What’s The Best Temperature for Meatloaf?

Kelli Foster
Kelli FosterCulinary Producer
I'm a recipe developer, food writer, stylist, and video producer (and The Kitchn's Dinner Therapist), with more than 10 years professional experience. Since graduating from The French Culinary Institute, I've authored 3 cookbooks: Buddha Bowls, Plant-Based Buddha Bowls, and The Probiotic Kitchen.
updated Jan 30, 2025
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When it comes to totally comforting dinners, meatloaf has a standing spot at the top of the list. Whether it’s a classic meatloaf swathed in a blanket of sticky glaze, a cheese-stuffed meatloaf, or saucy Italian meatloaf, those juicy slices hit the spot every time. As satisfying as this homey dinner is and as easy as it is to assemble, the same question always seems to linger — what is the best meatloaf temperature? I’m talking about both the temperature at which the oven should be set at and the meatloaf’s internal temperature to know when it’s done. We’re taking all the guesswork out of cooking meatloaf: This is the best oven temperature for cooking meatloaf, and the internal temperature it should hit when it’s done.

Quick Overview

So, What’s the Best Internal Temperature for Meatloaf?

Cook meatloaf until it registers 160°F if it’s made with ground beef, pork, or a combination of meats. Meatloaf made with ground turkey or chicken should register 165°F when the thermometer is inserted into the center of the loaf.

Why Temperature Matters

In order for raw meat to be safe to eat, it needs to hit a specific minimum internal temperature at which harmful bacteria cannot survive.

Different types of meat must hit different temperatures — for example chicken must get to 165°F as opposed to fish which needs only to hit 145°F. Per the USDA “ground meats” must hit 160°F, while ground poultry should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

How to Check the Internal Temperature of Meatloaf

Anytime you’re cooking meatloaf, you’ll want to be sure to have an instant-read thermometer handy. This helpful kitchen tool takes all the guesswork out of knowing when meatloaf is done. Insert the thermometer into the center of the loaf, being sure not to poke all the way through.

Cook meatloaf until it registers 160°F if made with ground beef, pork, or a combination of meats. Meatloaf made with ground turkey or chicken should register 165°F when the thermometer is inserted into the center of the loaf.

How Long to Cook Meatloaf and at What Temperature

As a rule of thumb, set your oven to 350°F when cooking meatloaf, regardless of the ground meat used in the recipe. At this temperature, a meatloaf prepared with two pounds of ground meat (the amount called for in most recipes) takes about one hour to cook. It’s a good idea, though, to start checking it around the 50-minute mark (more in a minute about how to tell when meatloaf is done!). It will take the same amount of time whether the meatloaf is shaped and cooked on a baking sheet, in a loaf pan, or in a Bundt pan.

How to Tell When Meatloaf Is Done

Yes, recipes will almost always include a cook time, but there are more ways to tell when meatloaf is done. For starters, look for visual cues. When meatloaf is cooked, the top will be browned and the loaf will pull away from the edges of the pan.

As noted above, the most reliable way to tell when meatloaf is done is by checking the internal temperature of the meatloaf with an instant-read thermometer, inserting it into the center of the meatloaf. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then slice it up and dig in.

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