How Long Does it Take to Cook Ground Pork? (My Best Guide)

With pork you can get multiple cuts and use them to make different delicacies that are simply delicious. However, it’s essential to cook pork properly to ensure safety. 

Pig farms were outdoors for a very long time, and pigs eat almost anything. Thus, they become hosts to different bacteria and parasites. If their meat is not cooked to specific temperatures, bacteria and parasites survive and find their way into our bodies, causing illness. 

Do you know how long does it take to cook ground pork? I am guessing you don’t, and that’s why you are here in this page probably.

It takes around 5-7 minutes to bring the temperature to 160 degree Fahrenheit which is ideal for ground pork cooking. However, it varies on different factors which I am gonna explain later in this article.

In order to keep us safe and savor the taste of ground pork and other pork cuts, it’s best to cook the meat up to 160 F. Of course, the temperature can vary depending on the type of cuts you are using.

But what is the range? How long does it take? What factors must you consider? 

This article covers all that in depth. So let’s get started.

It’s best to cook the ground pork for three to four minutes until it browns evenly with no trace of pink left. Ground pork should reach an internal temperature of 160 F.

Many people use a thermometer to determine if the pork is done, but you can also check the doneness by checking the juice color that comes out once you poke a hole in the meat with a knife or fork. If the juice is clear or even has some pink traces, the meat is done. 

The internal temperature of ground pork meat should be cooked to 160°F (70°C) for medium cooking; the temperature must be 170°F (75°C) for well-done meat. However, current food and safety standards suggest that the cooking temperature requirement can be lowered.

The high cooking temperature in the first place was to eliminate any bacteria or parasites in the meat. In traditional farms, the animals were mostly outside, exposed to the elements and eating all sorts of filth. This leads to the growth of bacteria and parasites in their body and later in the meat. 

But now, pig farming has improved and is mostly indoor. Such facilities are taking extensive steps to reduce the exposure of animals to trichinella and other illnesses. Thus reducing the cooking temperature is now safe. 

Yes. Ground pork, a great source of protein, cooks super fast. As the meat is already prepped, you can get it done quickly, and overcooking it is almost impossible. 

The ground pork should reach a temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Mostly it takes 5-7 minutes to get that temperature. However, the cooking timings of your ground pork depend on timing and a few other factors.

These factors are:

• Form of the meat: If the pork is in patty or in loose form. If you are browning loose ground pork in the pan, it takes 5 to 7 minutes to cook. 
• Quantity: Naturally, the amount of time required to cook the meat will depend on the amount of meat in the pan. The meat should be ready in 3-4 minutes if it’s a pound or less. However, if you are browning a couple of pounds of pork meat, you must give it a while longer. 
• Cooking method: The cooking method being used also determines the time required to prepare the meat thoroughly. For instance, if it’s a boiled preparation, the ideal temperature will be reached much quicker. Likewise, pan frying or sauteing will take longer. 
• Preparation:  Pork meatballs and sausages require varying times to cook. If you are making burgers you need to cook them on medium heat for 5-6 minutes on each side. Pork meatballs reach a safe temperature within 15 minutes if you set the oven or smoker to 400 degrees. The same temperature is ideal for sausage links. However, larger sausage links may require 45 minutes to cook. 

If you are making meatloaf, you will need an hour to cook it, and the oven should be set at 350 degrees. 

At the end of it, do not try to overcook the pork. The fat content will vary depending on the type of meat you are using. So, it might dry out if you cook it past 165 degrees. 

There is a time limit on how long you can pan-fry ground pork. If you cook the pork for too long, it will start to dry out and its texture will change. Ideally, you should not cook ground pork for more than 10 minutes. It’s best to use medium to high heat during the browning process. 

There is a tendency for people to dry out ground pork meat by overcooking it. You can avoid that and enjoy tender, moist ground pork with the juices flowing if you follow the time specifications. 

You will know your ground pork is done when it’s white all the way and the internal temperature is 160 F. 

Yes. Undercooked meat carries bacteria and can lead to food poisoning. Pork meat contains certain bacteria and parasites which are killed during the cooking process. Thus if the pork is not prepared well, those bacteria will survive, and we will end up consuming them. 

Eating rare pork can put certain tapeworms in our bodies. These worms lead to massive infections like taeniasis or cysticercosis.  

No, it’s not a good idea to eat raw ground pork. Uncooked pork contains Trichinella Spiralis, which is a form of tapeworm. If humans consume raw pork, these tapeworms get inside the human digestive system. Pork also contains bacteria and parasites, which are killed during the cooking process. Thus consuming raw pork is not a good idea. 

Conclusion: 

Though pork has a reputation for being fatty meat, it’s pretty lean. The best thing about pork is that it’s versatile and can be used in multiple preparations. The only thing is you have to be safe with the temperature. Bon Appetit!