bacteria to all areas of the meat for ground pork and sausages, the minimum temperature increases to 160°F.
Sausage Internal Temperature Chart (for Pork, Beef, Chicken and Turkey)
| Types of Sausage | Internal Temperature |
| Pork sausage | 160°F (71.1°C) |
| Beef sausage | 160°F (71.1°C) |
| Pork and beef sausage | 160°F (71.1°C) |
| Chicken sausage | 165°F (73.8°C) |
| Turkey sausage | 165°F (73.8°C) |
Note: After cooking, let the sausages rest for 3-5 minutes. The meat will continue to cook in the residual heat, and the juices will redistribute throughout the sausage, making them juicy and delicious.
How to Tell if Sausage is Done Cooking
Method 1: Check with a Thermometer
The best way to check the doneness of sausages is with an instant-read meat thermometer:
Insert the tip of the thermometer a ½ inch into the sausage and wait until you get a reading. When the temperature reaches 160°F for beef, pork, and lamb, and 165°F for poultry, the sausage is ready to serve.
Method 2: Check without a Meat Thermometer
Cook the sausages until brown on all sides, and test one of them by cutting into it crosswise. If the meat is firm to the touch, is dark gray-brown in color, and the juices run clear, not red or pink, the sausage should be ready to eat. Pink-colored meat, bloody juices, or a soft texture are telling you that the sausage needs to continue cooking.
How to Cook Sausage
There are many ways to cook sausage. Here are our favorites.
1. On The Stove
- Remove the sausages from the fridge and allow them to reach room temperature.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of oil to a skillet or frying pan and preheat over medium heat for 2-3 minutes.
- Fry the sausages until golden brown on all sides, turning them occasionally.
- If the sausages become too dark, reduce the heat and continue cooking.
2. In the Oven
- Remove the sausages from the fridge and allow them to reach room temperature. Do not slice the sausages. This will cause them to dry out.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Place the sausages on a baking pan fitted with a wire rack. The rack will keep the sausages away from the drippings of fat and juices.
- Roast for 20-30 minutes, turning midway through. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness. The minimum temperature must be 160°F for beef, pork, and lamb, and 165°F for poultry.
3. On the Grill
- Preheat the grill with the lid down for about 15 minutes, until hot. Turn off one side of the burners and grease the grates with oil.
- Place the sausages on the greased grill on the side that is off, and cook, using indirect heat, for 5-6 minutes per side. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness. The minimum temperature must be 160°F for beef, pork, and lamb, and 165°F for poultry.
4. Simmering
The sausages won’t have a nice golden-brown color but you can simmer them in water, or even beer, until cooked.
- Place the sausages into a frying pan or skillet and fill it with the liquid of your choice until it reaches halfway up the sausages.
- For faster cooking, cover the skillet and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Test the sausages for doneness with an instant-read thermometer. To add some color to the sausages, brown them in hot oil for a few minutes.
How Long Does it Take to Cook Sausage?
Depending on the weight of the sausage and how it’s cooked, it generally takes 15-20 minutes to cook. Your best bet is to check for doneness with an instant-read thermometer. Pork, beef, or lamb sausages should reach an internal temperature of 160°F, and chicken and turkey sausages should be 165°F.
Is it Safe to Eat if There’s a Little Pink in Sausage?
Different types of meat may have a slight pink hue even when cooked, however it’s always best to use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the sausage is fully cooked.
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Ingredients
- 1 pound sausage
- 1 tablespoon oil
Instructions
- Remove the sausages from the fridge and allow them to reach room temperature.
- Add oil to a skillet and preheat over medium heat for 2-3 minutes.
- Fry the sausages until golden brown on all sides, turning them occasionally.
- If the sausages become too dark, reduce the heat and continue cooking.
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
