The following is from the United States Department of Agriculture:

For safety, the USDA recommends cooking hamburgers and ground beef mixtures such as meat loaf to 160°F (70°C) on a meat thermometer. However, "whole muscle" meats such as steaks and roasts may be cooked to approximately

• 145 °F (60° C) medium rare
• 160 °F (70° C) medium
• 175 °F (75° C) well done

For approximate cooking times for use in meal planning, see the following chart compiled from various resources. Cooking times are based on starting with beef at refrigerator temperature (40 °F). Remember that appliances and outdoor grills can vary in heat. Use a meat thermometer to check for safe cooking and "doneness" of beef.

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Fact_Sheets/Beef_from_Farm_to_Table/index.asp

Cow Drawing Source: Wikipedia

Approximate Beef Cooking Times

*Braising is roasting or simmering less-tender meats with a small amount of liquid in a tightly covered pan.

Source: USDA Last modified - February 2003

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