Recipe

How Long To Cook Meatloaf At 375?

Meatloaf might seem like one of those easy, no-fuss meals that anyone can make without much thought or effort. But the truth is, if you don’t know how long to cook meatloaf at 375 degrees Fahrenheit, your chances of ending up with an overcooked or under cooked mess are pretty good! That’s why today I were taking a closer look at this seemingly simple dish and dishing out the best advice on cooking times and methods for getting it just right every single time. So let’s get started – grab your oven mitts and preheat your oven … it’s time to unlock the key to perfect meatloaf!

How Long Does It Take To Cook Meatloaf Per Pound?

Whether you are preparing a 1 lb, 2 lb, or 3 lb meatloaf, the cooking time will vary depending on the size. A 1 lb meatloaf should be cooked at 375°F for 25 to 30 minutes so that the temperature will reach 160°F inside. For a 2 lb version, 40 to 50 minutes is necessary for the internal temp. A 3 lb piece of meaty goodness requires 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes in your oven if you want it cooked just right!

How Long Does It Take To Cook Meatloaf
How Long Does It Take To Cook Meatloaf

What Temperature Should Meatloaf Be Cooked At In The Oven?

As we have mentioned, 375°F is the ideal temperature to cook meatloaf in your oven. That’s because this temperature is hot enough to ensure that all of the ingredients are cooked through without risking over-cooking or burning the outside. You also check out: how long to cook meatloaf at 400? or how long to cook meatloaf at 350?

Should You Cover Meatloaf When You Bake It?

To ensure a tender and flavorful interior, cover your meatloaf with aluminum foil while it bakes. This will help keep in the moisture while still allowing the flavors to meld together. But don’t cover it up for too long, or you’ll miss out on that golden-brown finish that makes for satisfied tummies and happy faces. Take off the foil about halfway through cooking and let it get nice and brown for a savory crust that could even tempt the pickiest of eaters.

How Much Time Does It Take To Cook A Meatloaf?

Cooking the perfect meatloaf can be a challenge, but by following the standard cooking temperature of 375°F for 35-45 minutes per pound of meatloaf, you are sure to be on the right track. To help make sure your meatloaf is succulent and not overcooked or undercooked, one of the best ways to check is by using a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature. The ideal internal temperature should reach 160°F – any higher than this will start to dry it out which could spoil all your hard work. More: how long to cook meatloaf at 350?

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

A 2-pound meatloaf should be cooked for 40-50 minutes at 375°F, making sure to check the internal temperature with a food thermometer. Once it reaches 160°F, your delicious and succulent meal is ready to serve!

Be sure to let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to ensure maximum flavor and juiciness.

How Long To Cook A 3 Lb Meatloaf At 375?

A 3-pound meatloaf should be cooked for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes at 375°F. Again, always check the internal temperature with a food thermometer – once it reaches 160°F, your delicious meal is ready to serve!

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

A 4-pound meatloaf should be cooked for 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes at 375°F. As before, use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature – once it reaches 160°F, your succulent meatloaf is ready to enjoy!

Be sure to let your 4-pound meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to ensure maximum flavor and juiciness.

How Do I Know When A Meatloaf Is Done?

The best and most accurate way to know when a meatloaf is done is by checking the internal temperature with a food thermometer. The cooked internal temperature should reach 160°F and any higher will start to dry it out, spoiling all your hard work.

Once the meatloaf reaches this temperature, it’s safe to take it out of the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

How Do I Know When A Meatloaf Is Done
How Do I Know When A Meatloaf Is Done

How Long To Cook Meatloaf At 375 Degrees

Meatloaf is a classic, yet simple dish that can be served as a complete meal with sides or cut into thick slices to put on sandwiches. The great thing about meatloaf is that it consists of a few basic ingredients combined together and cooked in the oven.

Ingredients

  • Bread crumbs: helps keep the meatloaf moist
  • Herbs and seasonings: add flavor to the meatloaf
  • Meatloaf glaze recipe: adds both flavor and sweetness
  • Lean ground beef: Choose lean ground beef for the best results

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the lean ground beef, bread crumbs, herbs and seasonings.
  3. Mix together until fully combined.
  4. Shape mixture into a loaf shape and place into an ungreased baking pan.
  5. Top with your favorite glaze recipe, or use a store-bought version.
  6. Bake for 35-45 minutes per pound of meatloaf, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
  7. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Video How To Make It

Tips For This Simple Meatloaf Recipe

  • Mix the ingredients together gently – overmixing can make the meatloaf tough.
  • Use a baking or roasting pan with sloping sides to allow fat to drain away from the loaf as it cooks.
  • Shape the mixture into an even, flat shape before cooking, so that it will cook evenly throughout.
  • Cover the meatloaf with aluminum foil for the first half of cooking to keep it from drying out.
  • Check the internal temperature often with a digital thermometer and remove from oven when it reaches 160°F.
  • Let the cooked meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing or serving.

Can You Freeze Meatloaf?

Yes, you can freeze cooked meatloaf. Let the cooked meatloaf cool completely, then wrap in aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

For best results, do not freeze raw meatloaf. The texture of the cooked meatloaf may be altered if frozen prior to cooking.

How To Reheat Meatloaf?

When reheating meatloaf, wrap it in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the wrapped meatloaf for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Use a digital thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F.

You can also microwave individual slices of meatloaf in 30-second intervals until heated through.

Common Mistakes When Cooking Meatloaf:

– Not using a digital thermometer to check the internal temperature.

– Using too much breadcrumbs, which will make the meatloaf dry.

– Overmixing the ingredients, which can create a tough texture.

– Failing to let the cooked meatloaf rest before slicing or serving.

– Not covering the meatloaf with foil while cooking, which will cause it to dry out.

– Not draining away excess fat from the baking pan during cooking.

– Freezing raw meatloaf, which can alter the texture of the cooked loaf.

– Reheating in a microwave without wrapping in aluminum foil, which can dry out the meatloaf.

– Reheating in the oven at a temperature that is too high, which can cause the meatloaf to dry out.

Common Mistakes When Cooking Meatloaf
Common Mistakes When Cooking Meatloaf

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can You Keep Meatloaf Moist?

Using a combination of lean ground beef and bread crumbs helps keep the meatloaf moist while cooking. Covering with foil during the first half of the cooking time will also help to retain moisture. Letting it rest for 10 minutes before slicing or serving will also help keep it juicy.

Why Does My Meatloaf Fall Apart?

Meatloaf can fall apart for a few reasons. Overmixing or using too much breadcrumbs can make the mixture too crumbly and cause it to fall apart during cooking. Not letting it rest before cutting into it will also make it more likely to crumble and fall apart. Lastly, be sure to use an oven temperature that is not too high to avoid drying out the meatloaf.

Should You Drain The Grease From Meatloaf?

Yes, it’s best to drain away the fat and grease from the baking pan while the meatloaf is cooking. This will help keep your meatloaf from becoming greasy and will also help it stay together when you slice into it. A sloping sided baking or roasting pan is ideal for this task.

What Can I Put On Top Of My Meatloaf Instead Of Ketchup?

You can use a variety of toppings instead of ketchup on your meatloaf. Try creamy sauces like homemade or store-bought Alfredo, barbecue sauce, teriyaki glaze or even honey mustard. You can also sprinkle with herbs and spices like rosemary, thyme, oregano, garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor. You can also top with cheese like mozzarella, cheddar or parmesan to add even more flavor and texture. Finally, you can use a glaze of your favorite jam mixed with mustard or honey for a sweet and savory combination.

What Is A Good Side To Serve With Meatloaf?

A variety of side dishes pair perfectly with meatloaf. Roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower or Brussels sprouts are a great choice. Mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, potato salad and roasted potatoes are all classic sides that go well with meatloaf too. For added flavor and texture, you can serve the dish with sautéed mushrooms, onions or bell peppers. Finally, a salad of mixed greens makes a great accompaniment to any meal.

Is Meatloaf Unhealthy For You?

No, meatloaf can be a healthy and nutritious meal. While ground beef is high in fat, lean cuts are available which can help keep the fat content lower. By adding vegetables like onion, bell pepper or mushrooms to your meatloaf, you can increase its nutritional value even more. Be sure to drain away any excess fat from the baking pan during cooking and serve with healthy side dishes to keep the meal nutritious. Lastly, be sure to practice food safety when preparing your meatloaf by checking the internal temperature with a digital thermometer before serving. This will help ensure that it is cooked through and safe to eat.

Conclusion

Meatloaf is a classic dish that can be enjoyed any time of year. By following Sweet Basil’s Cafe‘s tips, you’ll end up with the perfect moist and juicy loaf every time! Be sure to cover with foil during cooking, drain away fat from the pan and allow it to rest before slicing or serving. Additionally, topping your meatloaf with flavorful sauces, herbs and spices or glazes can add even more flavor. Lastly, be sure to serve with a variety of healthy side dishes to make the meal complete. With these tips in hand, you’ll have delicious homemade meatloaf in no time!

How Long To Cook Meatloaf At 375F

Cooking a delicious, juicy meatloaf can be an intimidating task for some home cooks. However, it's actually much easier than you may have imagined! When it comes to cooking a meatloaf at 375 degrees, the key is understanding the timing.

  • Mixing bowl
  • Meatloaf pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Meat thermometer

Sauce

  • 1 tsp white vinegar
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Meatloaf

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 large white onion
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp garlic cloves
  • 4 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 4 tbsp fresh parsley
  • 3/4 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tsp salt
  1. Preheat your oven to 375F (190C)

  2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and diced onion. Add in the eggs, garlic cloves, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce and fresh parsley. Mix everything together using your hands until it’s well combined.

  3. In a separate small bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs, milk, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt and black pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined.

  4. Add the dry ingredients to the beef mixture and mix everything together using your hands until it’s well combined.

  5. Transfer the meatloaf mixture into a meatloaf pan. Using your hands, shape the meatloaf and create an even layer on top of the pan.

  6. In a small bowl, prepare the meatloaf sauce by combining ketchup, white vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined.

  7. Spread the meatloaf sauce on top of the meatloaf evenly and bake in your preheated oven for 40-50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160F (71C).

  8. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread remaining sauce on top.

  9. Continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes.

  10. Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

  • The cook time may vary depending on the size of your meatloaf pan and the thickness of your meatloaf mixture.
  • Be sure to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer, to ensure it is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of at least 160F (71C).
  • If your meatloaf isn’t cooked through, you can continue baking for additional time. 
  • For an extra boost of flavor, try adding your favorite herbs and spices to the meatloaf mixture. You can also try topping the cooked meatloaf with additional sauce or cheese before baking.
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How Long To Cook Meatloaf At 375

William

I'm William from America, I'm a food lover, often discovering and making new recipes. I started my blog to share my love for food with others. My blog is filled with delicious recipes, cooking tips, and reviews about restaurants and products. I'm also an advocate for healthy eating and strive to create recipes that are easy to make and use fresh ingredients. Many of my recipes contain vegetables or grains as the main ingredients, with a few indulgences thrown in for good measure. I often experiment with new ingredients, adding international flavors and finding ways to make dishes healthier without compromising on flavour. I'm passionate about creating simple yet delicious recipes that are fun to make and can easily be replicated at home. I also love sharing my experiences eating out with others so they can get the best out of their dining experiences. In addition to cooking and writing, I'm also an avid traveler, often visiting new places to discover local delicacies and explore different flavors. I'm always looking for a new challenge – whether it's trying an exotic food or creating a new recipe using unusual ingredients. My blog is a reflection of my passion for food and I'm always looking for new ways to share it with the world. Join me on my culinary journey and let's explore delicious foods together!

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