What temperature do you cook meatloaf and for how long

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When it’s comfort that you seek, nothing satisfies quite like a classic meatloaf. And if you don’t have a go-to recipe, we offer you this one. It skips any fussy steps and avoids exotic ingredients. This is pure and simple, the perfectly seasoned, down-home version you remember from way way back. So next time you’re missing mama’s cooking or need a meal that’ll go over well with the whole fam, turn to this can’t-miss recipe.

Ingredients

Meatloaf

• 1 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup Progresso™ plain bread crumbs
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup milk

Topping

• 1/4 cup ketchup

Make With

Progresso Breadcrumbs

Steps

• 1

  Heat oven to 350°F. In large bowl, mix Meatloaf ingredients well. Press mixture in ungreased 8x4-inch loaf pan. Bake 40 minutes.

  

• 2

  Remove from oven. Spread 1/4 cup ketchup evenly over top. Bake an additional 15 to 20 minutes or until meat thermometer inserted in center of loaf reads 160°F. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

  

Tips from the Betty Crocker Kitchens

• tip 1

  To make this ahead, prepare and shape the loaf, cover and refrigerate for up to 5 hours. Bake just before serving.

• tip 2

  When purchasing ground beef, there are a couple of things you should check for, including color (bright pink with no signs of browning) and a sell-by-date (the nearer to this date the older the meat). Beef that is 80 percent lean has 20 percent fat. If you prefer leaner ground beef, look for 85 percent or 90 percent lean.

• tip 3

  Out of bread or prefer not to use it? You can swap in 1/2 cup Progresso® dry bread crumbs, 1/2 cup crushed seasoned crackers or 3/4 cup quick-cooking oats instead.

• tip 4

  A meat thermometer is a kitchen tool that we really think every home cook should own, because it’s a surefire way to cook your meat perfectly. In this recipe, you’re looking for a temperature of 160°F in the center.

• tip 5

  Did the meatloaf of your youth feature a packet of Lipton® onion soup or a shot of hot sauce? This recipe is amenable to customizations of that sort. While it’s perfectly delicious as written, it’s a solid place to start if you want to tailor your meatloaf to suit your tastes or indulge your nostalgia.

• tip 6

  When you want to shake things up, try our Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf. It’s a variation on this classic recipe but adds in Italian seasoning and cheeses and features a combination of both ground pork and turkey, in place of beef. Find even more delicious versions of this dish among Betty’s best meatloaf recipes.

Nutrition

270 Calories, 12g Total Fat, 19g Protein, 23g Total Carbohydrate, 9g Sugars

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 Serving

Calories270Calories from Fat100

Total Fat12g18%

Saturated Fat4 1/2g22%Trans Fat0g

Dietary Fiber1g4%Sugars9g

Vitamin A6%6%Vitamin C0%0%Calcium8%8%Iron15%15%

Exchanges:

1/2 Starch; 0 Fruit; 1 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Skim Milk; 0 Low-Fat Milk; 0 Milk; 0 Vegetable; 0 Very Lean Meat; 0 Lean Meat; 0 High-Fat Meat; 0 Fat;

Carbohydrate Choice

1 1/2

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

© 2022 ®/TM General Mills All Rights Reserved

When cooked to the proper internal temperature, meatloaf is tender and juicy. One of the most important aspects of making meatloaf is cooking it until it’s perfectly done. You don’t want it to be dry and you definitely don’t want it to be raw!

A weeknight meal of meatloaf is standard fare in many households. It’s easy to make, just about everyone loves it, and leftovers can be enjoyed on sandwiches! In this post, we’ll discuss the proper internal temperature of meatloaf and the best ways to cook it for excellent results every time.  

What is the Proper Internal Temperature for Meatloaf?

Fully cooked meatloaf must reach an internal temperature of 160°F. Note that because the meatloaf will continue to cook even after it has been removed from the oven, you can remove the meatloaf from the oven when it reaches 155°F.

Meatloaf that is left in the oven after it has reached 160°F may end up being dry and overcooked.    

Best Oven Temperature for Meatloaf

Meatloaf should be cooked at a maximum temperature of 350°F in the oven. This will ensure that the meatloaf is tender and moist. 

The USDA recommends that ground beef be cooked to a minimum of 160°F. The best way to check for doneness is to use an instant-read thermometer. When the temperature reaches 155°F the meatloaf can be removed from the oven. As it rests, the temperature will increase. It’s safe to eat meatloaf when the internal temperature has reached 160°F. 

Best Way: Use an Instant Read Thermometer

Use an instant-read thermometer to monitor the temperature of the meatloaf. When the temperature reaches 155°F the meatloaf can be removed from the oven. As it rests, the temperature will increase. Check the temperature again after about 10 minutes. When it reaches 160°F the meatloaf is safe to eat. 

Back-Up Method (without Instant Read Thermometer)

If you don’t have an instant-reach thermometer on hand, try these methods to determine if the meatloaf is fully cooked:  

• Use A Metal Cake Tester: Insert the cake tester into the meatloaf until it reaches the center and then press the tester against the inside of your wrist. If it’s hot or very warm to the touch the meatloaf is likely done. If it’s slightly warm or cool, it needs to cook longer. 
• Use A Fork: Similar to the cake tester, a fork can be inserted into the center of the meatloaf. If it goes in easily it’s an indication that the loaf is cooked. Remove the fork and press it against the inside of your wrist. If the fork is hot or very warm, the meatloaf is likely done. If it’s cool or not very warm, it should be placed back in the oven to continue to cook. 
• Use Your Finger: Press your finger against the outside of the meatloaf. If it feels firm to the touch, it’s an indication that the meatloaf is likely done. 

How to Cook Meatloaf

Making meatloaf from scratch is quite easy! You’ll add all of the ingredients to a large bowl and mix just until combined. You don’t want to overwork the meat as that can cause it to become tough. Shape the meat into a loaf or place it in a loaf pan and bake until done! 

How Long to Cook Meatloaf

• A 1 lb meatloaf baked in an 8 x 4-inch loaf pan will take about 40 minutes to cook at 350°F. 
• If you’re cooking a larger 2 lb meatloaf, it will take from 55 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes to cook at 350°F.

As a general guideline, every pound of meatloaf cooked at  350°F will need approximately 35-45 minutes to cook. Note that the cooking time varies based on the type of ground beef you’re using, the size and shape of the loaf, the pan it’s cooked in, your location, etc. 

Tips to Avoid Overcooking Meatloaf

Use an instant-read thermometer for best results. When the temperature reaches 155°F, the meatloaf can be removed from the oven. As it rests, the temperature will increase. It’s safe to eat when the internal temperature has reached 160°F. Meatloaf that is left in the oven after it has reached 160°F may end up being dry and overcooked. 

Tips for Perfectly Moist Meatloaf

• Avoid using extra-lean ground beef. The fat in the meat helps to keep it moist. Additional liquid might be needed to keep leaner ground meats moist. 
• Use your hands or a sturdy wooden spoon to mix the ingredients and try not to overly press or condense the mixture. Meatloaf that is overmixed can turn out dry and tough. 
• Use the breadcrumbs called for in the recipe. It will add moisture and structure to the loaf. To add additional moisture to the loaf, soak the breadcrumbs in milk or stock before adding them to the meatloaf mixture. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I Bake the Meatloaf Covered Or Uncovered?

Covering the meatloaf with foil can help to keep it moist. For a nice crisp top, uncover the loaf for the last 15 minutes of cooking time. 

How Long Should I Rest the Meatloaf After Baking?

After removing the meatloaf from the oven, let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This will help to distribute the juices throughout the loaf and will make it easier to slice. 

Will Undercooked Meatloaf Make You Sick?

Undercooked meat can result in foodborne illnesses. It’s always best to use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the meatloaf is fully cooked. 

Is It Okay If Meatloaf is a Little Pink?

If the temperature of the meatloaf has reached 160°F it should be safe to eat. Some meat will have a tinge of pink even when fully cooked. 

How To Serve Meatloaf

Meatloaf is often served sliced with sides like potatoes, rice, or pasta, or other side dishes. It’s delicious topped with a sweet glaze or a side of ketchup. Enjoy leftovers on your favorite bread for a hearty and delicious sandwich!

• ▢ 2 lbs ground beef 90% lean
• ▢ 1 packet Lipton Onion Soup Mix
• ▢ 2 eggs
• ▢ 3/4 cup bread crumbs I used panko breadcrumbs
• ▢ 1/3 cup ketchup
• ▢ 3/4 cup water or milk
• ▢ salt to taste

Optional for Serving

• ▢ meatloaf sauce

• Pre-heat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9”x5” loaf pan with butter or line with parchment paper. Set it aside.

• In a large mixing bowl, add all the ingredients and mix well. It’s best to use your hands to mush and mix until they are well combined.

• Add the meat mixture to the loaf pan. Press the meat down and shape it into an even layer.

• Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes or until thoroughly cooked.

• Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. (It’s important to let it rest, otherwise, it may fall apart.)

• Brush with optional meatloaf sauce. Serve and enjoy!

• Don’t overmix, as it can result in a tough meatloaf.
• It’s best to line your loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
• Press the meat mixture gently into the loaf pan so that it can hold its shape better.

Keyword: Meatloaf Internal Temperature

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