Handling Meat

All home cooks want to serve meals and snacks that are good and good for their families. We also want to make sure the food we serve is safe -- particularly meat. When handled or cooked improperly, meat can be unhealthy to eat. We have all the information you need on how to handle meat safely. Our handy cooking charts are downloadable, so you can keep them where you cook and always have them at the ready to check cooking times and temperatures for meat, poultry, and vegetables. Buying fresh, safe meat is critical, but it's also important to store your meat safely once you get it home. We guide you through meat storage information, plus advice on how to freeze meat. We also show you how to test meats and fish for doneness. The only no-fail way to cook meat to correct temperatures is by using a meat thermometer. Use our tips on how to get the most out of your meat thermometer. When you're cooking poultry, turn to our charts on how to ensure tasty, good-for-you results, as well as a primer on how to cut a whole chicken.

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More Expert Tips and Advice
Handy Cooking Charts

Get cooking times and temperatures for meat, poultry, and veggies.

Roasting Meat Step-by-Step

Get winning results every time with this simple-to-use guide.

Everything in Cooking with Meat & Poultry
Cutting Tips
Meat Cooking Methods & Techniques
  • How to Roast Beef

    Roasting beef means to oven-cook it, uncovered, in a shallow pan until gloriously browned on the exterior but still...

  • How to Roast Beef Tenderloin

    Weeknight easy but weekend special, this tender and beloved beef cut gets a quick sear in a skillet and then roasts...

  • How to Prepare Prime Rib Roast

    Prime rib is ideal for entertaining because it requires little hands-on time and serves plenty. Even the leftovers...

  • How to Roast Pork Ribs

    Pork ribs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and they are also conveniently versatile. Roast ribs in the oven, braise...

  • Meat Charts

    Follow our tips on easy-to-read charts for excellent meals the first and second time.

  • How to Bake Ham

    Ham is the ideal no-fuss entree, especially if you're serving a crowd. Learn how to adorn a ham with cloves in a di...

  • How to Brine a Turkey

    Brining is the simple secret to a moist, tender turkey. Plus, it enhances the bird's flavor. Start with a stir-toge...

  • How to Cook Bacon

    Fry it, bake it, or microwave it. Whatever cooking method you choose, count on crispy, full-flavor strips of bacon...

  • How to Cook Beef Tenderloin

    The tenderloin is the gold standard of beef cuts. It's tender, versatile, and easier to cook than you might think....

  • How to Grill Steak

    Learn the simple tricks to grilling a perfect steak every time, including a guide to steak cuts and a fail-proof wa...

  • Pounding Meat

    When pounding meat, be sure to keep the thickness even.

  • How to Rest Meat

    Rev up your dinner table with a tender, perfectly moist meat entree.

  • How to Cook Bacon

    Fry it, bake it, or microwave it. Whatever cooking method you choose, count on crispy, full-flavor strips of bacon...

Poultry Cooking Methods & Techniques
  • Poultry Cooking Charts

    Learn how to prepare chicken, turkey, and other poultry safely and with tasty results with our cooking charts.

  • How to Bake Chicken

    Whether you're looking to roast a whole bird or bake just chicken breasts, thighs, or wings, these tips will help y...

  • How to Boil Chicken Breasts

    Make versatile boiled chicken breasts your go-to ingredient to get dinner on the table fast. For inspiration, try t...

  • How to Broil Chicken

    Try these quick and easy methods for preparing broiled chicken.

  • How to Grill Chicken

    From wings to drumsticks, learn how to grill various cuts of chicken to perfection in just a few easy steps.

  • How Long to Cook Chicken

    Preparing chicken is a breeze when you know the correct cooking times. Follow these expert guidelines for delicious...

  • How Long to Grill Chicken

    Not sure how long to leave chicken on the grill? Follow these easy guidelines to grilling chicken to perfection eve...

  • How to Roast Chicken

    Roast chicken is simple and delicious. Here are recipes for basic but divine oven-roasted chicken, plus how-to tips...

Meat Storage & Safety