Oven Temperature for Meatloaf

To make a delicious meatloaf at home, it's crucial to pay close attention to both the temperature of the oven and the internal temperature of the meat. By cooking at the right temperature, you can ensure a moist, tasty, and perfectly cooked meatloaf every time. Continue reading to find out the ideal oven temperature for meatloaf, internal temperature, and cooking time!

Best Oven Temperature for Meatloaf

To ensure a perfectly cooked meatloaf, it's important to set the oven temperature at 350 degrees F. If the temperature is too high, the crust will burn while the interior remains uncooked, and if it's too low, the meatloaf won't have a delicious crust. However, note that opening the oven door to insert the meatloaf can significantly reduce the temperature. A simple solution is to preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and then lower it to 350 degrees F as soon as the meatloaf is inside. This hack prevents the initial temperature drop from affecting the cooking time.

❗ For a crispy sear on the top of your meatloaf, consider preheating the oven to a higher temperature of 425°F (218°C). Once it's time to bake, decrease the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). This technique ensures that the meatloaf's top is nicely browned and crispy while the inside remains juicy and tender.

How Long To Bake Meatloaf

Whether you're cooking a small or large meatloaf, the recommended oven temperature is 350°F to 375°F. Larger loaves will require more time to cook thoroughly. Refer to the chart below to determine the necessary cooking time for your meatloaf.

Meatloaf Weight	Best Oven Temperature	Cooking Time
1-pound meatloaf	350 to 375°F	45-60 minutes
2-pound meatloaf	350 to 375°F	1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes
3-pound meatloaf	350 to 375°F	1.5 hours to 2 hours

Cooking time will depend on various factors, including the shape of the loaf pan and the type of oven used. If you have a convection oven or are using the forced air feature, the cooking time will be approximately 15 minutes shorter than indicated in the chart above.

How do You Know When Meatloaf is Done?

To ensure that meatloaf is thoroughly cooked, you should use an instant-read thermometer. Insert the thermometer probe into the center of the meatloaf about 15 minutes before the cooking time is up. Once the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) or above, the meatloaf is cooked through and ready to be served. If the temperature reading is lower than this, you should continue baking the meatloaf for a few more minutes or until it reaches the desired internal temperature.

Tips For Cooking Meatloaf in the Oven

Here are some tips for cooking meatloaf in the oven:

Use an appropriate pan size: Choose a loaf pan that's the right size for your meatloaf to ensure even cooking.
Don't overmix the meat: Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough meatloaf. Mix the ingredients just enough to combine them.
Use a meat thermometer: Check the internal temperature of the meatloaf with an instant-read thermometer to ensure that it's cooked through.
Let it rest: Allow the meatloaf to rest for a few minutes before slicing to let the juices redistribute and make it easier to slice.
Consider using a water bath: Placing the loaf pan in a larger dish of water (a water bath) can help prevent the meatloaf from drying out and cracking on top.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long to Cook Meatloaf at 350 F?

The cooking time for meatloaf at 350°F can vary depending on the size and shape of the meatloaf. As a general rule of thumb, you can expect to cook a 2-pound meatloaf for approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. However, it's always best to check the internal temperature of the meatloaf with an instant-read thermometer to ensure it has reached 160°F (71°C) or above and is fully cooked.

How Long to Cook 1 lb Meatloaf at 350 F?

If you're cooking a 1 lb meatloaf at 350°F, it should take approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour to cook. However, the exact cooking time can vary depending on the shape and thickness of the meatloaf.

How Long to Cook 3 lb Meatloaf at 350 F?

It should take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours to cook. The cooking time can vary based on the size and shape of the meatloaf.

Can I Cook Meatloaf at 400 F?

Yes, you can cook meatloaf at 400°F (205°C). However, cooking at a higher temperature may cause the crust of the meatloaf to cook faster than the inside, which can result in a dry or overcooked meatloaf.

Secret to Moist Meatloaf

To make a moist and juicy meatloaf, it's best to avoid using meat that is too lean. For ground beef, choose 80/20 or 85/15. For an even meatier and moister loaf, you can even mix beef and pork together.

Do I Need to Wrap My Meatloaf in Foil?

While not necessary, foil can be beneficial when cooking meatloaf at higher temperatures to prevent burning and moisture loss. If cooking above 350°F, cover the loaf for the first 75% of the cooking time and remove the foil during the last few minutes for a golden brown top.

How to Freeze Meatloaf

Uncooked: To freeze uncooked meatloaf, you should first shape the meatloaf into the desired size and shape. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Be sure to label and date the package. Place the wrapped meatloaf in the freezer and it should last up to 3 months. When you're ready to cook the meatloaf, allow it to thaw completely in the refrigerator before baking according to your recipe's instructions.
Cooked: Once the meatloaf has cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place it in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3-4 months. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in the oven until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

How to Reheat Meatloaf

There are a few ways to reheat meatloaf, depending on your preference:

Oven method: Preheat your oven to 250 degrees F (or 121 Celsius) and place the meatloaf in an oven-safe dish. Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 20-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Microwave method: Place a slice of meatloaf on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat on high for about 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
Skillet method: Slice the meatloaf and place the slices in a skillet over medium heat. Cook for a few minutes on each side until heated through.

Be sure to check out How to Reheat Meatloaf (4 easy ways).

No matter which method you choose, it's important to make sure the meatloaf is heated to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it's safe to eat.