Beef is a type of red meat that comes from cows It is a rich source of protein and essential nutrients including iron zinc and B vitamins Beef can be cooked in a variety of ways including grilling roasting baking and frying It is often served as a main dish and is a popular ingredient in a wide range of dishes including burgers steaks roasts and stews Beef is a popular source of protein that can be incorporated into a healthy diet However it is also high in fat and calories so it is important to consume it in moderation and choose lean cuts to reduce the intake of saturated fat It is also important to handle and cook beef properly to avoid foodborne illness This includes washing hands and surfaces frequently and cooking beef to an internal temperature of at least 145F for mediumrare to 160F for welldone to kill any harmful bacteria