Isn’t it difficult to warm up leftover meatloaf without drying it out? Overcooked meatloaf tastes flavorless and crumbly, but this can be resolved when reheating meatloaf in a microwave the right way.
Reheating meatloaf in the microwave is quick and easy. With the proper setup and timing, it will be delicious, moist and taste as fresh as the day you make it.
How do you reheat meatloaf in the microwave? Slice the desired amount of meatloaf and place a single layer in a microwave safe container with a lid. Cover the dish with a lid or use a damp paper towel to keep the meatloaf moist while reheating.
Microwave on a reheat setting for 1 to 2 minutes. Check with a meat thermometer to see if the internal temperature reached 165 degree Fahrenheit or 74 degree Celsius.
If needed, add 30 second intervals until the temperature reached is safe to consume. Once it is fully reheated, carefully remove from the microwave and drizzle with glaze on top to enjoy.
Microwave is great tool to reheat Thanksgiving meals quickly and easily. Additionally, leftover meatloaf becomes juicy and tender when properly heated up in the microwave.
If you are struggling to warm up meatloaf in the microwave without drying it up, answered below are frequently asked questions with microwave tips that are perfect for you. In this article, we are focusing the best way to keep the meatloaf as original as possible when reheated in a microwave.
Can you microwave meatloaf?
Yes, you can microwave meatloaf. As long as the meatloaf is reheated to an internal temperature of 74 degrees Celsius or 165 degrees Fahrenheit then it is considered safe to serve.
In fact, microwave reheating is the most convenient and fast method compared to any other kitchen tools.
However, when microwaving the meatloaf, there is high risk in drying it out or result in uneven heat where the center is still cold and outside is hot or overcooked.
Therefore, if the meatloaf is stored in the fridge or frozen, always defrost or let it come to room temperature so that it heats evenly. Also, it will help to slice the meatloaf no thicker than ½” when reheating.
Is it safe to reheat meatloaf in the microwave?
Yes, it is safe to reheat meatloaf in the microwave. Meatloaf is a perishable food item that must be reheated to an internal temperature of 74℃ or 165℉ so it is safe to eat.
Consuming improperly heated meat may cause health risk due to harmful food borne bacteria. Reheating to the proper temperature helps to alleviate the risk of food borne illness.
It is possible to reheat meatloaf safely without drying it out, so consider to avoid undercooking the meatloaf while warming. Always, check the internal temperature by horizontally inserting the thermometer probe into the center.
Do not reheat the entire meatloaf in one large piece, this will cause a cold interior and dry exterior. Instead, reheat the meatloaf in slices to prevent undercooking the center.
How long to reheat meatloaf in the microwave?
Reheating meatloaf in the microwave takes approximately 1 to 2 minutes for a ½” thick slice. However, timing varies depending on the wattage of the microwave, thickness of the meatloaf and number of slices.
It is best to slice the meatloaf at ½” width and single layer on a plate to reheat one piece at a time.
No matter how many slices you need to reheat, start microwave the meatloaf for about 1 minutes on medium power or use the reheat setting. Add 30 second intervals for multiple pieces to reheat completely to the proper internal temperature.
How to Store Leftover Meatloaf
Leftover meat loaf should be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 5 days or freezer for 1 to 3 months. According to the USDA, perishable leftovers must be stored under refrigeration within 2 hours of being cooked to be considered safe to reheat.
Make sure that the meatloaf is fully cooled to room temperature before freezing. If it is still steaming when placed in the freezer, the residual ice crystals will cause freezer burn which affects the taste, texture and is irreparable.
A Ziploc bag or microwave safe containers are great for food storage to keep the freshness intact. As long as it is food grade material and airtight, then there should be very little concern for spoilage.
Tips for reheating meatloaf without drying it out
Leftover meatloaf tends to naturally become dry when stored in the fridge or freezer. But, the moisture level can be recovered when reheating in the microwave.
With these guidelines, you will get moist and delicious meatloaf as a result.
The following microwave tips will help you reheat leftover meatloaf without drying it out:
- Avoid reheating the whole meatloaf at one time and instead microwave in slices. This will result in an excellent moist interior and exterior.
- Only heat as much as you are going to serve, it is not recommended to refrigerate leftovers that have already been reheated once before.
- Cut ½” thick slices and place in an airtight container. We prefer using materials like glass or ceramic when heating fatty foods, however some people are more comfortable microwaving plastic.
- Do not attempt to increase the temperature or power setting as this will cause uneven warmth distribution, thus resulting in dry meatloaf.
- The internal temperature should read 74 degrees Celsius or 165 degrees Fahrenheit so that it is safe to consume.
- Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water or broth to avoid drying out the meat.
- Cover with a microwaveable lid or damp paper towel to keep the moisture trapped inside while reheating in the microwave.
- Insert the thermometer horizontally into the center to get accurate temperature readings.
Best way to reheat meatloaf in the microwave
When reheating leftover meatloaf in a microwave, there are some steps you should take to ensure the best results every time. Below is step-by-step instructions for reheating meatloaf in a microwave to prevent it from drying out.
Cut the meatloaf into ½” thick slices, and arrange in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate. Cover the top of the plate with a microwave cover or damp paper towel.
Reheat the meatloaf slices in microwave on a medium or reheat setting for 1 minute. If necessary, continue reheating for 30 second intervals until reaching the proper temp.
Use the meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatloaf and ensure it has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit or 74 degrees Celsius to be consider safe to consume.
Carefully remove the reheated slices from the microwave, and pour meatloaf sauce or your favorite glaze on top. Serve with creamy mashed potatoes and green bean casserole to make a complete and fulfilling meal.
Reheating Meatloaf in Microwave: Conclusion
Leftover meatloaf tends to quickly dry out when stored in the fridge or freezer. However, there are specific ways to keep the meat moist throughout the reheating process using a microwave.
Microwave reheating meatloaf is quick and easy, but one can end up with dry meatloaf if specific guidelines are not adhered to.
Start by cutting the meatloaf into slices no thicker than ½” width, lay in single layer on a microwavable plate and cover the plate with a damp paper towel to trap steam and retain moisture.
Use the reheat setting or microwave on medium heat with 30 second durations until reaching the correct internal temperature reading for perishable to be safe to consume.
With the information in this article, it’s easy and quick to reheat meatloaf in a microwave without making it dry. Pair with your favorite side for an enjoyable meal prep that is reheated in just a few minutes.