Meat Cooking Time Calculator

Our calculator provides estimates based on USDA guidelines and standard cooking times. However, actual cooking time can vary based on oven calibration, meat starting temperature, and other factors. Always use a meat thermometer to verify doneness.

Safe minimum internal temperatures vary by meat: Poultry (turkey, chicken) should reach 165°F (74°C), ground meats 160°F (71°C), and whole cuts of beef, pork, and lamb should reach at least 145°F (63°C) with a 3-minute rest time.

Yes, resting meat allows juices to redistribute throughout the cut. Rest smaller cuts for 5-10 minutes and larger roasts like turkey for 20-30 minutes before carving.

Yes, stuffed poultry takes longer to cook because the stuffing must also reach 165°F (74°C). Generally add 5-7 minutes per pound for stuffed birds. Consider cooking stuffing separately for food safety.

Most roasts cook well at 325°F-350°F (165°C-175°C). Lower temperatures like 275°F (135°C) work better for tough cuts like brisket that need slow cooking. Higher temperatures of 400°F-450°F (205°C-230°C) are ideal for quick-cooking cuts or achieving crispy skin on poultry. Our calculator adjusts cooking time automatically based on your selected oven temperature.

Yes, you can safely cook frozen meat without thawing, but it will take approximately 50% longer than thawed meat. Our calculator has a 'frozen' toggle that automatically adjusts the cooking time. The USDA confirms this is safe as long as the meat reaches the proper internal temperature. However, frozen meat may cook less evenly, so using a meat thermometer is especially important.

Our calculator includes a temperature unit toggle that displays all temperatures in either Fahrenheit (°F) or Celsius (°C). The formula is: °C = (°F - 32) × 5/9. For example, 325°F = 165°C, 350°F = 175°C, and 165°F (poultry safe temp) = 74°C.

Higher oven temperatures cook meat faster, while lower temperatures take longer. As a general rule, increasing oven temperature by 25°F reduces cooking time by about 3%, and decreasing by 25°F increases time by about 3%. Our calculator automatically adjusts the estimated cooking time when you change the oven temperature setting.