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Wondering what to cook for dinner? Baking meatloaf is a great way to get that perfectly cooked meal on the table in under an hour. Does that sound like an idea? Here is the best part: you can pair baked meatloaf with almost anything. So, how long to bake a meatloaf? It takes approximately 45 minutes to bake a 1-lb meatloaf at 350 degrees F or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F. The same meatloaf size cooks for about 30 minutes at 425F. Thus, meatloaf baking time depends on its thickness and oven temperature, provided it reaches 165F. You don’t require complex meatloaf recipes, provided you know how long to bake meatloaf. However, these tips we share on tender and juicy meatloaf will come in handy, be sure to learn them. What temperature should you bake meatloaf?The recommended oven temperature for meatloaf is between 350F and 425F, resulting in tender and juicy meatloaf full of flavors. A higher temperature setting will dry out the crust or burn the outer part before the interior is well done. However, you can bake at slightly lower temperatures provided it reaches a final internal temperature of 165F. Preheat the oven to 350F, or start it at 425F and significantly lower it to 350F with your meatloaf inside. Setting the oven at 350F and immediately popping in your meatloaf means the cooking starts at a temperature lower than 350F. This may result in a dry and bland meal. Do you cook meatloaf at 350F or 400F?350F to 375F is the standard cooking temperature for tender and juicy meatloaf—it takes about 30 to 40 minutes per pound. This gives the chicken time to cook evenly and absorb the spices resulting in a tender and flavor-dense meatloaf. Here is an example if you’re still wondering how long to cook 1 lb meatloaf at 350. A 4lbs. meatloaf will take approximately two and a half hours to cook and reach an internal temperature of 160F at 350F oven heat. How long to cook 1 lb meatloaf at 375? A 4lbs. meatloaf will take about one and a half hours to cook thoroughly at 375F. That’s approximately 25 minutes per pound until it reaches 160F internal temperature. Baking meatloaf at 400F takes about 20 to 30 minutes to reach 165F depending on the meat thickness—with a 5 minutes rest time. For example, a 2lbs. medium-sized meatloaf should be ready in less than an hour. What is the internal temperature of a well-done meatloaf?Regardless of the cooking method, be it oven, pan frying, or baking, consider the final meatloaf temperature. The internal temperature of the meatloaf should be at 165F when completely done and safe for consumption. An instant digital thermometer is the most effective way to measure meatloaf doneness. Baking time depends on the shape, thickness, weight, and the desired outcome provided the internal temperature reaches 160F with a 3-5 minute rest—to a final 165F. For instance, how long to cook a 4-pound meatloaf takes longer than baking a 1 lb. thin meatloaf. How do I know when my meatloaf is well-done?There are several ways to tell a cooked meatloaf; a digital thermometer inserted at the thickest part of your meatloaf is the most effective and accurate method. Once the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160F, remove it from the heat source to stand to a final 165F. However, are you wondering how to check if meatloaf is done without a thermometer? Here is your answer;
Tips for tender and juicy oven-baked meatloaf
How do I store meatloaf leftovers?Meatloaf leftovers taste better and can be used in several ways. Here are tips to correctly store them;
How do you reheat leftover meatloaf?There are three ways to reheat meatloaf;
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)Do I need to rest my meatloaf?Yes, resting your meatloaf ensures even juice distribution and cooking enhancing deep flavors. It’s that period when you turn off the heat source allowing cooking over to a final internal temperature of 165F. Slicing the meatloaf before resting may cause the juices to seep out, leaving you with a drier meatloaf. Preferably, cover the meatloaf in foil while resting. Why did my meatloaf turn out dry and tough?There are several reasons why your meatloaf may turn out tough. First, if your ground meat is 100% lean, it will dry out unless you add enough gravy or broth. Secondly, over-mixing the ingredients results in a tough texture requiring prolonged cooking time and dries your meat. Why is my meatloaf soggy?A mushy meatloaf is mainly a result of the wrong ingredients-to-meat ratio. For instance, adding too much water or dry breadcrumbs leads to a moist meatloaf texture. A quick fix is to increase the amount of meat. How long to cook 2 lb meatloaf at 350?A 2 lb meatloaf should cook for around 30 minutes per pound at 350F. The actual cooking depends on the shape and thickness of your meatloaf. Therefore, cook for 50 to 60 minutes or until the internal temperature reads 160F. What’s in a meatloaf?Ground meat, either beef, pork, or veal, is meatloaf’s main ingredient. The ground meat should be at least 10% fat and 90% lean beef—this allows for a tender outcome. There are bread crumbs, eggs, veggies, and seasonings to intensify the flavor and hold the meatloaf in shape. Ketchup is the most common sauce, but you can use other sauces that titillate your buds. The bottom lineMeatloaf is perfect for pretty much every occasion. It can serve as a main dish, alongside a side dish and gravy. The great thing about meatloaf is that it lasts for days in the refrigerator and even longer in the freezer. That means you can make it a week (or more) before you need it, which cuts down your catering prep time. Luckily, the provided tips will render a tender and moist meatloaf for your family and friends.
Baking meatloaf is a great way to get that perfectly cooked meal on the table in under an hour. Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 40 mins Course Main Course Cuisine American Servings 5 Calories 402 kcal
Calories: 402kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 44gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 158mgSodium: 1499mgPotassium: 1055mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 617IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 99mgIron: 6mg Keyword How Long To Bake Meatloaf? The Slow But Sure Method How long does a 2lb meatloaf take at 350?The best temperature to cook the meatloaf at is 350°F and it requires about 1 hour, give or take a few minutes, depending on size and shape. 1 hour should be more than enough for a 2 pound meatloaf.
Is it better to cook meatloaf at 350 or 375?The oven temperature is typically set at 350 degrees F for making meatloaf. That's the temperature you want to be sure to use so the meatloaf cooks and doesn't dry out.
How long should you cook 2 lbs of meatloaf?A 2-pound meatloaf will reliably cook in about an hour — try not to overcook or the meat will start getting tough and crumbly. The best way to know when a meatloaf is done is by checking its internal temperature; as soon as it hits 155°F, you can pull it from the oven.
At what temperature should meatloaf be cooked?The ideal internal temperature for meatloaf is 160 degrees. While the USDA doesn't have a determined cooking temperature for meatloaf as it does for whole meats, it does recommend cooking ground beef to 160 degrees.
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