Quick Answer: What degree should meatloaf be cooked?

The ideal internal temperature for meatloaf is 160 degrees. While the USDA doesn’t have a determined cooking temperature for meatloaf as it does for whole meats, it does recommend cooking ground beef to 160 degrees.

How long does it take to bake a 2lb meatloaf 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 do you use a meat thermometer for meatloaf?

For the best reading, insert your meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meatloaf. The thermometer must go at least a half-inch into the meatloaf to work, but you will most likely need to stick the probe deeper into the meat. Ideally, the probe should reach the innermost part of the meatloaf.

Is it okay if meatloaf is a little pink?

A ground beef patty or meatloaf cooked to the required temperature of 160 F (71 C) is safe. Yet under certain conditions it may still be pink in color. … 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.

Do you cover meatloaf when cooking in the oven?

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.

How do you know when meatloaf is done?

A 2-pound meatloaf will reliably cook in about an hour — try not to overcook or the meat will start getting tough and crumbly. 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 375 degrees?

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.

Can you cook meatloaf in a glass pan?

Press mixture in ungreased 8-inch round (1 1/2-quart) glass baking dish. Bake at 350°F. for 65 to 75 minutes or until thoroughly cooked in center and meat thermometer registers 160°F. Let meatloaf stand 5 minutes.

How do you know when meatloaf is done without thermometer?

Check the color of any liquids in the pan, make sure they aren’t pink or red. Then place meatloaf onto a dry serving plate and gently press down the meatloaf in order to release any juices. If the liquid is clear then the meatloaf is fully cooked.

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.

How long should I cook a 4 lb meatloaf?

A 4-pound meatloaf needs to bake at 350 F for two hours and 40 minutes. Check the meatloaf’s temperature while it is still in the oven by inserting the thermometer into the center of the loaf. Meatloaf needs to be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 160 F.