Can raw beef be cooked with pork?

* Different cooking temperatures: Beef and pork require different internal temperatures to be safe to eat. Beef needs to reach 145°F (63°C) while pork needs to reach 145°F (63°C) for whole cuts and 155°F (68°C) for ground pork. Cooking them together might mean one of the meats isn't cooked to the proper temperature.

* Cross-contamination risk: Pork is more likely to carry bacteria like Trichinella, which can cause trichinosis. If the pork isn't cooked to the proper temperature, it can cross-contaminate the beef and make you sick.

However, there are some exceptions:

* Ground meat: If you're using ground beef and pork in a dish like a meatloaf or burger, it's okay to cook them together. This is because both meats are ground and need to reach the same internal temperature for safety.

* Cured meats: Cured meats like bacon or ham are generally safe to cook with beef because they have been treated to kill bacteria.

* Commercial sausage: Commercial sausage often contains both beef and pork, and it's safe to cook as is.

The best practice is to cook beef and pork separately, ensuring both reach their proper internal temperature to minimize the risk of foodborne illness. If you're unsure about cooking different types of meat together, it's always best to consult a trusted source like a food safety expert or your local health department.