• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Recipes
    • Breakfast
    • Side Dishes
  • Dinners
  • Desserts
  • About
    • Contact Us
  • Subscribe

Bake It With Love

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
    • Breakfast
    • Side Dishes
  • Dinners
  • Desserts
  • About
    • Contact Us
  • Subscribe
  • Join Us!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
      • Breakfast
      • Side Dishes
    • Dinners
    • Desserts
    • About
      • Contact Us
    • Subscribe
  • Join Us!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Cooking Basics

    Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com · 1 Comment

    Meatloaf Oven Temperatures

    Share This Recipe!

    • Share
    • Twitter
    • Yummly
    • Print
    • Email
    Jump to Recipe
    Pin image showing meatloaf.

    Meatloaf oven temperatures are a crucial component in ensuring that your meatloaf is perfectly cooked all the way through! You'll want the ideal temperature to cook the meat without drying it out or burning the outside. Here's the best temperature for flavorful and delicious meatloaf every single time!

    Best Temperature For Cooking Meatloaf

    Meatloaf is a classic comfort food that belongs on every family's dinner table. It's filling and delicious, and there are so many different variations and recipes out there!

    While it is incredibly easy to assemble, it's important to know that you are baking it at the proper temperature (and that it has the ideal internal temperature when done). It's time to skip the guesswork because I've already got the perfect oven temperature all figured out for you.

    Square image of meatloaf.
    Jump to:
    • Best Temperature For Cooking Meatloaf
    • What Temperature To Cook Meatloaf
    • How Long To Cook Meatloaf
    • How To Tell When Meatloaf Is Done
    • 😋 Best Meatloaf Recipes
    • 📋 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments
    * indicates required

    If this is your first time making meatloaf, or you just want some extra tips, go ahead and take a look at my post on how to make meatloaf as well as my ultimate guide to cooking meatloaf!

    What Temperature To Cook Meatloaf

    You should always refer to the recipe you are following for specific oven temperatures and cook times. However, meatloaf is usually cooked in the oven at 350°F (175°C), regardless of what type of ground meat is being used (see the best types of meat for meatloaf here).

    This is the perfect temperature for fully cooking the meatloaf without letting it dry out in the oven. If your temperature is too high, you risk the exterior becoming dry and burning while the center is still undercooked.

    How Long To Cook Meatloaf

    When cooked at 350°F (175°C), meatloaf will generally take about 1 full hour to cook. Of course, this is if you have one large standard-sized loaf (or freeform loaf).

    This time is just a generalization based on a standard 2-pound meatloaf. However, if you are using less meat, making smaller portions, or changing the ingredients, it could alter the cooking time.

    If you are preparing miniature meatloaves or patties, they will cook much more quickly. Check your recipe for recommended cooking times.

    How To Tell When Meatloaf Is Done

    Recipes will pretty much always include a cooking time, but there are still some ways to know when your meatloaf is done cooking so you don't risk overbaking it.

    Of course, when done, your meatloaf will be firm and brown in color. However, the best way to ensure that your meatloaf is done cooking is to check the internal temperature.

    Meatloaf Internal Temperature

    If you don't have a meat thermometer on hand, I highly recommend you purchase one as they are a very handy investment. Plus, they are very budget-friendly!

    Since your recipe should give you an estimated bake time, go ahead and check the internal temperature about 10 minutes before it should be done cooking so that you don't accidentally overcook it.

    To do so, insert the instant-read thermometer probe into the very center of the meatloaf. If your meatloaf includes ground turkey or chicken, you'll be looking for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). For any other meat combination, remove the meatloaf from the oven at 155°F (68°C).

    After removing it from the oven, make sure you cover your meatloaf with foil and let it rest for about 10 minutes. During this time, the internal temperature will rise an additional 5°F, which will bring the final temperature to the recommended 160°F (71°C) (or 165°F (74°C) for chicken or turkey).

    This temperature rise is called "carryover cooking" and will have your meatloaf at the perfect temperature and ready to enjoy! So don't skip the resting stage!

    Take a look at my post on meatloaf internal temperatures to learn more.

    >>>>See all of my recipes HERE<<<<

    Now that you understand meatloaf oven temperatures, you are ready to get started! Leave a comment down below and let me know your favorite type of meatloaf!

    meatloaf-recipes-poster

    😋 Best Meatloaf Recipes

    • Sweet and Sour Meatloaf - This tender meatloaf is topped off with a tangy homemade sweet and sour sauce.
    • BBQ Meatloaf - Grab your favorite bottle of BBQ sauce for this mouthwatering variation.
    • Meatloaf with Oatmeal - Meatloaf with oatmeal is a classic recipe that has been enjoyed for decades.
    • Taco Meatloaf - Add some taco seasoning, cheese, and taco sauce for a zesty twist.
    • Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf - A super quick, effortless, and flavorful way to have your meatloaf prepared in no time.
    • Smoked Meatloaf - Skip the oven and pop your meatloaf into your smoker for a bold and rich flavor.

    Do you love a recipe you tried? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page.
    Stay in touch with me through social media @ Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Subscribe to the newsletter today (no spam, I promise)! Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes!

    📋 Recipe

    Square image of meatloaf.
    Print Recipe Leave A Comment
    Love This Recipe?Click On A Star To Rate It!
    5 from 3 reviews

    Meatloaf Oven Temperatures: Turkey Meatloaf (+More Tasty Recipes)

    Meatloaf oven temperatures are a crucial component in ensuring that your meatloaf is perfectly cooked all the way through! You'll want the ideal temperature to cook the meat without drying it out or burning the outside. Here's the best temperature for flavorful and delicious meatloaf every single time!
    Author | Angela
    Servings: 10 servings
    Calories: 327kcal
    Prep 5 minutes minutes
    Cooking 50 minutes minutes
    Resting Time 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes
    Pin Recipe Share on Facebook

    Ingredients
     

    • 3 lbs ground turkey
    • 3 cups breadcrumbs (or dried bread cubes)
    • ½ cup yellow onion (finely diced)
    • 3 large eggs
    • 1½ tablespoon meatloaf seasoning
    • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
    • ½ cup milk
    • ⅓ cup ketchup (reserved for the topping)
    Help Us Out!If you love a recipe, be sure to come back and share your ratings. This helps future users, and allows me to continue sharing free recipes! Angela

    Instructions

    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 pan.
    • In a large mixing bowl, add the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, diced onion, eggs, meatloaf seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and milk.
      3 lbs ground turkey, 3 cups breadcrumbs, ½ cup yellow onion, 3 large eggs, 1½ tablespoon meatloaf seasoning, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, ½ cup milk
    • Thoroughly combine the ingredients, being careful not to over-mix the meatloaf.
    • Place the mixture into your prepared pan and pat it down so that it is in an even layer, going all the way to the edges of the pan.
    • Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes.
    • Remove the meatloaf from the oven and coat it with ketchup. Place the meatloaf back into the oven and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
      ⅓ cup ketchup
    • Once done, remove the cooked meatloaf from the oven and drain off any excess grease before allowing the meat to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

    Equipment You May Need

    9x13 baking pan
    Mixing Bowl
    Measuring Spoons

    Notes

    • The amount of breadcrumbs is a starting point for the bread cubes, add more to soak up a little more moisture in the meatloaf mixture as needed. Your mix should be moist but not wet.
    • Using a meat thermometer is the best and most accurate way of knowing when your meatloaf is done. If you want to learn more, take a look at meatloaf internal temperatures. 
    • I love using my simple homemade meatloaf seasoning, but you can use your own preferred blend. 
    • You can prepare the meatloaf mixture and store it covered in the refrigerator for one day before baking!
    • Overmixing your meat will cause the meatloaf to be tougher. For more tips and tricks, check out my ultimate guide to cooking meatloaf as well as how to make meatloaf!
    • To store: Keep leftover meatloaf in a storage container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
    • To freeze unbaked meatloaf: You can prepare your meatloaf mixture and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Keep frozen for up to 3 months and allow it to thaw in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
    • To freeze leftovers: Slice your meatloaf into servings and place them into a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
    • To reheat: You can reheat single slices on a damp paper towel line plate in the microwave. For larger portions or reheating the whole meatloaf, you can place the meatloaf into a baking dish with a splash of water and cover it with foil. Bake in the oven at 250°F (120°C) until heated through. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 327kcal (16%) | Carbohydrates: 29g (10%) | Protein: 39g (78%) | Fat: 6g (9%) | Saturated Fat: 2g (13%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 132mg (44%) | Sodium: 428mg (19%) | Potassium: 577mg (16%) | Fiber: 2g (8%) | Sugar: 5g (6%) | Vitamin A: 215IU (4%) | Vitamin C: 1mg (1%) | Calcium: 127mg (13%) | Iron: 4mg (22%)
    Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love!
    meatloaf oven temperatures, turkey meatloaf
    Course Dinner Recipes, Entrees, Main Course
    Cuisine American
    author profile photo
    Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com

    Angela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma's kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love!

    bakeitwithlove.com/about/
    « Potluck Side Dishes
    American Chop Suey »

    Share This Recipe!

    • Share
    • Twitter
    • Yummly
    • Print
    • Email

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. MARK says

      August 21, 2023 at 12:02 pm

      5 stars
      EXCELLENT,EASY

      Reply

    Thanks for coming! Let me know what you think: Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    Author bio photo with cake.

    Hi there, I'm Angela! I'm an avid vintage cookbook collector, recipe creator, animal lover, and total foodie. I love sharing new, fun, and creative recipes as well as great classic recipes, just like my Grandma used to make! Every recipe on BIWL is tested to make sure that cooks of any experience level can be successful. Enjoy!

    More about me →

    Fall Favorites

    • Square image of sour cream blueberry pie.
      Sour Cream Blueberry Pie
    • Square image of ginger molasses cookies on a white plate.
      Ginger Molasses Cookies
    • Square slice of sweet potato coffee cake on a light background with several other squares nearby.
      Sweet Potato Coffee Cake
    • Square image of copycat creacker barrel fried apples.
      Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
    • Square image showing maple candied yams in a white baking dish.
      Maple Candied Yams
    • Square image of sweet potato pie.
      Sweet Potato Pie
    • Square image of butternut squash risotto.
      Butternut Squash Risotto
    • Square image of pumpkin fudge poke cake slice on a white plate.
      Pumpkin Fudge Poke Cake

    Halloween Treats

    • Square image of Halloween peanut butter spider cookies
      Halloween Peanut Butter Spider Cookies
    • Square image of Halloween brownies.
      Halloween Brownies
    • Square image of Reese's Pieces Halloween bars.
      Halloween Reese's Pieces Bars
    • Square image of Halloween puff pastry mummies.
      Halloween Baked Cheese Mummy
    • Square image of Halloween crescent roll witch hats.
      Halloween Crescent Roll Witches Hats
    • Square split image showing different Halloween cocktails.
      Halloween Cocktails
    • Square image of chocolate dirt cake cookies.
      Dirt Cake Cookies
    • Square image of Reese's pieces bar.
      Reese's Pieces Bars
    As Seen On block with logos from the companies Angela has worked with including Mashed, Vice Munchies, Lake Country Journal, Delish, Yummly, and more.

    DISCLAIMER: As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no added cost to you.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Angela
    • Privacy Policy
    • Work With Me
    • Contact
    • FAQ
    • Home
    • Accessibility Statement
    • Subscribe
    • Oven Conversions

    Recipes

    • Dinners
    • Desserts
    • Side Dishes
    • Breakfasts
    • Appetizers
    • Condiments
    • Air Fryer
    • Slow Cooker
    • Instant Pot

    Read

    • Collections
    • Baking Basics
    • Conversions
    • Food That Starts With
    • Substitutions
    • Freezing
    • Reheating
    • Food Info
    • Web Stories

    Copyright © 2023 Bake It With Love