How long to cook a meatloaf at 375? | The complete guide

Are you hunting for the perfect recipe to prepare a tender, juicy meatloaf at 375°F? You’re in luck! There are several great tips and tricks that can help you create the most delicious meatloaf possible. All you have to do is follow this simple guide on how long to cook a meatloaf at 375°F and your meal will come out perfect every time. Read on for comprehensive instructions on prepping, cooking, and storing your meatloaf—you’ll be delighting family members with perfectly cooked meals in no time.

What is meatloaf?

Meatloaf is a popular comfort food dish made with ground meat, eggs, bread crumbs, seasonings, and vegetables. The ingredients are mixed together until they form a loaf shape and then baked in the oven. Meatloaf can be served as either a main course or side dish. It’s often paired with mashed potatoes or other vegetables for a complete meal.

How long to cook a meatloaf at 375?

When cooking a meatloaf at 375°F, a good rule of thumb is to cook for about 35-45 minutes. The exact time will depend on the size and shape of your meatloaf—smaller loaves may take less time while larger ones may need up to an hour. Before putting it in the oven, make sure that the internal temperature of the center of your loaf reads 165°F when measured with an instant read thermometer.

How to cook a meatloaf at 375?

Ingredients:

– 2 lbs of ground beef

– 1/2 cup bread crumbs

– 1 egg, beaten

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1 teaspoon onion powder

– Salt & pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix the ground beef with the bread crumbs, egg, and seasonings until combined.
3. Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in the greased loaf pan.
4. Bake the meatloaf for 35 – 45 minutes or until an instant read thermometer inserted into the center reads 165°F.
5. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

How do I know when my meatloaf is done cooking?

When cooking a meatloaf in the oven, the best way to know when it’s done is by using an instant read thermometer. Insert the probe of the thermometer into the center of your meatloaf and check that it reads 165°F before taking it out of the oven. If you don’t have an instant read thermometer, try cutting into one end of the loaf to make sure that there’s no pink left in the middle.

What are the signs that my meatloaf is overcooked?

If your meatloaf is overcooked, it will be dry and tough. To prevent this from happening, always use an instant read thermometer to check the internal temperature of your loaf before taking it out of the oven. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into one end of the loaf to make sure that there’s no pink left in the middle.

How can you keep meatloaf moist?

The key to a moist meatloaf is proper preparation. Start off by adding some fat (such as bacon or sausage) to your ground beef for extra flavor and moisture. Additionally, make sure that you don’t over-mix the ingredients; mix them just until they are combined before forming the loaf shape. Finally, cover the top of your loaf with foil while it bakes in order to retain more moisture.

Expert tips and tricks for the perfect meatloaf every time

After knowing how long to cook a meatloaf at 375, we will learn about expert tips and tricks for the perfect meatloaf every time:

– Add a little bacon or sausage to your ground beef for extra flavor and moisture.

– Make sure not to over mix the ingredients; just mix them until combined before forming the loaf shape.

– Cover the top of your meatloaf with foil while it bakes in order to retain more moisture.

– Use an instant read thermometer to check that the internal temperature of your meatloaf is 165°F before taking it out of the oven.

– Let your finished meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

How to properly store leftover meatloaf?

Leftover meatloaf can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to wrap it tightly with aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container before putting it away. Reheat the meatloaf by baking it in a 350°F oven until warmed through (about 15-20 minutes). Alternatively, you can also heat individual slices of leftovers in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

What can you serve with meatloaf?

Meatloaf is a popular comfort food dish that pairs well with many side dishes. Popular sides for meatloaves include mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, green salads, and macaroni and cheese. If you’re looking for a more creative take on the classic meal, consider serving your meatloaf with roasted potatoes, garlic-sauteed spinach, or roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon.

Conclusion: How long to cook a meatloaf at 375?

Cooking a juicy, flavorful meatloaf at 375°F is easy with this guide! Follow these steps to prepping, cooking, and storing your meatloaf for the perfect meal every time. Remember to always use an instant read thermometer to check that the internal temperature of your loaf reads 165°F before taking it out of the oven. Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables and you’ll have a delicious dinner in no time.

FAQ: Meatloaf and common problems

Is it better to cook meatloaf at 350 or 375?

Achieving a perfectly cooked meatloaf can be challenging, but one of the biggest factors is oven temperature. Many cooks wonder whether 350 or 375 degrees Fahrenheit is better. While it may seem inconsequential, using the correct temperature is crucial to obtaining a juicy and flavorful meatloaf. Stick with 350 degrees F to ensure even cooking and prevent dryness, while avoiding burning the outside. Don’t compromise on taste and texture by guessing at the temperature – follow these tips for a mouthwatering meatloaf every time.

Should you bake meatloaf covered or uncovered?

Get the perfect meatloaf every time with this simple tip: cook uncovered for 15 minutes, then cover with foil for 45 minutes to avoid burning. Uncover it for the final 15 minutes and watch it turn golden brown on top. Delight your taste buds with this savory meal.

Why do you put milk in meatloaf?

Want a moist and juicy meatloaf? Add some milk. The milk soaks the breadcrumbs and adds the necessary moisture to the dish. Not a milk fan? No worries, try using low-sodium beef or chicken stock, water, or a non-dairy milk substitute for the same effect.

Do you put water in the bottom of the pan when cooking meatloaf?

For perfectly juicy and delicious meatloaf every time, follow this easy tip – simply place a large pan filled with water on the lower rack of your oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Try it out and taste the mouth-watering difference.

How can I add more flavor to my meatloaf?

Transform your plain, old meatloaf into a lip-smacking sensation with these easy tips. Adding minced garlic, parsley, and thyme will infuse your meatloaf with a deeply savory flavor. For an extra-bold and juicy taste, include Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and ketchup into the pre-baked mixture. Every bite will carry a perfect balance of savory and sweetness that will leave you wanting more.

Why put bread under meatloaf?

“Smart cooking hack: place bread under meatloaf to reduce fat intake” – the bread acts as a natural sponge and absorbs the excessive fat released while cooking, resulting in a much healthier and delicious meal.

Should I line my meatloaf pan with foil?

Maximize your meatloaf’s perfection with this cooking tip: line your pan with foil. The Amazing recommends starting by creating a “sling” of aluminum foil and letting your dish rest in the pan for 15 minutes after baking. Give your taste buds something to savor with this simple yet effective trick.

Why do you need ketchup in meatloaf?

Transform your meatloaf with this simple addition: ketchup. This sweet and savory glaze creates a deliciously smooth texture and caramelization that will leave your taste buds satisfied.

Should meatloaf sit before cutting?

Get perfectly sliced meatloaf every time by letting it rest for 10 minutes once it’s out of the oven. This simple step ensures it stays together and looks just as good as it tastes.

Why does my meatloaf come out hard?

Don’t let your meatloaf turn into a dense, hard brick. Over-mixing is usually the culprit, so aim for a just-combined texture. If that doesn’t do the trick, add some delicious fat like bacon or sausage for extra flavor and moisture. Say hello to a perfectly tender and juicy meatloaf.