Quick Answer: How do you know when meatloaf is fully cooked?

To tell when meat loaf is done, use an instant-read thermometer ($13, Walmart). The meat loaf’s internal temperature should register 160°F when inserted into the center of the loaf. Alternatively, use an oven-safe thermometer ($18, Target) that can be placed in the meatloaf before it goes into the oven.

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.

Can meatloaf be undercooked?

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. Using a meat thermometer will allow you to cook meats safely, and to perfection.

How long is meatloaf cooked?

Place meat mixture on prepared baking sheet, and form into a loaf about 9 inches long and 4 to 5 inches wide. Bake, brushing twice with remaining 1/4 cup ketchup during baking, until an instant-read thermometer registers 160 degrees, 45 to 55 minutes. Let meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Is it OK for meatloaf to be 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.

How long does it take to bake a 1.5 pound meatloaf?

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.

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.

What can I do with undercooked meatloaf?

The more undercooked it is, and the sooner you want to eat it, the thinner you’ll want to slice it. Place the meat in an oiled roasting pan or Dutch oven; drizzle it with some stock, sauce, or water; cover it with aluminum foil; and bake the whole thing in a 400° F oven until cooked.

Should I cover my meatloaf?

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 long does it take to cook a 2lb meatloaf at 350 degrees?

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. Do not cut into the meatloaf right away, allow it to rest for at least 10 minutes after cooking.

How long to cook meatloaf at 375 covered or uncovered?

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.

Why does my meatloaf take so long to cook?

Why does meatloaf take so long to cook? Baking a meatloaf packed into a loaf pan takes much longer than baking a meatloaf formed by hand in a larger pan where is is not as dense and the air can circulate. In addition if the pan was larger so the loaf was not as high or dense, that will greatly reduce the cooking time.

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.