Here's how to reheat meatloaf so that your leftovers are just as tender, juicy, and delicious as the day that you made your meatloaf. In this guide, I'm going to walk you through 5 methods that are easy to follow and completely fool-proof. Keep learning the best ways to help keep your meatloaf from becoming dry or difficult to eat so that all of your hard work never has to go to waste.
If you're looking for meatloaf recipes, try my turkey meatloaf, BBQ meatloaf, smoked meatloaf, or bacon-wrapped meatloaf.
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Reheating leftover meatloaf can be a bit of a challenge, which often ends up as a dry, rubbery, and unappetizing mess. It's frustrating when your effort goes to waste if you don't reheat it properly.
With these 5 easy methods, you can revive your meatloaf so that it tastes just as good as when it was freshly made. Whether you choose the oven, microwave, air fryer, toaster oven, or stovetop, you'll love how simple and straightforward each method is.
How To Reheat Meatloaf In The Oven
The oven is hands-down my favorite way to reheat some meatloaf. While it does take longer than some of the other options, the results are absolutely worth it.
Step 1: Preheat. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C/Gas Mark ½).
Step 2: Prepare. Move your slices of meatloaf to a baking dish. Then, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of beef broth onto each one.
Step 3: Cover. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it on the center rack.
Step 4: Reheat. Reheat for about 20-30 minutes or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 165°F (74°C).
*For the last 5 minutes, you can remove the foil to allow the top to crisp up if desired.
How To Reheat Meatloaf On The Stovetop
If you don't want to wait around for your oven to preheat (I know it feels like forever), then you can reheat your meatloaf on the stovetop.
Step 1: Heat skillet. Place a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat.
Step 2: Add oil or butter. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to your skillet.
Step 3: Add meatloaf. Once the oil is hot, place the meatloaf slices in the pan and cover with a lid.
Step 4: Reheat. Heat the slices for 2-3 minutes per side or until heated through to your liking.
How To Reheat Meatloaf In The Toaster Oven
Although I love using the oven, this toaster oven option will give you the same results in a fraction of the time! It's perfect for reheating smaller portions of meatloaf.
Step 1: Preheat. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C/Gas Mark 4).
Step 2: Arrange. Arrange the meatloaf slices on a tray lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between the slices to allow for even heating.
Step 3: Add broth. Add 1 tablespoon of beef broth to each meatloaf slice that you can fit on the tray.
Step 4: Heat. Bake your meatloaf slices at 350°F (175°C/Gas Mark 4) for 3 minutes. Then flip them over and continue reheating for another 2 minutes.
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How To Reheat Meatloaf In The Air Fryer
If you're like me, then you love using an air fryer to reheat leftovers as it's always an easy and hands-off method! I love the slightly crispy texture it gives the crust.
Step 1: Preheat. Set the air fryer temperature to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Prepare. Cut the meatloaf into slices if you haven't already, and lightly brush each side with a small amount of olive oil. *Alternatively, you can use cooking spray on both sides.
Step 3: Transfer. Place your slices of meatloaf into the basket of the air fryer, making sure not to overcrowd it for even cooking.
Step 4: Heat. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes or until the meatloaf slices are warmed to your liking.
How To Reheat Meatloaf In The Microwave
The microwave is a great option if you're in a hurry. I recommend always using the low-power setting to avoid drying out the meatloaf.
Step 1: Prepare. Place 2-3 slices of your meatloaf onto a plate.
Step 2: Cover meatloaf. Cover the plate with a damp paper towel (to keep the meatloaf from drying out).
Step 3: Reheat. Heat your leftover meatloaf slices on a low-power setting in 30-second increments until heated through to your liking. *It's important to avoid using a high power setting as it would overheat the outside and leave the middle of the meatloaf slice cold.
Step 4: Check temperature. Use a digital meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
*If you like, you can flip the meatloaf slices between each heating session.
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Tips For Getting Juicy & Tender Leftover Meatloaf
It can be difficult to reheat meatloaf without drying it out, so make sure you keep these tips in mind.
- Set out your meatloaf. Allow your meatloaf to reach close to room temperature. This helps you avoid overcooking the outside layers while the inside comes to temperature during the reheating method you choose.
- Add moisture. If the meatloaf seems dry, go ahead and add a small amount of broth (either beef or vegetable) before you reheat it.
- Add flavor. Add some fresh glaze or sauce before reheating to add some flavor (and extra moisture).
- Use a food thermometer. Always use a digital food thermometer to make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it's safe to eat. For more information, check out my full post on meatloaf internal temperatures.
- Rest before serving. Give the meatloaf a few minutes to rest. This time lets the juices redistribute into the meat so it doesn't dry out when you cut into it.
I hope that these tips and tricks helped you out with reheating your meatloaf. Leave a comment down below and let me know which method you like the best!
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📖 Recipe Card
How To Reheat Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 1 slice meatloaf
- 1 tablespoon beef broth (as needed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin, as needed)
(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)
Instructions
Reheat Meatloaf In The Oven
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C/Gas Mark ½).
- Transfer your slices of meatloaf to a baking dish. Then, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of beef broth onto each one.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it on the center rack.
- Reheat for about 20-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 165°F (74°C).
Reheat Meatloaf On The Stovetop
- Warm a non-stick skillet or frying pan on medium-low heat.
- Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to your skillet or frying pan.
- Place meatloaf slices in the pan and cover with a lid.
- Heat the slices for 2-3 minutes per side, or until heated through.
Reheat Meatloaf In The Toaster Oven
- Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C/Gas Mark 4).
- Arrange the meatloaf slices on a toaster oven-safe tray lined with parchment paper. *Make sure to leave some space between the slices to allow for even heating.
- Add 1 tablespoon of beef broth to each meatloaf slice that you can fit on the tray.
- Heat your meatloaf slices at 350°F (175°C/Gas Mark 4) for 3 minutes. Flip them and continue reheating for another 2 minutes.
Reheat Meatloaf In Air Fryer
- Set the air fryer temperature to 350°F (175°C/Gas Mark 4).
- Cut the meatloaf into slices if you haven't already and lightly brush each side with a small amount of oil. *Alternatively, you can use cooking spray on both sides.
- Place the slices of meatloaf into the basket of the air fryer making sure to not overcrowd for evenly cooking.
- Air fry at 350°F (175°C/Gas Mark 4) for 3-5 minutes or until the meatloaf slices are warmed to your liking.
Reheat Meatloaf In The Microwave
- Place 2-3 slices of meatloaf on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover the plate with a damp paper towel. This will help keep the slices nice and moist as they reheat.
- Heat your leftover meatloaf slices on a low-power setting in 30-second increments until heated through to your liking. *It's important to avoid using a high power setting as it would overheat the outside and leave the middle of the meatloaf slice cold.
- Use a digital meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Deidre says
When heating up the meatloaf on the stove, I use a little higher temperature and get the meatloaf a little crunchy on the outside and it taste really good as is or as a sandwich.