How Long To Cook Meatloaf At 375?

Meatloaf is one of those classic go-to meals for many households. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner option or preparing a delicious meal to feed your family, meatloaf can be an uncomplicated recipe to bring together.

If you’re new to cooking or simply need some tips on when and how long to cook a meatloaf at 375 degrees Fahrenheit, then this blog post is just what you’ve been looking for! Read on as we share our top tips on the perfect way to prepare your meatloaf dish.

Related:

What Is Meatloaf?

Let’s start to explore how long to cook meatloaf at 375 by understanding exactly what is meatloaf. Meatloaf is a dish typically made of ground meat, like beef, pork, veal, or turkey. It’s usually seasoned with herbs and spices and often contains other ingredients such as onions, carrots, celery, cheese, garlic, or bread crumbs.

Generally speaking, meatloaf is shaped into a loaf-like form before cooking. So, how long do they take and how exactly are they done?

What Temperature Should Meatloaf be Cooked In The Oven?

To make the perfect meatloaf, you should know the required temperature and how long to cook meatloaf.

A suitable temperature range for baking meatloaf is from 350 to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature allows the meatloaf to cook evenly without burning on the outside or remaining raw in the center.

If the temperature is too high, the outer layer of the meatloaf can get burnt while the inside remains undercooked.

On the other hand, if the temperature is too low, the inside of the meatloaf takes longer to cook and the outside may become soggy or soft.

How Long to Cook Meatloaf At 375?

Now, you’ve known the preferable temperature for baking the meatloaf, so how long to cook meatloaf at 375?

Generally speaking, a standard-sized meatloaf needs to be cooked in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for around 30-45 minutes. This time is enough to get the meatloaf fully cooked through and through.

However, you should always check the internal temperature of the meatloaf to avoid undercooking it. The internal temperature should be at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit. This can be done by using a food thermometer.

What Affects the Time and Temperature to Cook a Meatloaf?

Meatloaf is a classic dish that is easy to prepare and can be customized to suit individual tastes by using different types of meats, seasonings, and fillers. However, several factors can affect the time and temperature needed to cook a meatloaf to ensure that it is safe to eat, moist, and flavorful.

Firstly, the size and shape of the meatloaf can have a significant impact on the cooking time and temperature. A larger meatloaf will require a longer cooking time and may need to be cooked at a lower temperature to ensure even cooking throughout the entire loaf. Additionally, the shape of the loaf can affect the cooking time, with flatter loaves cooking faster than thicker ones.

Secondly, the type of meat used is an important consideration when determining how long to cook meatloaf at 375. Different types of meat, such as beef, pork, turkey, and chicken, have varying densities and fat contents, which can impact the cooking time required for the meatloaf to cook evenly and reach the proper internal temperature.

Overall, it’s essential to follow a recipe’s instructions and use a meat thermometer to ensure that the meatloaf reaches the proper internal temperature for safe consumption.

How Do I Know When A Meatloaf Is Done?

The best way to know when meatloaf is done is by using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The internal temperature of the meatloaf should reach at least 160F to ensure that it is fully cooked and safe to eat.

How to Cook Meatloaf At 375?

Meatloaf Ingredients

2 lbs ground beef
1 cup bread crumbs
Herbs and seasonings
Meatloaf glaze recipe

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, diced onion, minced garlic, eggs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.

Transfer the meat mixture to a loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a baking sheet.

Bake the meatloaf for approximately 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Optional: Top the meatloaf with additional ketchup or a glaze made from a combination of ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard.

What Is A Good Side to Serve With Meatloaf?

Meatloaf is a classic dish that is beloved by many, and for good reason. It’s flavorful, and filling, and pairs perfectly with a variety of side dishes.

One of the most popular side dishes to serve with meatloaf is mashed potatoes. The creamy texture of the potatoes balances the rich and savory flavor of the meatloaf, and the gravy adds an extra layer of indulgence.

If you’re looking for a healthier option, roasted vegetables are a great choice. Roasted carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts can be seasoned with herbs and spices to complement the meatloaf.

A simple green salad is another refreshing option that can provide some balance to the meal. If you’re in the mood for something more indulgent, macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that pairs well with meatloaf.

Another classic option is cornbread, which has a slightly sweet flavor that goes well with the savory meatloaf.

Finally, steamed or roasted vegetables such as green beans, asparagus, or carrots are a healthy and easy-to-prepare side dish that can complement the meatloaf.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Meatloaf

Apply the following tips and our guide on how to cook meatloaf at 375 for the perfect meatloaf:

Use a mixture of ground meats: Using a combination of ground beef, pork, and/or veal can add more flavor and texture to your meatloaf.

Add moisture: To prevent your meatloaf from drying out, add ingredients like grated vegetables, bread crumbs, or milk to add moisture to the mixture.

Use a meat thermometer: To ensure your meatloaf is fully cooked, the temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).

Let it rest: After removing the meatloaf from the oven, let it rest for 10-15 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Use a loaf pan: A loaf pan helps the meatloaf hold its shape and prevents it from falling apart while cooking.

FAQs

Is It Better to Cook Meatloaf at 350 or 375?

Both 350 and 375°F are common temperatures to cook meatloaf, and the choice ultimately depends on personal preference and the recipe being used. Cooking meatloaf at 375°F may result in a slightly crispier exterior, while cooking at 350°F may result in a more tender and moist interior

Should You Cover Meatloaf When You Bake It?

Covering meatloaf when you bake it is optional and depends on personal preference. If you choose to cover the meatloaf, be sure to remove the foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking to allow the top to brown and develop a crispy crust.

Why Does My Meatloaf Fall Apart?

Meatloaf falling apart can be frustrating, but there are several reasons why it can happen. One of the most reasons is not enough binders. Binders such as eggs, breadcrumbs, or oatmeal are necessary to hold the meatloaf together. If there are not enough binders, the meatloaf can fall apart easily.

Why do People Put Milk in Their Meatloaf?

Milk is often added to meatloaf as a binder, but it also adds moisture and flavor. The milk helps to keep the meatloaf from drying out during cooking, resulting in a juicy and delicious meatloaf. Additionally, milk helps to tenderize the meat by breaking down the proteins.

Is Meatloaf Unhealthy For You?

Meatloaf can be healthy or unhealthy, depending on its ingredients and cooking method. A meatloaf made with lean ground beef or turkey, whole-grain breadcrumbs, and a variety of vegetables can be nutritious. Conversely, meatloaf made with high-fat ground beef, lots of cheese, and refined breadcrumbs can be high in saturated fat, sodium, and calories.

How Long to Cook a 2lb Meatloaf at 375?

A 2lb meatloaf should be cooked at 375°F for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.

What is the Secret to Moist Meatloaf?

The secret to moist meatloaf is using high-fat ground beef, and adding moist ingredients such as grated vegetables and/or milk.

Should Meatloaf be Cooked Covered or Uncovered?

Meatloaf can be cooked either covered or uncovered. Cooking it uncovered will result in a crispier exterior, while cooking it covered will help to keep it moister.

Final Thought

In conclusion, learning how long to cook a meatloaf at 375 degrees is an important step in ensuring that your meatloaf is cooked properly. Understanding the right cooking times can not only prevent you from over-cooking or undercooking but also ensure that it’s cooked healthily with no bacteria present.

Following the above general rule of thumb, you can create a delicious and juicy meatloaf that’s sure to impress.