Baking a meatloaf?

Question

I'm baking a meatloaf for dinner this evening for company. It's about 2 pounds. My meatloaf is usually never done in the middle. What temperature and for how long should it bake to have it done completely through. Should it be covered with foil during baking or covered for awhile and then the foil removed part way through baking?

Answer 1

Many people use meatloaf or bread pans to make their meatloaf in, but you don't have to use them. A cake pan will work just as well and cut your baking time.

Try not mounding your meatloaf so high in the center.

You can also make a well or a hole in the center of your meatloaf with a butter knife or the handle of a wooden spoon. This allows baking from the inside out in that area as well as from the outside in.

If you cook a 2 pound meatloaf at 350 degrees, it should take 1 hour and 20 to 30 minutes depending on the oven variations in temperature.

The more fatty the hamburger, and the more liquids used in the recipe, the faster the meat will cook.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

I have found that meatloaves cooked in loaf pans never really come out done enough for me. I have switched to cooking mine in a roasting pan or large 13X9 metal baking pan and here's how. Place your meatloaf in the roasting pan and shape into a loaf. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours. Cooking the meatloaf this way ensures that all of the heat from the oven can get to all sides of the meatloaf and not just the top like in a loaf pan. Cooking it this way also gives the meatloaf a crusty exterior on all sides.

Answer 4

For a 2 pound meatloaf....I'd set the oven to 350 degrees and place the meatloaf on a heavy baking pan. (like the bottom of the broiler pan). It's heavy so it browns well. Spray or rub with olive oil..and place the meatloaf there sprinkle with flour all over and pat it on. this will help form a crust...then sprinkle with paprika...I usually bake it covered with foil for the first 20 minutes then remove it for 25 minutes..but watch it so it does not burn ....every oven works differently...also bake in the middle of the oven. The location makes a difference. When the meatloaf first starts to cook I add about 1/2 cup water to help get it started around the loaf....it makes steam...and helps with the baking. Good luck....You can also make a meatloaf in muffin tins that you have sprayed that way they are individual...and will cook faster...serve them with a red sauce or a beef gravy....mashed potatoes and a salad ..french bread...you got it made!
Mama Jazzy Geri

Answer 5

If your meatloaf doesn't get done in the middle you've packed the meat too dense and the heat doesn't circulate to cook or you have the heat turned up too high in the over so the outside is done before the inside... Also, are you using any type of filler in your meatloaf or is it just all meat.. Just a suggestion, but it's super awesome.. Take a bag of stove top and mix it in with your meat/eggs mixture it stays super moist and it adds a lot of flavor.. .Just add a bit of water to the meat mixture.. You can cover it, but i don't.. Just bake at 350 degrees for about 45 min....and add your topping if necessary (ketchup/bbq sauce) and bake 10 min until brown.

Answer 6

Step one--buy a Instant Read Thermometer a lot of cooks use it to check the internal temperature of meat,you can buy one at your grocery store.Step two--bake your meatloaf for 40-45 minutes at 350 or till the internal temperature is 155-160 degrees.Step three--bake your meatloaf uncovered till its done.P.S. The Instant Read Thermometer is also known as a Meat Thermometer.It is a good item to have in your kitchen.Good Luck!!!

Answer 7

It doesn't takw hamburger that long to cook. Its ine of the easier meets to ****. I always put mine on 350% for an hour . Make sure it covered when you are cooking becausethats what helps it to cook inside and out..If you dont have a lid put foil around it. now you may need to go an hour and a half but i doubt it.. just keep it covered tight while its in the oven. Can we come to dinner. Hey thats a thought a yahoo answers family dinner

Answer 8

Bake it at about 350-375 degrees for an hour. Check it to make sure it's done. You don't want food poisioning.

Answer 9

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place the mixture in the oven and bake for about 1 hour. Becareful and drain off the excess liquid as the meat loaf cooks.

Answer 10

I cover mine with tinfoil and start it at 400 for the first 1/2 hour. I uncover it and cook for another 1/2 hour at 350. Make sure you don't pack it in the pan too tight also.