What Should the Internal Temperature Be for Meatloaf? When making meatloaf, the recipe will tell you about how long to bake it. But it might not also tell you what the internal temperature of the meatloaf should be when it’s completely cooked and safe to eat: 160 degrees F.
How do you know when meatloaf is ready?
The best way to know when a meatloaf is done is by checking its internal temperature; as soon as it hits 155°F, you can pull it from the oven.
How long does it take to cook a 2lb meatloaf at 300 degrees?
Put the loaf pan into a 300-degree oven for 2 hours. Remove the meatloaf and let cool for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Should you cover meatloaf baking?
Cover a single large meatloaf with a piece of aluminum foil during cooking to keep it moist, but uncover it for the last 15 minutes of baking. “Meatloaf is highly suited to being either frozen raw for cooking later or cooked and frozen to reheat.” Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan.
Why is my meatloaf still pink in the middle?
A ground beef patty or meatloaf cooked to the required temperature of 160 F (71 C) is safe. … This too can combine with the myoglobin in meat, causing it to retain its pink color (though usually just on the surface) even when well cooked. Your dilemma may even rest with the meat itself.
How do I know if my meatloaf is done without a thermometer?
When you poke the meatloaf with your index finger, it should be easy to penetrate it. If it’s still quite firm, then that’s a sign that it needs to be cooked longer. The basic idea is the same as using a metal fork. If you have a metal fork, then just do that instead.
Why is my meatloaf mushy?
The main cause of a mushy meatloaf is too much bread and milk for the amount of meat. To fix the issue, try reducing the amount of bread and milk by half. Another fix is to double the amount of meat.
How long does a 2 lb meatloaf take to cook at 350?
The best temperature to cook the meatloaf at is 350°F and it requires about 1 hour, give or take a few minutes, depending on size and shape. 1 hour should be more than enough for a 2 pound meatloaf.
How long does a 2 lb meatloaf take to cook at 375?
How long to cook meatloaf at 375°F? At 375°F a 1 lb meatloaf will take about 25 to 30 minutes for the meatloaf temp to reach 160°F. A 2 lb meatloaf will take about 40 to 50 minutes for the meatloaf temp to reach 160°F. A 3 lb meatloaf will take about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes for the meatloaf temp to reach 160°F.
How long does it take to cook meatloaf per pound?
You will need to cook the loaf at 350°F in a conventional oven. Different sizes will require different cooking times, but a good rule of thumb is 35 to 45 minutes per pound. Cooking times will vary due to variations in oven temperature.
Do you have to put ketchup in meatloaf?
Not at all! The milk, egg, ketchup, and diced onion in the meat mixture are all working to keep the meatloaf moist and delicious.
What can I put on top of meatloaf instead of ketchup?
Best ketchup substitute
- ¼ cup tomato paste.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar.
- ½ tablespoon honey.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt.
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder.
How long should meatloaf rest?
You can make meatloaf either in a loaf pan or free-form. Free-form meatloaves have a crust all around; loaf-pan meatloaves have a more “steamed” texture. It’s strictly a matter of preference. Let your meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes after it comes out of the oven; it will hold together better when slicing.
Should you cook onions before putting in meatloaf?
A wide array of vegetables can be used, including onions, carrots, celery, green peppers, red peppers, and summer squash. One tip is to sauté them in butter or olive oil before adding them to the meatloaf. This will ensure they release more of their moisture into the meatloaf.
Can you eat medium rare meatloaf?
Wait until your meatloaf is brown inside, and you may find it dry and overcooked. … Regardless of the color, your meatloaf (and any other ground meats) will be safe to eat once the internal temperature reaches 160 ºF, the point at which any harmful bacteria that might be present will be destroyed.