Meatloaf is a classic dish that is loved by many people around the world. It is a versatile dish that can be customized to fit anyone’s taste. However, cooking meatloaf can be a bit tricky. One of the most common questions that people ask is how long to cook meatloaf at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
The answer to this question varies depending on the weight of the meatloaf and the temperature of the oven. According to Simply Healthy Family, meatloaf takes 30 to 35 minutes to cook per pound at 375°F. It is recommended that the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F, indicating that the meat is cooked and safe for consumption. Each extra pound of meatloaf adds 15 minutes to the overall cooking time.
It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the recipe and the ingredients used. Some recipes may require a longer cooking time, while others may require a shorter cooking time. It is always a good idea to check the internal temperature of the meatloaf using a meat thermometer to ensure that it is cooked thoroughly.
Preparation To Cook Meatloaf at 375
Before cooking a meatloaf, it is important to prepare the necessary ingredients and mix them properly to achieve the desired texture and flavor. Here are the steps to follow:
Ingredients
The ingredients needed for a meatloaf vary depending on the recipe, but the most common ones include ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onions, garlic, salt, pepper, and ketchup. Some recipes may also call for additional ingredients such as Worcestershire sauce, mustard, or bacon.
It is important to use fresh and high-quality ingredients to ensure the best possible flavor and texture. When selecting ground beef, choose one that is at least 80% lean to ensure that the meatloaf stays moist and does not become too dry.
Mixing the Meatloaf
Once the ingredients are gathered, it is time to mix them together to form the meatloaf. The first step is to combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, and eggs in a large mixing bowl. Use a fork or your hands to mix the ingredients together until they are well combined.
Next, add the onions, garlic, salt, and pepper to the mixture and continue mixing until everything is evenly distributed. If the recipe calls for additional ingredients, such as Worcestershire sauce or mustard, add them at this time as well.
After all the ingredients are well mixed, it is time to shape the meatloaf. Use your hands to form the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a greased baking dish. It is important to press the meatloaf firmly into the dish to ensure that it holds its shape during cooking.
Finally, spread a layer of ketchup or other sauce over the top of the meatloaf to add flavor and moisture. The meatloaf is now ready to be cooked.
How Long to Cook Meatloaf at 375?
Temperature and Time
When cooking meatloaf, it is important to ensure that it is cooked thoroughly to avoid any foodborne illnesses. The temperature and time at which meatloaf is cooked can vary depending on the size and ingredients used.
According to What A Yummy, a 3-pound meatloaf should take 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes to cook at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if you are cooking a 4 lb meatloaf, it is recommended to bake it between 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatloaf. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends that ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure that it is safe to eat. When checking the temperature, insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meatloaf, making sure not to touch the sides or bottom of the pan.
Checking for Doneness
Another way to check if the meatloaf is done is to look for signs of doneness. The meatloaf should be browned on the outside and the juices should run clear. You can also use a fork to gently press down on the center of the meatloaf. If the juices run clear and the meat feels firm, it is done. If the juices are still pink or the meat feels soft, it needs to be cooked for a little longer.
Once the meatloaf is done, it is important to let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it. This allows the juices to redistribute and prevents the meat from drying out. Cover the meatloaf with foil and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Some Recipes for Cook Meatloaf
Here are three different meatloaf recipes that can be cooked at 375 degrees Fahrenheit:
Classic Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Form the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.
- Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove from oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Turkey Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground turkey
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, onion, red bell pepper, garlic, eggs, ketchup, barbecue sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Form the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.
- Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove from oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Vegan Lentil Loaf Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked lentils
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked lentils, onion, garlic, carrot, celery, tomato paste, soy sauce, nutritional yeast, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Form the lentil mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.
- Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until the lentil loaf is heated through and firm.
- Remove from oven and let the lentil loaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
No matter which recipe you choose, cooking your meatloaf at 375 degrees Fahrenheit is a great way to achieve a tender and flavorful result.
The Recommended Cooking Time for Meatloaf at 375
To ensure that your meatloaf is cooked to perfection, it’s important to follow a few guidelines. The minimum internal temperature for cooked meatloaf is 160 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the USDA. To achieve this temperature, you’ll need to cook your meatloaf for a specific amount of time, depending on its size and shape.
As a general rule, you should cook your meatloaf for 30 to 45 minutes per pound at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. For example, a two-pound meatloaf would need to cook for 60 to 90 minutes. However, it’s important to note that larger meatloafs may require additional cooking time to ensure that they are fully cooked.
What to Do if the Meatloaf is Not Cooked Through?
If you’ve checked your meatloaf for doneness and found that it’s not fully cooked, there are a few things you can do to fix the problem. First, cover the meatloaf with aluminum foil to prevent it from getting too browned on the outside, and continue cooking it for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. Then, check the internal temperature again to ensure that it has reached 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
If your meatloaf is still not cooked through, you may need to reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and continue cooking it for an additional 30 minutes. This will prevent the meatloaf from getting too browned on the outside while allowing it to cook through to the center.
Tips for Cooking the Perfect Meatloaf at 375
Here are some additional tips to help you cook the perfect meatloaf every time:
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure that your meatloaf is cooked to the correct temperature.
- Use lean ground meat to prevent your meatloaf from being too greasy.
- Don’t overwork your meatloaf mixture, as this can make it tough.
- Use a loaf pan or shape your meatloaf into a uniform shape to ensure even cooking.
- Let your meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Consider adding additional flavorings, such as herbs or spices, to your meatloaf mixture to enhance the flavor.
- Use a glaze or topping to add extra flavor and moisture to your meatloaf.
Conclusion
Cooking meatloaf at 375 degrees Fahrenheit is a popular choice for many home cooks, but it’s essential to know how long to cook it for to achieve the perfect texture and flavor.
By following the guidelines outlined in this post, you can ensure that your meatloaf is cooked to perfection every time. Remember to consider the size and shape of your meatloaf, the type of meat you’re using, and the desired level of doneness.
By checking for doneness and following our tips for cooking the perfect meatloaf, you’ll be able to create a delicious and satisfying meal that your whole family will love.
Chef Michael Correll began his restaurant career near his home in his teens as a pizza cook, but soon moved to Philadelphia where he first landed at Jones, an acclaimed Stephen Starr restaurant on Chesntut Street. It was also in Philadelphia that Chef Correll pursued his culinary education, graduating from the Art Institute of Philadelphia in 2008. After school he worked for Chef Marc Plessis at Nineteen in the Park Hyatt Hotel before moving to Pinehurst, North Carolina to open the Carolina Room.