The best temperature to cook meatloaf is 350°F and takes about an hour, give or take a few minutes, depending on size and shape. One hour should be more than enough for a 2 lb. meatloaf. Do not cut into meatloaf immediately. Allow to rest for at least 10 minutes after cooking.
How long does a 2 pound meatloaf take to cook?
A 2 lb. meatloaf will cook reliably in about 1 hour – do not overcook or the meat will begin to become tough and crumbly. The best way to know when the meatloaf is done is to check its internal temperature. As soon as it reaches 155°F, you can pull it from the oven.
At what temperature do you cook a 2lb meatloaf?
The standard meatloaf cooking temperature is 350°F. At 350°F, a 35-45 minute meatloaf is a fairly accurate rule. The best way not to overcook or undercook your meatloaf is to check the internal temperature of the meatloaf using a meat thermometer.
How long does a 2 lb meatloaf take to cook at 375?
How long do you cook your meatloaf at 375? Meatloaf takes 20-25 minutes per additional pound at this temperature. First, a 1 pound meatloaf will take 25-30 minutes, while a 2 pound meatloaf will take 40-50 minutes. A 3-pound meatloaf will take 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes.
What temperature should you cook a meatloaf at?
The oven temperature is usually set at 350 degrees F for making meatloaf. That is the temperature you want to be sure to use so that the meatloaf does not cook and dry out. If it is too high, the outer crust will burn before the interior is cooked all the way through.
How many eggs should I put in a 2 pound meatloaf?
An average meatloaf recipe calls for about 2 lbs. For ground meat, this usually includes two to three (lightly beaten) eggs. This creates a ground egg to beef string ratio of 1 to 1½ eggs per pound of meat in the recipe.
Do you cover meatloaf with foil when baking?
Cover one large meatloaf with aluminum foil during cooking to keep it moist, but clear for the last 15 minutes of baking. Meatloaf is very suitable for being frozen raw for later cooking or for cooking, freezing, and reheating.” Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly coat a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Why does my meatloaf fall apart?
The most common reason regarding why your meatloaf will fall apart is the lack of sufficient binding agents such as eggs or breadcrumbs. These ingredients are important. Because they are what stick the meat mixture together and stay together during cooking.
How can you tell if meatloaf is done?
Use an instant-read thermometer. We feel that the easiest way to determine if the meatloaf is done is to use a meat thermometer to get an instant reading. When the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 155F degrees at the thickest part, it can be removed from the oven and is considered done.
How much ketchup do you put in meatloaf?
Ingredients for meatloaf sauce:.
- 3/4 cup ketchup.
- 1½ teaspoons white vinegar.
- 2½tbsp brown sugar.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
- TSP onion powder ½.
- ¼10 ground black pepper.
- ¼ salt salt.
Does meatloaf need to be covered?
Do you cover the meatloaf during baking? If you have one large meatloaf, cover it with aluminum foil during cooking to keep it moist but not covered throughout the cooking process. Remove the cover from the meatloaf and keep it uncovered for the last 15 minutes of baking.
Can meatloaf be cooked at 400 degrees?
A 2-pound meatloaf should be baked at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for no more than 1 hour. At 400 degrees F, the meatloaf should be cooked for 45 to 50 minutes or until it reaches 165 degrees F as the internal temperature. After the meatloaf is cooked, let it rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting it.
How long does a 3 lb meatloaf take to cook at 350?
How long does it take to cook 3 pounds of meatloaf at 350 degrees? Directions Mix all ingredients, form into a pan and place on a roasting pan sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Bake in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven for 1 1/2 hours.
Is it OK if my meatloaf is a little pink?
Ground beef or meatloaf cooked to the required temperature 160 F (71 C) is safe. However, under certain conditions, it may still be pink. You are correct, this can be caused by the presence of other foods, especially foods containing nitrites.
How long should meatloaf rest?
It is strictly a matter of taste. Allow the meatloaf to rest for about 10 minutes after it comes out of the oven. It will come together when sliced.
How long do you cook a meatloaf per pound?
The bread should be cooked at 350°F in a conventional oven. Different sizes require different cooking times, but a good rule of thumb is 35-45 minutes per pound. Start taking temperatures at 30 minutes.
- A pound takes 35 to 45 minutes.
- A pound takes 55 minutes to 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Why do you put milk in meatloaf?
Why did you add milk? Milk soaks into the crumbs and keeps the meatloaf moist. I typically use whole milk in my recipes, but you can use any type of milk, including non-dairy milk.
Does milk go in meatloaf?
Milk is the preferred liquid for meatloaf, but there are some great alternatives if you don’t want to use it. The reason milk is added to meatloaf is to soak the crumbs, which adds much needed moisture to the meatloaf.
Do you put egg in meatloaf?
Eggs are an ingredient in almost all meatloaf and have two distinct roles. Egg yolks are mostly water, but contain significant amounts of protein and fat, which add flavor, richness, and moisture. They also bind the meat and help set the bread into a stable shape without the need to overwork the meat.
What can I put on top of meatloaf instead of ketchup?
However, there are more alternatives to ketchup, but if you don’t like the taste of ketchup in your meatloaf, you can use barbecue sauce, tomato paste, or salsa. But don’t limit yourself to these three options. You can also use mustard, chili sauce, or pickle juice. Another option is to use Worcestershire sauce.
Should I drain the grease from my meatloaf?
If you bake the meatloaf in a loaf pan ensuring a moist pan, consider draining the fat 15 minutes before the end of the cooking time to develop a crisp top. This method makes it easier to slice the meatloaf as it is optimally served by cooking ahead.
Why do you put crackers in meatloaf?
Adding crackers and milk to the Milk + Salt Cracker Meatloaf recipe does two things. It binds the meat and adds moisture, making the finished meatloaf tender and juicy.
What kind of pan is best for meatloaf?
The top meatloaf pan is the Anolon Bakeware Non-Stick Loaf Pan Set. This is a trusted brand of pan with inserts that improve air circulation around the food and allow grease to drain out of the meatloaf.
Why do you put oatmeal in meatloaf?
Here, Quick Cooking Rolled Oats are used as filler to maintain the meatloaf light texture and keep the meatloaf moist and not dry. Quick cooking oats are ideal because they are finer than old-fashioned rollers, which add too much texture to the dish.
What kind of ground beef is best for meatloaf?
Regular ground beef (70% to 77% lean), ideal for meatloaf and meatballs, holds its shape during cooking. Cooked meat should be moist, juicy, and slightly firm.
How do you tell if your meatloaf is done without a thermometer?
If you do not have a thermometer, you may want to use a metal fork. Meatloaf is usually cooked if you can plunge a metal fork into the center without resistance. You can use your fingers to check the meatloaf. Be careful not to burn yourself.
Can you overcook a meatloaf?
Cooking meatloaf for a long time will cause it to become dry. However, “rare” meatloaf is not necessary because it must reach a safe temperature for food safety .
Why is my meatloaf mushy?
Stale bread is an essential ingredient in meatloaf because it helps bind the meat together. However, mixing it with dry bread will deprive the meat of some of its moisture. Follow the next tip: For a more moist meatloaf, soak the bread in milk to make it thick and sloppy before mixing the mixture.
How long should you cook meatloaf at 350?
The best temperature to cook meatloaf is 350°F and takes about an hour, give or take a few minutes, depending on size and shape. One hour should be more than enough for a 2 lb. meatloaf. Do not cut into meatloaf immediately. Allow to rest for at least 10 minutes after cooking.
What’s the best onion to use in meatloaf?
Yellow onions are the most common variety used in cooking. They have a tough brownish-yellow skin with a thin layer of white flesh. They are very astringent – the astringency is the sharp, almost spicy taste that onions are known for – but there is also a lot of sugar.
What goes good with meatloaf for dinner?
26 A delicious side dish for meatloaf
- Dinner Rolls. Since you’re already baking meatloaf, you can even make a simple bread to go along with it!
- Garlic Bread.
- Corn bread.
- Mashed potatoes.
- Potato wedges.
- Cauliflower Tots.
- Cauliflower mashed potatoes.
- Creamed spinach.
Is it better to cook meatloaf in a loaf pan?
Free-form meatloaf has a larger surface area exposed to direct heat from the oven, creating more of the crispy, nicely browned crust that many love. However, some say meatloaf made in a loaf pan is more moist and “steamed” in texture, with more juices and fat surrounding it (via Food Network).
Do you put water in the pan when making meatloaf?
To make a moist meatloaf every time, we recommend placing a large pan of water on the bottom rack of an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
What happens if you don’t cover meatloaf?
Covering will keep the meatloaf from drying out in the hot oven. Covering the meatloaf also protects the oven from splashes of fat and dirt that can burn and create unpleasant odors in the oven.
How does Martha Stewart make meatloaf?
Ingredients.
- 3 slices white sandwich bread.
- 1/3 cup whole milk.
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef chuck.
- 1/2 lb. ground pork .
- 1/2 medium onion, grated.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced.
- 1 large egg .
- 1/2 cup ketchup.
Can you eat meatloaf raw?
The USDA recommends not eating or tasting raw or undercooked ground beef. To ensure all bacteria are killed, cook meatloaf, meatballs, casseroles, and burgers at 160 °F. Use a food thermometer to verify that a safe internal temperature has been reached.
Why is my ground beef red after cooking?
Ground beef may turn pink inside after safe cooking. The pink color may be due to a reaction between the heat of the oven and myoglobin, causing a red or pink color.
Why is meatloaf red?
These same nitrates bind to the meat proteins and prevent them from releasing oxygen molecules as they normally do during the cooking process. As a result, the protein remains oxygenated and maintains its red or pink color even when the meat is fully cooked.
How do I keep the bottom of my meatloaf from burning?
If you are baking a meatloaf made by stuffing a loaf pan with lean meat, adding strips of raw bacon first before adding the meat will help prevent the meatloaf from sticking to the bottom of the pan during baking.
When should you slice meatloaf?
Slicing the meatloaf right out of the oven can cause the juices to release onto the plate or pan and cause the loaf to fall apart, says Peisker. Instead, let the meatloaf rest for 15 minutes before cutting and serving.
How long does it take to bake a 2lb meatloaf?
A 2 lb. meatloaf will cook reliably in about 1 hour – do not overcook or the meat will begin to become tough and crumbly. The best way to know when the meatloaf is done is to check its internal temperature. As soon as it reaches 155°F, you can pull it from the oven.
How many people does a pound of meatloaf feed?
This meatloaf is made with 1 pound of ground beef and is perfect for serving 2-4 people. Of course, these recipes are perfect when you are serving a large family or guests. But many of us are looking for a smaller meatloaf that is perfect for couples or small families.
Should onions be sauteed before adding to meatloaf?
Adding milk to the bread crumbs will moisten the meatloaf. Without it, the bread crumbs will absorb all the moisture from the meat. Should I saute onions for my meatloaf? Yes, sauteing onions not only enhances flavor and moisture, but also ensures that they are fully cooked.
Crackers. Crushed crackers make an excellent breadcrumb substitute in baked dishes such as meatballs and meatloaf. Crackers work similarly to bread crumbs to hold the meat mixture together, and using varieties like savory saltines or butterlits is a great way to add additional flavor to the dish.
What can I use instead of onions in meatloaf?
Onion powder or flakes can be used to replace chopped onions with the following equivalents: onion powder or dried onion flakes. As an alternative, use 1 teaspoon onion powder or 1 tablespoon dried onion flakes.
How many eggs do you put in a 2 pound meatloaf?
The average meatloaf recipe calls for about 2 lbs. of ground meat, which usually includes two to three (lightly beaten) eggs. This creates a ground egg to beef string ratio of 1 to 1½ eggs per pound of meat in the recipe. This also depends on the type of meat you are using.
What happens if you put too much milk in meatloaf?
Of course, the meat will firm up as it cooks, but if you have a loose, wet, sloppy mixture, it will be kind of a soggy, loose meatloaf. If it is really dense and tight then it will be a meatloaf. Therefore, if you add too much milk and the meat mixture looks too loose, tear up the bread and add
Can I use butter instead of milk in meatloaf?
1. water and butter. You can substitute water for the milk in the meatloaf, but the recommendation is that you should add 1 tablespoon of butter to all the water used to keep the fat content the same.
What happens if you put too much bread crumbs in meatloaf?
a Meatloaf will most likely crumble if there is too little breadcrumbs or eggs, too few eggs, or if it is not partially cooled in a baked fatty bread.
What ingredient keeps meatloaf from falling apart?
Eggs: Like breadcrumbs and milk, eggs act as a binding agent to hold the meatloaf together. We found that two eggs did the trick.
How much ketchup do you put in meatloaf?
Ingredients for meatloaf sauce:.
- 3/4 cup ketchup.
- 1½ teaspoons white vinegar.
- 2½tbsp brown sugar.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
- TSP onion powder ½.
- ¼10 ground black pepper.
- ¼ salt salt.
Do you cook meatloaf covered or uncovered?
Cover one large meatloaf with aluminum foil during cooking to keep it moist, but clear for the last 15 minutes of baking. Meatloaf is very suitable for being frozen raw for later cooking or for cooking, freezing, and reheating.” Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly coat a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
What can I use instead of brown sugar in meatloaf?
If you don’t have brown sugar, you can still make a delicious meatloaf by substituting white sugar in its place, using the same amount.
What can I use instead of tomato sauce in meatloaf?
If you have a can of tomato paste in your tomato paste pantry instead of tomato sauce, you are in luck, this is the best substitute for tomato sauce. All you need is tomato paste and water. Mix one part tomato paste and one part water until well combined. Then taste and season the “sauce”.
Do you need aluminum foil for meatloaf?
If you have one large meatloaf, it should be covered with aluminum foil to keep it moist during cooking, but do not cover it throughout the cooking process. Remove the cover from the meatloaf and leave it in place for the last 15 minutes of cooking.
How can I tell if my meatloaf is done?
Use an instant-read thermometer. We feel that the easiest way to determine if the meatloaf is done is to use a meat thermometer to get an instant reading. When the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 155F degrees at the thickest part, it can be removed from the oven and is considered done.
How long should meatloaf rest?
It is strictly a matter of taste. Allow the meatloaf to rest for about 10 minutes after it comes out of the oven. It will come together when sliced.
Why do you put milk in meatloaf?
Why did you add milk? Milk soaks into the crumbs and keeps the meatloaf moist. I typically use whole milk in my recipes, but you can use any type of milk, including non-dairy milk.
How many crackers do you put in a 2lb meatloaf?
Ingredients.
- 2 pounds ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers.
- 1 beaten egg.
- 1 cup milk.
- 1/2 cup ketchup.
- 1/3 cup finely chopped onion (or 1 tablespoon dried onion)
- 1 teaspoon salt.
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
Does milk go in meatloaf?
Milk is the preferred liquid for meatloaf, but there are some great alternatives if you don’t want to use it. The reason milk is added to meatloaf is to soak the crumbs, which adds much needed moisture to the meatloaf.