Turkey meatloaf temp and time guide will help you ensure that your meatloaf is cooked perfectly every time.
Keep reading if you want to learn more about the perfect baking temperature and time for turkey meatloaf.
When baking a turkey meatloaf, the oven’s temperature should be set to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and the loaf should be allowed to cook for around 45 minutes.
What is Turkey Meatloaf?
Turkey meatloaf is a dish made of ground turkey mixed with other ingredients, shaped into a loaf, and then baked or smoked.
The final shape can be made by hand on a baking sheet or by cooking the dough in a loaf pan.
Turkey Meatloaf Temperature and Time
If you want turkey meatloaf and are using a family recipe or whatever ingredients you have on hand, you might wonder what temperature to cook it.
Here’s what temperature you should set your oven to and how hot your meatloaf should be on the inside when it’s done.
How Hot Should the Oven Be for Cooking Meatloaf?
When making turkey meatloaf, the oven temperature is usually set to 350 degrees F.
Use that temperature to make sure the turkey meatloaf cooks but doesn’t get too dry.
If the heat is too high, the crust will burn before the inside is done, and if it is too low, you won’t get that delicious crust.
But remember that if you set the oven to 350 degrees F and then open the door to put the meatloaf in, the meatloaf will start cooking in an oven much cooler than 350 degrees.
There’s a simple way to fix that: Start the oven at 425 degrees F and then, as soon as you put the meatloaf in, turn it down to 350 degrees F.
With this trick, the initial drop in temperature won't make a big difference in how long it takes to cook.
What Temperature Should the Inside of the Meatloaf Be?
The recipe for making meatloaf will tell you how long to bake it.
But it might not also tell you that the meatloaf is fully cooked and safe to eat when the temperature inside is 160 degrees F.
A recipe won’t always consider your oven, pan, or how you shaped the loaf. This is when the trusted thermometer with an instant-read feature comes in handy.
Take the meatloaf out of the oven 15 minutes before the recipe says it will be done and check its temperature.
When you take the meatloaf out of the oven and close the door, the temperature stays more stable.
Note: When you put the meatloaf back in the oven, it won't take long for the temperature to return to 350 degrees F.
What Temperature To Bake Turkey Meatloaf?
If you want to bake a turkey meatloaf perfectly, you should preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, then let the meatloaf bake for 45 minutes.
This will ensure that the meatloaf cooks at a more manageable temperature.
This temperature ensures that your tasty turkey meatloaf cooks and doesn’t dry out. Higher than that results in a drier meatloaf.
If you like your meatloaf on the well-done side, leave it in for an extra five to ten minutes.
Just be sure to check on it so that it doesn’t dry out and become crumbly.
However, many factors determine the temperature and time of turkey meatloaf.
The cooking time can vary based on the size and shape of your meatloaf and the oven you are using, as discussed below.
The Size and Shape of Turkey Meatloaf.
The size and shape of your turkey meatloaf are one of the most important things that affect how long and how hot it takes to cook.
If you have a large, round meatloaf, it will take longer to cook at about 450 degrees Fahrenheit and 60 minutes than a smaller, rectangular meatloaf, which will take about 350 degrees Fahrenheit and 45 minutes to cook.
The size and shape of your meatloaf also affect how heat is distributed throughout the meatloaf.
So, it is important to consider this when determining the cooking time and temperature.
The Type Of Oven
Cooking the turkey meatloaf for the appropriate amount of time at the appropriate temperature requires careful attention to several factors: the kind of oven you use.
Using a conventional oven will take an additional half an hour at 350 degrees to cook your turkey meatloaf for the same amount of time as if you use a convection oven.
This would only need 45 minutes at the same temperature.
When determining the cooking time and temperature for your meatloaf, it is important to keep in mind the kind of oven you will be using since this will impact how uniformly the meatloaf is cooked.
The Type Of Turkey Meat Used.
Your meatloaf’s cooking time and temperature will also be affected by the kind of turkey meat that you use in the recipe.
If you use turkey meat that is lower in fat, it will take longer to cook (approximately an hour at 450 degrees Fahrenheit), but if you use turkey meat that is higher in fat.
It will only take 45 minutes at 350 degrees and take less time to cook.
It is essential to consider the kind of turkey meat that you use when calculating the cooking time and temperature for the meatloaf.
This is because the type of turkey meat you use will alter how heat is dispersed throughout the meatloaf.
Tip: it is important to keep all of these factors in mind. By doing so, you will be able to ensure that your meatloaf is cooked perfectly every time.
Tips on How to Bake Turkey Meatloaf Perfectly at the Correct Temperature and Time
Fat:
Your meatloaf will have the right texture and moisture if you use the right amount of lean turkey meat and fat.
Vegetables:
When you add finely chopped or pureed aromatic vegetables to your mixture, you give the meatloaf more moisture.
Use Enough Filler:
Breadcrumbs in meatloaf soak up and hold on to the juices so that the loaf stays moist. Meat on its own will lose its juices and become dry.
Don’t mix the turkey meat too much or pack it down:
Mixing the ingredients too much is a common mistake that can make the meatloaf tough and dry.
It’s best to go slow and low:
Some recipes say to cook the meatloaf at as high a temperature as 425 F. How hot an oven should be for a meatloaf.
If the oven is too hot, it will take less time to cook the meatloaf, but the food will probably be dry.
Use a Digital Thermometer to Check for Doneness:
If you cook your meatloaf for too long, it will become dry. But for food safety, it needs to get to a safe temperature, so you don’t want “rare” meatloaf.
Let Your Meatloaf Rest:
You may be used to waiting 10 minutes before slicing or serving steaks or roasts. Meatloaf also does better when it has time to rest.
FAQs About Perfect Turkey Meatloaf Temp and Time
Do you have any additional questions about the turkey meatloaf’s perfect temperature and time?
The following are some of the other questions that are often asked.
370-Degree Turkey Meatloaf Cooks for How Long?
At 370 degrees, one and half a pound of meatloaf usually takes around 50 minutes to cook through in a regular loaf pan in my oven.
When you prepare turkey meatloaf, should you cover it or leave it exposed?
To keep the meatloaf moist throughout cooking, wrap it in aluminum foil. Remove the foil for the last 20 minutes of baking so the top can brown.
How Can You Tell Whether Turkey Meatloaf Has Been Cooked Completely?
Insert the thermometer into the meatloaf’s middle to check its temperature. When the meatloaf hits 160 degrees, it’s done.
If you don’t have a thermometer, use a metal fork.
Final Verdict
Turkey meatloaf temp and time? The turkey meatloaf should be baked at 350 degrees Fahrenheit in a normal oven.
A fair rule of 20 to 45 minutes per pound of meat might vary depending on the size.
The temperature of the oven has a significant impact on cooking times. Meatloaves baked in a regular muffin tray take 30 minutes to prepare.
The most important part of making a perfect meatloaf is to let it rest.
Once it’s out of the oven, let it sit for at least ten minutes before slicing into it.
This allows all flavors to meld together and results in a juicier, tastier meatloaf. Serve with your favorite sides, and enjoy!
