How Long to Cook Meatloaf at 375 Degrees? – Meatloaf recipe

Ah meatloaf, the classic comfort food that is both satisfying and comforting. It’s a simple dish to make with very few ingredients and cooked in one pot or pan—but knowing how long exactly to cook it for can be tricky! There are lots of factors to consider when it comes to cooking meatloaf like size, weight and shape; the type of oven you use; the type of pan you’re using; even variables such as untouched during cooking or adding additional ingredients that alter its thickness. So, let’s dig into this topic about how long to cook meatloaf at 375?

What is Meatloaf?

Meatloaf is a dish made of ground meat, typically beef, that is mixed with other ingredients like eggs, bread crumbs, onions, garlic, ketchup, and mustard; shaped into a loaf; and then baked in the oven. It’s a very popular dish in the United States and many other countries around the world.

Do you cook meatloaf at 350 or 375°F?

The suggested cooking temperature for meatloaf is typically either 350°F or 375°F. Cooking at 350°F allows for a slow and gradual cooking process, resulting in a moist and tender texture. On the other hand, cooking at 375°F promotes a quicker cooking time, producing a slightly firmer exterior and caramelization but with a potential risk of moisture loss and a drier end product. Ultimately, the choice between 350°F and 375°F depends on personal preference and desired outcome.

Ingredients to cook meatloaf at 375

• 3 cups chopped yellow onions.
• 2 tablespoons good olive oil.
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt.
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves.
• ⅓ cup Worcestershire sauce.
• ¾ cup chicken stock.
• 1 ½ teaspoons tomato paste.
• 5 pounds ground turkey breast.
• 1 ½ cups plain dry breadcrumbs.
• 3 extra-large eggs, beaten.
• ¾ cup ketchup, divided.

Equipment to cook meatloaf at 375

To cook meatloaf at 375 degrees, you will need the following equipment:

• Large mixing bowl
• Meatloaf pan (12 x 6)
• Small mixing bowl
• Meat thermometer

How to cook meatloaf at 375?

To cook meatloaf at 375 F, follow these steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 F.
2. In a large bowl, mix onions, olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, Worcestershire, chicken stock, tomato paste, ground turkey, breadcrumbs, and eggs. Mix well.
3. Press the mixture into an ungreased 8×4-inch loaf pan.
4. Bake the meatloaf for 40 minutes at 375 F.
5. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread ¼ cup of ketchup evenly over the top.
6. Continue baking the meatloaf for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted in the center of the loaf reaches 160 F.

How long to cook meatloaf at 375?

How long to cook meatloaf at 375? Bake the meatloaf at 375°F for approximately 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This may vary depending on the size and shape of your meatloaf, so it is important to use a meat thermometer to ensure it is fully cooked.

How long to cook 1lb of meatloaf at 375?

That answer of how long to cook meatloaf at 375 per pound? Cooking 1 pound (lb) of meatloaf at 375°F for approximately 35 to 45 minutes in a conventional oven.

How long to cook a 2 pound meatloaf at 375?

A 2-pound meatloaf, cooked at 375°F, will take approximately 40 to 50 minutes for the internal temperature to reach 160°F.

How long to cook a 3 pound meatloaf at 375?

A 3-pound meatloaf, when cooked at 375°F, will generally take approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes for the internal temperature to reach 160°F.

How long to cook a 4-pound meatloaf at 375?

To achieve optimal results, I recommend baking a 4-pound meatloaf at 375°F for approximately 1 hour.

What affects the time to cook meatloaf at 375?

The final baking time of meatloaf at 375ºF (190ºC) is influenced by several factors:

1. Size: The larger and thicker the meatloaf, the longer it will take to cook through. In contrast, smaller and thinner meatloaf shapes, such as a meat-sheet, will bake much quicker.

2. Type of Meat: The type of meat used, such as ground beef, ground pork, ground veal, ground turkey, or ground chicken, will affect the cooking time. Different types of meat require varying cooking durations.

It is essential to ensure that chicken, for example, reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165ºF for safe consumption. Consequently, ground chicken meatloaves may need to be baked for a longer time than ground beef meatloaves.

How to know when meatloaf is done?

To determine when meatloaf is cooked through, there are two methods you can use.

• First, you can utilize an instant-read thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the center of the meatloaf, making sure it reaches a temperature of 160°F.
• Alternatively, you can use an oven-safe thermometer. Insert the stem into the thickest part of the meatloaf, ensuring it does not touch the pan.
• Relying on the color of the cooked ground meat mixture is not always reliable, so it is recommended by our Test Kitchen and the USDA to always use a meat thermometer.

How to keep meatloaf moist when cooking at 375?

To maintain the moisture of meatloaf when cooking at 375 degrees, consider adding ingredients like milk, eggs, ketchup, and diced onion.

Do you cook meatloaf covered or uncovered at 375?

When cooking meatloaf at 375 degrees, it is recommended to bake it uncovered. However, personal preferences may vary among different cooks. It is worth experimenting with covering the meatloaf if you find that it turns out dry when cooked uncovered. This might yield a noticeable improvement in the moistness of the meatloaf. Give it a try and see if it becomes your new favored dish for a laid-back weekend.

Why do you put milk in meatloaf?

Milk is added to meatloaf to enhance juiciness and prevent it from becoming dry. The use of whole milk adds richness and fat, contributing to a delightful texture along with ketchup and Worcestershire sauce.

What can I put on top of my meatloaf instead of ketchup?

Instead of ketchup, you can consider using one of the following toppings for your meatloaf:

1. Sweet Mustard Barbecue Sauce

2. Roasted Tomato-and-Dried Chili Sauce

3. Coca-Cola BBQ Sauce

4. South Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce

5. Honey Barbecue Sauce

6. Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

7. Southwestern Sauce

8. Burgundy-Mushroom Sauce

9. Basic Homemade Tomato Sauce

10. Southern Tomato Gravy

11. Sweet Onion-Mushroom Gravy

12. Meat Loaf Sauce

Should you cook onions before putting in meatloaf?

It is recommended to cook the onions before adding them to the meatloaf for optimal flavor and texture.

How do you keep meatloaf from falling apart?

To prevent meatloaf from falling apart, ensure you have sufficient binding ingredients such as eggs, breadcrumbs, or other substitutes like rice, barley, cornflakes, crackers, or dried soup mix. Increase the quantity of these ingredients in your recipe to maintain the structure of the meatloaf.

Tips for cooking the best meatloaf at 375

For optimal meatloaf cooking at 375°F, consider these tips:

• Experiment with different meats in addition to beef, such as pork or lamb, to introduce interesting and flavorful elements to your recipe while ensuring great results.
• Enhance the taste of your meatloaf by adding small pockets of cheese throughout the mixture. As the cheese melts, it will provide a gooey, salty surprise with every slice.

What to serve with meatloaf cooked at 375?

Here are some recommended side dishes to serve with meatloaf cooked at 375 degrees:

• Mashed Potatoes
• Italian Peas
• Quick Brussels Sprouts and Bacon
• Roasted Parmesan-Garlic Carrots
• Easy Roasted Broccoli
• Instant Pot Garlic Roasted Mashed Potatoes
• Twice Baked Cauliflower with Bacon

Can you freeze meatloaf?

Yes, meatloaf can be frozen after preparing and shaping it. For best results, line the loaf pan with plastic cling wrap before adding the meat mixture. Freeze it for approximately 30 minutes to an hour, then remove the partially frozen loaf and wrap it tightly with plastic and foil. If you plan to add ketchup as a sauce, do so when you are ready to bake and serve. The frozen meatloaf can be stored for up to three months. Making two meatloafs, one to freeze and one to bake immediately, is a convenient option.

How to reheat meatloaf?

To reheat meatloaf, follow these steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 250ºF/120ºC.
2. Place the leftover meatloaf slices in a small shallow dish.
3. Sprinkle each piece with 1 tablespoon of beef broth.
4. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
5. Place the dish in the center of your oven and cook for 20-25 minutes.
6. Enjoy your delicious reheated meatloaf.

Read on to learn more: how many calories in meatloaf

FAQs: cook meatloaf 375

Why cooking meatloaf at 375 is fall apart?

Cooking meatloaf at 375°F can cause it to fall apart because the high heat can cause the meat to shrink and release its natural juices, resulting in a dry and crumbly texture. Lower and slower cooking temperatures help preserve moisture and promote better binding of the ingredients, resulting in a more cohesive meatloaf.

What is the best filler for cooking meatloaf at 375?

The best filler for cooking meatloaf at 375°F is breadcrumbs. Additionally, don’t forget to incorporate milk to enhance its moisture and deliciousness.

Should you cover meatloaf when cooking it at 375?

Yes, it is advisable to cover the meatloaf when cooking it at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. When covered with foil or a lid, the meatloaf retains moisture, cooks more evenly, and prevents the outer layer from drying out. This results in tender and juicy meat throughout, which is particularly useful when using leaner meats that tend to dry out quickly. Furthermore, covering the meatloaf can speed up the cooking process, ensuring thorough cooking without over-browning.

Should you drain the grease from meatloaf cooked at 375?

It is recommended to drain off the excess grease from meatloaf cooked at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. To do so, carefully remove the meatloaf from the loaf pan and transfer it to a clean cutting board. Allow the loaf to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Then, cut the meatloaf into thick slices and serve.