Cooking a delicious meal can be an enjoyable task, and there’s nothing like biting into the savory flavors of a perfectly cooked homemade dish. When it comes to one classic favorite, meatloaf, knowing how long to bake meatloaf at 350℉ is key for achieving satisfying results — results that you’ll want to savor each and every time. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the benefits associated with baking your meatloaf at 350℉, as well as tips and tricks you can use when preparing and cooking your own homemade masterpiece.
What Temperature Should Meatloaf Be Cooked To?
To ensure proper cooking, it is recommended to use an instant-read thermometer. When inserted into the center, the internal temperature of the meatloaf should register 160°F. Alternatively, an oven-safe thermometer can be placed in the meatloaf prior to baking. This will help achieve the desired level of doneness.
What Ingredients To Bake Meatloaf At 350?
To bake meatloaf at 350 degrees, the key ingredients you’ll need are lean ground beef (at least 90 percent lean), bread crumbs (to enhance flavor and binding), seasonings and herbs (like those found in meatloaf seasoning to elevate the taste), and a meatloaf glaze (a sweet and tangy sauce that brings all the flavors together).
How To Bake Meatloaf At 350?
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Spray a loaf pan with nonstick spray and set it aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, onion, eggs, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, breadcrumbs, milk, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed.
- Transfer the meatloaf mixture to the prepared loaf pan. Bake at 350 F for 40 minutes.
- While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the sauce by mixing ketchup, white vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Stir with a whisk until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- When there are just 15 minutes left of baking time, spread the meatloaf glaze all over the top.
- After removing the meatloaf from the oven, let it rest for five minutes before serving. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for garnish.
How Long To Bake Meatloaf At 350?
The recommended baking time for meatloaf at 350 degrees Fahrenheit depends on the weight. Here is a guide:
- For 1 pound of meat: bake for 35-45 minutes.
- For 2 pounds of meat: bake for 1 to 1 1/4 hours.
- For 3 pounds of meat: bake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Please note that the featured recipe in this case uses 2 pounds of beef. Meatloaf is a deliciously comforting meal that has unfortunately received a bit of a bad reputation over the years. However, I believe that those people just haven’t had good meatloaf.
How Long To Bake Meatloaf At 350 In The Microwave?
The cooking time for meatloaf at 350 in the microwave will depend on various factors, including the thickness of the meatloaf. However, typically, it should take approximately 10 to 12 minutes at a high setting when wrapped with plastic wrap. Please note that these timings are approximate and may vary.
How Long To Bake Meatloaf At 350 In Air Fryer?
Bake the meatloaf in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. A 1-pound meatloaf will be ready in approximately 25 minutes, while a mini meatloaf will only take about 15 minutes. Make sure your loaf pan fits in the air fryer, or you may need to make a smaller meatloaf. Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and follow your meatloaf recipe as directed.
How Long To Bake Frozen Meatloaf At 350?
To reheat frozen meatloaf, place it in a 2-cup stoneware or an 8-by-8 baking dish. Cover it with foil and bake at 350ºF until it is hot. It usually takes about 35 minutes for 1 cup portions or 1 hour for 2 cup portions. Alternatively, you can thaw the meatloaf overnight in the fridge and then reheat it in the microwave for 3 to 5 minutes.
Watch this video to know how long to bake meatloaf at 350.
How Do You Tell If A Meatloaf Is Fully Baked?
To determine if a meatloaf is fully baked, the most reliable method is to check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the center of the meatloaf. A meatloaf is considered fully baked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Tips For Baking The Perfect Meatloaf
Here are some tips to consider when cooking your meatloaf:
- Preheat the oven to 350℉ before baking your meatloaf. This will ensure that it cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- Create a “panade” with breadcrumbs, milk, or cream to create a moist interior.
- Add aromatics such as shallots and garlic for extra flavor.
- Add moisture to the mixture with chopped vegetables such as onions, peppers, or mushrooms.
- Place your meatloaf on a baking sheet covered in foil. This will help to prevent the bottom from burning while cooking.
- Let your meatloaf rest before slicing into it. This allows all of the juices to settle and keeps your loaf moist and delicious.
By following these tips, you can create a delicious meal that is sure to please everyone. With a few simple steps and a bit of patience, you’ll have a perfectly cooked meatloaf in no time.
How Long Does It Take To Defrost Meatloaf Before Baking At 350?
It is recommended to defrost the meatloaf for approximately 24 hours in the refrigerator before baking at 350 degrees. This will ensure proper cooking and delicious results. Additionally, if you have leftover cooked meatloaf, you can freeze it by slicing it up, wrapping it in freezer paper, and storing it in a freezer bag.
How Can You Bake Meatloaf Faster In The Oven At 350?
Here are some tips to help you bake meatloaf faster in the oven at 350 degrees:
- Make a smaller loaf or multiple small loaves. If there’s less to cook in each pan, it’ll speed up the overall cooking time.
- Consider making mini meatloaves in a cupcake tin. This can reduce the cooking time even more.
- Prepare the meatloaf in advance so that all you have to do is bake it. Meatloaf is a great meal prep dinner idea.
- Use a meatloaf pan with a specific design that allows the liquids to drain from the meat. This can result in a faster cooking time.
- While these tips won’t drastically change the cooking time, they can help to speed it up slightly.
Following these suggestions should help you bake your meatloaf faster in the oven at 350 degrees.
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Is It Better To Bake Meatloaf Covered Or Uncovered?
It is recommended to bake the meatloaf uncovered. However, if there is a concern about it burning, covering the meatloaf with foil for the first 45 minutes and then uncovering it for the final 15 minutes can help the meatloaf brown on top.
FAQ: Bake Meatloaf
Is it better to cook meatloaf at 350 or 375?
Cooking meatloaf at 350°F is considered the classic and preferred option. This temperature allows the meat to cook gradually, rendering the fat and infusing the flavors throughout, resulting in a moist and tender texture. While cooking at 375°F may expedite the cooking process, it may also lead to a slightly drier texture. Therefore, it is generally recommended to stick with the traditional temperature of 350°F for optimal results.
Should I cover meatloaf when baking?
It is recommended to cover the meatloaf with foil for the first 45 minutes of baking to prevent burning. Uncover it for the final 15 minutes to allow the top to brown.
What is the best temperature to bake meatloaf?
The ideal temperature for baking meatloaf is typically set at 350 degrees F. This ensures that the meatloaf cooks evenly without drying out. If the temperature is too high, the outer crust may burn before the interior is fully cooked, while a lower temperature may not give you that desired delicious crust.
What is the best temperature and time to cook meatloaf?
The recommended temperature for cooking meatloaf is 350°F. To ensure optimal results, cook for approximately 35 to 45 minutes per pound of meatloaf. To avoid undercooking or overcooking, it is advisable to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The ideal internal temperature for meatloaf is 160°F.
How do you not overcook meatloaf?
To avoid overcooking meatloaf, it is recommended to cook it to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). However, exceeding this temperature can result in dryness. Utilizing a leave-in probe thermometer such as the ChefAlarm® to monitor the temperature while cooking can ensure optimal results without drying out the meatloaf.
Bobby Kelly is a bartender at Molly Magees, an Irish pub in Mountain View. He’s been working there for two years and has developed a following among the regulars. Bobby is known for his friendly demeanor and great drink specials. He loves interacting with customers and making them feel welcome. When he’s not at work, Bobby enjoys spending time with his friends and family.