How Long To Cook Meatloaf At 375? | Best Meatloaf Recipe

Cooking a delicious meatloaf is an art form, and getting it just right can be tricky. Knowing how long to cook meatloaf at 375 is key if you want the perfect balance of juicy, tender, succulent meat with a crisp top and sides. To get this exact outcome requires baking for an ideal amount of time at an optimal temperature – 375°F/190°C. In this article we will give you strategies on tightly managing your oven environment to make sure you have a foolproof end result – like Grandma used to make.

What Temperature Should Meatloaf Be Cooked At In The Oven?

To ensure optimal cooking, it is recommended to cook meatloaf in the oven at a temperature of 350°F. Following this guideline, a rule of thumb is to allow 35 to 45 minutes per pound of meatloaf. To determine the doneness without overcooking or undercooking, it is advisable to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The ideal internal temperature for meatloaf is 160°F.

Do You Bake Meatloaf Covered Or Uncovered?

For optimal results, it is recommended to cook the meatloaf uncovered. However, if there are concerns about burning, covering the meatloaf with foil for the first 45 minutes, and then uncovering it for the final 15 minutes can achieve a browned top.

How Long To Cook Meatloaf At 375?

How Long To Cook 1lb Of Meatloaf At 375?

Cooking a 1lb meatloaf at 375°F/190°C will take approximately 35-40 minutes. It is important to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached the desired doneness of 160°F.

How Long Should I Cook A 2-Pound Meatloaf At 375 F?

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Cooking a 2-pound meatloaf at 375°F/190°C will take approximately 50-60 minutes. Again, it is important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and ensure it has reached 160°F.

How Long To Cook A 3lb Meatloaf At 375?

Cooking a 3lb meatloaf at 375°F/190°C will take approximately 60-75 minutes. It is important to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached the desired doneness of 160°F.

How Long Does It Take To Cook A 4-Pound Meatloaf At 375 F?

Cooking a 4-pound meatloaf at 375°F/190°C will take approximately 75-90 minutes. As always, it is important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and ensure it has reached 160°F for optimal doneness.

How Do I Know When A Meatloaf Is Done?

One can determine if a meatloaf is cooked by using an instant-read thermometer, inserted into the center of the meatloaf. The meatloaf is considered done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

How Can You Keep Meatloaf Moist?

To keep meatloaf moist, ensure to add moisture at each stage. Do not forget to incorporate eggs, ketchup, tomato paste, mustard, Worcestershire, barbecue sauce, or a combination of wet seasonings. Apart from adding flavor and texture, these ingredients help to enhance juiciness.

Why Does My Meatloaf Fall Apart?

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When meatloaf falls apart, it is typically due to insufficient binding ingredients. Consider using additional eggs and/or breadcrumbs next time. Alternatively, binding ingredients such as rice, barley, corn flakes, crackers, or dried soup mix can also be used. Increasing the quantity of these items should help address the issue.

Should You Drain The Grease From Meatloaf?

Draining the grease from meatloaf is a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer to drain the grease for a leaner and healthier meatloaf, while others prefer to keep it in for added flavor and moisture. If you do choose to drain the grease, make sure to do so after cooking and before slicing or serving the meatloaf. This can be done by carefully tipping the pan over a bowl or sink and using paper towels to soak up excess grease. However, it is also important to note that draining the grease may result in a drier meatloaf.

Tips For Making The Best Meatloaf Recipe

• Use good quality meat: Choosing high-quality, fresh ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) will result in a flavorful and juicy meatloaf.
• Don’t overwork the mixture: When mixing all of the ingredients together, avoid overworking the mixture as this can make the meatloaf tough. Mix just until everything is evenly combined.
• Let it rest: Allowing the meatloaf to rest for at least 10 minutes after cooking will help lock in moisture, making for a juicier and more flavorful result.
• Experiment with flavors: Don’t be afraid to switch up the seasonings or add additional ingredients like diced vegetables or different types of cheese. Get creative and find your perfect flavor combination.
• Use a meat thermometer: As mentioned previously, using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure your meatloaf is cooked to perfection and not over or undercooked.
• Don’t forget the glaze: A flavorful glaze adds that extra touch of sweetness and tanginess to your meatloaf. Experiment with different types of sauces or make your own signature glaze.
• Always preheat the oven: To ensure even cooking, always preheat your oven to the desired temperature before placing the meatloaf in.

How To Reheat Meatloaf?

1. Preheat your oven to 250ºF/120ºC.
2. Place your leftover meatloaf slices in a small shallow dish.
3. Sprinkle each piece with 1 tablespoon of beef broth.
4. Cover the dish with aluminium foil, place it in the centre of your oven and cook for 20-25 minutes.

FAQ: Meatloaf

How do you know when a 2lb meatloaf is done?

To determine the doneness of a 2lb meatloaf, follow this simple method towards the end of the cooking time, which typically takes about one hour. Utilize an instant-read thermometer, available for $10 at Walmart, and insert it into the center of the meatloaf. The internal temperature of the meatloaf should register 160°F to ensure it is done.

Is it better to cook meatloaf at 350 or 400?

Cooking meatloaf at 350°F yields a tender and moist result. This lower temperature allows the meat to cook gradually, preserving its natural juices and flavors. It also offers a more forgiving cooking process, reducing the risk of overcooking and drying out the meatloaf.

Is it OK if my meatloaf is a little pink?

It is recommended to ensure that your meatloaf is fully cooked before serving. To determine if it is cooked, insert an internal thermometer into the center of the loaf. If the meatloaf reaches a temperature of over 160°F, or 165°F if you used chicken or turkey, it is fully cooked and safe to consume, even if it has a slight pink color inside.