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 pound meatloaf take to cook?
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.
What temperature should I cook a 2lb meatloaf?
A standard meatloaf cooking temp is 350°F. At 350°F, 35 to 45 minutes per pound of meatloaf is a fairly accurate rule to follow. The best way to not overcook or undercook your meatloaf is to use a meat thermometer to check the meatloaf internal temperature.
How long does a 2 lb meatloaf take to cook at 375?
How long do you cook meatloaf at 375? The meatloaf takes an estimated 20-25 minutes per additional pound at this temperature. To start, a 1-pound meatloaf takes 25-30 minutes, while a two-pound meatloaf will take 40-50 minutes. A 3-pound meatloaf requires 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes.
How long should meatloaf be cooked at 350?
This recipe for Best Meatloaf gives you a clever 3-step approach: You’ll bake the meatloaf for 40 minutes at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) to fully cook the inside, and then increase the heat to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 15 minutes to give the outside a tasty crust.
How long do you cook a 2lb meatloaf at 400 degrees?
A two-pound meatloaf should be baked for no more than an hour at 350 degrees F; at 400 degrees F, your meatloaf should be cooked for 45-50 minutes, or until it reaches 165 degrees F as an internal temperature. After the meatloaf has been cooked, allow it to rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting into it.
Is meatloaf baked covered or uncovered?
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 1.5 lb meatloaf at 350?
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 many eggs make a pound of meatloaf?
With the average meat loaf recipe requiring about 2 lbs. of ground meat, you’ll usually have 2 to 3 (lightly beaten) eggs included. That makes the egg to ground beef ratio 1 to 1½ eggs per pound of meat in the recipe.
How can you tell if meatloaf is done?
Use An Instant-Read Thermometer. We feel that the most straightforward method of how to tell if meatloaf is done is to use and instant read meat thermometer. Once the internal temperature of the meatloaf, at the thickest part reaches 155F degrees, it can be removed from the oven, and is considered done.
At what temperature should I cook meatloaf?
What Oven Temperature Should I Use for Cooking Meatloaf? The oven temperature is typically set at 350 degrees F for making meatloaf. That’s the temperature you want to be sure to use so the meatloaf cooks and doesn’t dry out.
Why does my meatloaf fall apart?
The most common reason as to why your meatloaf may fall apart is that it doesn’t have enough binding agents, like eggs and breadcrumbs. These ingredients are key because they’re what makes the meat mixture stick together and stay together while it cooks.
What temp should meatloaf be?
The meat loaf’s internal temperature should register 160°F when inserted into the center of the loaf. Alternatively, use an oven-safe thermometer that can be placed in the meatloaf before it goes into the oven.
How do you keep meatloaf moist?
2. Add moisture at every step. Don’t skip adding eggs, ketchup, tomato paste, mustard, Worcestershire, barbecue sauce or some combination of wet seasonings. They don’t just add flavor and texture, they help make the meat super juicy.
Should I drain the grease from my meatloaf?
If you bake your meatloaf in a loaf pan, which ensures a moist loaf, consider draining the fat 15 minutes before the end of the cooking time to develop a crisp top. This method is best served by cooking ahead, which makes slicing the meatloaf easier.
Should meatloaf be cooked in a loaf pan?
No loaf pan? No problem, simply form the meatloaf into the shape of a loaf and bake it on a baking sheet. Turkey meatloaf: substitute ground turkey in place of ground beef. Stuffed Meatloaf: Prepare meatloaf mixture and press half into the bottom of the pan.
How long does it take to cook a 2lb meatloaf in a convection oven?
Author Notes
- Prep time 45 minutes.
- Cook time 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Serves 6-8.
Why do you put milk in meatloaf?
Why Put Milk In It. Milk soaks into the breadcrumbs and helps keep the meatloaf moist. I typically use whole milk in recipes, but any type of milk including non-dairy milk alternatives could be used.
What is the best filler for meatloaf?
Breadcrumbs, oatmeal, cracker crumbs, crushed tortilla chips–they are all great fillers. My mom makes a great meatloaf with ground turkey, crushed tortilla chips, and southwestern seasoning.
Why do you put crackers in meatloaf?
Milk + Saltine Crackers The addition of crackers and milk in a meatloaf recipe, does two things: It binds the meat together and adds moisture, making the finished meatloaf tender and juicy.
Is it OK if my 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. You’re right, this may be caused by the presence of other foods – particularly those containing nitrites.
How do I know if my meatloaf is done without a thermometer?
If you don’t have a thermometer, then you might wish to try using a metal fork. Meatloaf is usually done cooking if a metal fork can be poked into the center without much resistance. You could check the condition of the meatloaf using your fingers as well. Just be careful not to burn yourself.
How long should meatloaf rest?
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 does it take to cook a 1lb meatloaf at 350 degrees?
How Long To Cook 1 Lb Meatloaf At 350? In an oven that has been set to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, it will take around 35 to 45 minutes for a meatloaf weighing 1 pound to reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit and be completely baked.
Why is my meatloaf mushy?
Stale bread is an essential ingredient in meatloaf, as it works to bind the meat together. But blending in dry bread will take away some of the moisture from the meat. Follow this tip: For a more moist meatloaf, soak the bread in milk until it becomes thick and mushy before blending the mixture together.
Are eggs necessary for meatloaf?
Eggs are a valuable part of a meatloaf recipe because their job is to bind the ingredients of the loaf together and help it mold into the loaf.
Why do you put oatmeal in meatloaf?
Here, quick-cooking rolled oats are used as a filler to help keep the texture of the meatloaf light and to help retain the moisture of the meatloaf so it doesn’t become dry. Quick-cooking oats are ideal because they are finer than old-fashioned rolled oats which would add too much texture to the dish.
Do I have to put eggs in meatloaf?
Here’s the secret: You can still make an exceptionally flavorful and moist meatloaf without eggs. Their binding power is minimal, particularly when the appropriate ratio of liquid and breadcrumbs are used, and the protein and fat can easily be replaced.
How do you add flavor to meatloaf?
Try adding minced garlic, parsley, and thyme for a deeply savory taste. For mouthwateringly bold meatloaf, add Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and ketchup to the pre-baked mixture.
Who makes the best meatloaf pan?
A top meatloaf pan is the Anolon Bakeware Nonstick Loaf Pan Set, a pan from a trusted brand with an insert that improves air circulation around the food and allows grease to drain away from the meatloaf.
How do I cook meatloaf without drying it out?
Slow and Low Is the Way to Go
Some recipes have you cook your meatloaf at temperatures as high as 425 F. Noted food authority Alton Brown says that the ideal oven temperature for a moist meatloaf is 325 F. If the oven is too hot it will reduce the cooking time, but it tends to dry out the meat.
What does an egg do for meatloaf?
Egg yolks, which are mostly water but contain a good amount of protein and fat, add flavor, richness, and moisture. They also help bind the meat together and get the loaf to set in a stable form without the need to overwork the meat.
How do you get a meatloaf out of the pan?
After letting your meatloaf cool for 10 – 15 minutes, follow this simple technique to remove it from a loaf pan:
- Use a butter knife to slice along the sides of your loaf pan.
- Take two forks and gently press them into the sides of your meatloaf.
- Carefully pull up on your meatloaf and transfer it to a plate.
Is it OK to make meatloaf ahead of time?
Can You Make Meatloaf Ahead of Time? YES! Meatloaf is a great make-ahead recipe that you can completely prepare and assemble ahead of time. Once assembled, simply wrap the prepared loaf in foil or plastic wrap and store it overnight in the fridge to bake the next day.
What is the best ground beef to use for meatloaf?
Regular ground beef (70% to 77% lean)
Ideal for meatloaf and meatballs, ground chuck holds its shape during cooking. The cooked meat should be moist, juicy and slightly firm.
How long does it take for meatloaf to cook at 375?
if you set your oven at a temperature of 375, a 1 ½ lb meatloaf will generally take you about 50 minutes to fully cook, at least in my oven in a standard size loaf pan.
How do you make Paula Deen’s meatloaf?
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef.
- 1 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper.
- 1/2 cup chopped onion.
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper.
- 1 lightly beaten egg.
- 8 oz canned without juice diced tomatoes.
- 1/2 cup quick cooking oats.
Should you saute onions before putting in meatloaf?
Adding milk to breadcrumbs helps keep the meatloaf moist. Without it, the breadcrumbs would suck all the moisture from the meat. Should I saute onions for meatloaf? Yes, sauteeing onions not only enhances the flavor and moisture, but it ensures they will be fully cooked.
Is milk or water better in meatloaf?
Milk is the preferred liquid for meatloaf, but there are some great substitutes if you do not want to use it. The reason milk is added in meatloaf is that it soaks the bread crumbs which add needed moisture to the meatloaf.
Try crushed up saltine crackers in place of breadcrumbs in meatloaf or meatballs—the crackers have a mild flavor and can turn into pretty fine crumbs. Just give them a good crush or a quick turn in the food processor before using.
How do you keep meatloaf from shrinking?
Mixing moistened bread crumbs into ground beef is a great way to keep the meat from drying out or shrinking while it’s cooking. Mix together 2 parts fresh bread crumbs and 1 part liquid. Let stand for 5 minutes and combine thoroughly with ground beef and your favourite seasonings.
What can you put in meatloaf besides bread crumbs?
Substitutes for Bread Crumbs
- ¾ cup soft bread crumbs.
- ¼ cup panko.
- ¼ cup cracker or pretzel crumbs.
- ¼ cup crushed cornflakes or other unsweetened cereals.
- ⅔ cup regular rolled oats (Use this only as a substitute for bread crumbs in meat loaf and other meat mixtures, such as burgers.
What can I use in place of crackers in meatloaf?
Substitute For Bread Crumbs In Meatloaf
- Bread. Fresh bread or stale bread are perfect binding agents and fill-ins for regular breadcrumbs in meat loaf.
- Crackers. Crushed crackers are my favorite replacement for bread crumbs.
- Oatmeal.
- Rice.
- Pretzels.
- Cereal.
- Nuts.
- Cauliflower.
How long do you cook a 2 pound meatloaf and at what temperature?
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 many crackers do you put in a 2lb meatloaf?
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef or ground turkey.
- 1 cup Ritz crackers crushed.
- 1 egg beaten.
- 1 cup milk.
- 1/2 cup ketchup.
- 1/3 cup onion finely chopped (or 1 Tbsp dried minced onion)
- 1 tsp salt.
- 1/2 tsp pepper.
How many saltine crackers do you put in meatloaf?
Ingredients
- Olive oil for brushing.
- 30 saltine crackers.
- 2 1/2 pounds ground beef (85 percent lean)
- 1 large yellow onion (10 ounces)
- 1 large carrot (5 ounces)
- 2 medium cloves garlic.
- 1/2 cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley.
- 2 large eggs.
Do you cover 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.
Can you eat meatloaf raw?
The United States Department of Agriculture recommends not eating or tasting raw or undercooked ground beef. To be sure all bacteria are destroyed, cook meat loaf, meatballs, casseroles, and hamburgers to 160 °F. Use a food thermometer to check that they have reached a safe internal temperature.
Why is my ground beef red after cooking?
Ground beef can be pink inside after it is safely cooked. The pink color can be due to a reaction between the oven heat and myoglobin, which causes a red or pink color.
How long does it take to bake a 2 pound meatloaf?
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.
What temperature do you cook a 2 pound meatloaf?
Using a conventional oven you will need to cook the meatloaf at a minimum of 350°F. For a 2 lb meatloaf you can estimate between 1 hour to 1 hour and 20 minutes cooking time.
How long does a 2 lb meatloaf take to cook at 375?
How long do you cook meatloaf at 375? The meatloaf takes an estimated 20-25 minutes per additional pound at this temperature. To start, a 1-pound meatloaf takes 25-30 minutes, while a two-pound meatloaf will take 40-50 minutes. A 3-pound meatloaf requires 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes.