Ground pork is a versatile and flavorful meat that can be used in many dishes, from tacos to meatballs to sausage. When cooking ground pork in the oven, it’s important to know how long to cook it at 350°F to ensure it is properly cooked through without drying out. Keep reading for tips on safely and properly cooking ground pork at 350°F.
Why Cook Ground Pork at 350°F?
Cooking ground pork at 350°F is hot enough to cook the meat through without overcooking it. At 350°F, the interior of the pork should reach an internal temperature of 160°F, which is the recommended safe minimum temperature for ground pork according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Cooking at a higher temperature, such as 400°F, can cause the exterior of ground pork to overcook and become tough before the inside is properly cooked through. The more moderate heat of 350°F allows the meat to cook gently and evenly.
How Long to Cook Ground Pork at 350°F
The exact cooking time needed for ground pork at 350°F depends on the amount and thickness of the meat. Here are some general guidelines for how long to cook ground pork at 350°F:
Ground Pork Patties
For patties that are 1/2 inch thick, cook for 12-14 minutes. For patties that are 3/4 inch to 1 inch thick, cook for 14-17 minutes.
Use an instant read meat thermometer to double check the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Ground Pork Meatloaf
For a meatloaf that is 1.5 to 2 inches thick, bake at 350°F for 45-60 minutes. Check the internal temperature in the thickest part of the meatloaf, which should reach 160°F.
Ground Pork Meatballs
For meatballs that are 1-2 inches in size, bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until cooked through. An instant read thermometer inserted into the center should read 160°F.
Ground Pork Casserole or Pie
For casserole dishes or meat pies made with ground pork, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 30-40 minutes until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
Tips for Cooking Ground Pork at 350°F
Follow these tips for the best results when cooking ground pork in the oven at 350°F:
- Preheat the oven fully before baking to ensure even heating.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork rather than relying solely on cook times.
- Avoid overcrowding pans or baking dishes, which can cause uneven cooking.
- For casseroles or dishes with sauce, cover with foil at first to prevent overbrowning then uncover near the end of cooking to brown any toppings.
- Let ground pork rest for 5 minutes after cooking before serving for juicier, more tender meat.
Is Ground Pork Safe at 160°F?
Yes, ground pork is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. The USDA and food safety organizations confirm that 160°F is the recommended safe minimum internal temperature for ground pork and other ground meats like beef and lamb.
At 160°F harmful bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, and other pathogens are killed, making the pork safe to consume. Ground meats need to reach a higher temperature than whole cuts of pork since potentially harmful bacteria are mixed throughout the meat rather than just on the surface.
How to Tell When Ground Pork is Fully Cooked
Here are some signs that ground pork is fully cooked through to a safe internal temperature of 160°F:
- The meat is no longer pink in the center.
- The juices run clear when pierced with a fork.
- An instant read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 160°F.
- The meat has firmed up and is no longer soft.
Using a digital food thermometer is the most reliable way to check that ground pork has reached a safe minimum internal temperature. Visual signs like color are helpful indicators, but only a thermometer can confirm the exact temperature.
What Happens If You Undercook Ground Pork?
Consuming undercooked ground pork that has not reached 160°F can potentially lead to foodborne illness. Raw or undercooked pork may contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli, and others that can cause symptoms like:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
- Fever
Some people may be more vulnerable to illness from bacteria in undercooked pork, including young children, older adults, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems. It’s important that everyone avoids eating raw or undercooked ground pork.
How Can You Tell If Ground Pork is Bad?
Ground pork that has gone bad will have obvious signs of spoilage. Do not eat ground pork if it has:
- A rancid or sour smell
- A sticky, slimy texture
- Discoloration or graying
- Mold growing on the meat
Properly stored, ground pork can typically last 1-2 days in the refrigerator after the sell-by date before spoiling. For optimal freshness and taste, try to use ground pork within 1-2 days of purchase.
Conclusion
Cooking ground pork to a safe internal temperature of 160°F kills any potential bacteria present and makes the meat safe to eat. At 350°F, most ground pork recipes will take 12-60 minutes to fully cook depending on thickness. A food thermometer is the best tool for ensuring meat reaches the proper temperature. Following proper handling and cooking guidelines for ground pork reduces the risk of foodborne illness.