How Long To Bake Meatloaf At 350 | A Step-By-Step Guide

Are you craving some juicy, flavorful meatloaf? If so, then look no further! Baking your meatloaf at 350°F is sure to give it that tantalizing taste you desire. But how long to bake meatloaf at 350? We’re going to answer that question and show you all the tips and tricks for baking your perfect mouthwatering slabs of soft tender beef mixed with creamy melt-in-your-mouth cheese! So get ready as we delve into the delicious world of baked goods and introduce you to this classic American dish.

What Is Meatloaf?

Meatloaf is a traditional American dish that is made by combining ground beef, breadcrumbs, and other ingredients such as onions, eggs, and seasonings. The mixture is then formed into a loaf shape and baked in the oven until it reaches a safe internal temperature of at least 160°F. This hearty dish is often served with mashed potatoes, vegetables, or served as a sandwich, making it a versatile and satisfying meal.

Understanding Safe Meatloaf Cooking Times

The most important factor when baking meatloaf is ensuring it reaches a safe internal temperature to kill any harmful bacteria. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends cooking ground meats to the following minimum temperatures:

• Beef, Pork, Veal, Lamb – 160°F
• Ground Chicken – 165°F
• Ground Turkey – 165°F

Always use a digital meat thermometer to accurately measure the internal temperature at the thickest part of the meatloaf. This is the only reliable way to determine if it is fully cooked. Cooking times will vary based on the size and shape of the meatloaf as well as oven type. Let’s look at some general guidelines.

Average Baking Times Per Pound at 350°F

As a basic rule of thumb, it takes approximately 30-35 minutes per pound to bake meatloaf at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Here are the estimated bake times based on meatloaf weight:

• 1 pound meatloaf – 30-35 minutes
• 2 pound meatloaf – 60-70 minutes
• 3 pound meatloaf – 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 hours

These baking times are for loaf pans ranging from 5×9 inches up to 9×5 inches. Meatloaf baked in larger pans or shaped free-form will take slightly less time.

Always rely on the internal temperature rather than time to determine doneness. But these estimates provide a helpful starting point.

Key Ingredients for Classic Meatloaf

A basic meatloaf contains just a few key ingredients blended with ground meat. Here are the staples:

• Ground Beef, Pork, Turkey, Chicken or Veal – The type of ground meat can be single or mixed. Many recipes use 85/15 ground beef or a blend of meats.
• Onion and Garlic – Sautéed onion and garlic provide a flavor boost. Use 1/2 cup onion and 2-3 cloves garlic per pound of meat.
• Breadcrumbs or Crackers – About 1/2 to 1 cup of dry breadcrumbs or crushed crackers per pound of meat helps bind it together.
• Eggs – Eggs act as a binding agent. Figure 1 egg per pound of meat.
• Seasonings – Salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, herbs and spices add flavor.
• Milk or Stock – Adding some milk, chicken stock or beef broth (about 1/4 cup per pound) helps keep the loaf moist.

Preparing and Shaping Meatloaf

Making meatloaf takes just a few easy steps:

1. Sauté onion and garlic until soft. Let cool.
2. In a large bowl, mix together ground meat, cooled onions and garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs and any seasonings until just combined. Overmixing can make the texture dense and rubbery.
3. Shape the mixture into a loaf pan or free-form shape on a baking sheet.
4. Bake until it reaches the proper internal temperature.

Let’s look closer at cooking times based on the size of the meatloaf.

Recommended Bake Times for Different Meatloaf Sizes

• A one pound meatloaf will take right around 30-35 minutes to bake at 350°F. This will fit into a standard 5×9 inch loaf pan. Measure the internal temperature to confirm it reaches 160°F for beef and pork or 165°F for poultry.
• For a two pound meatloaf, bake for approximately 60-70 minutes at 350°F in a larger 7×11 inch loaf pan. Check that it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F for red meats or 165°F for poultry.
• A three pound meatloaf will need between 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 hours of bake time at 350°F. Use a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Test for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part and verifying it reaches 160-165°F.
• For meatloaves larger than 3 pounds or with a thicker, free-form shape, extend baking time in 15 minute intervals until the inner temperature hits 160-165°F. Thicker loaves over 2 inches tall take the longest to fully cook through. Make sure to measure accurately.

Baking Frozen Meatloaf

What if you want to prep meatloaf ahead of time and bake straight from the freezer? Here are some tips:

• Add 10-15 minutes to the total baking time.
• Cover the pan tightly with foil to prevent drying out.
• Bake at 350°F until it reaches an internal temperature of 160-165°F.
• Let stand 10 minutes before slicing for easier cutting.

The same guidelines apply to reheating fully cooked frozen meatloaf. Thaw first for food safety.

Using an Air Fryer for Meatloaf

Air fryers have emerged as a quick and convenient way to bake meatloaf without heating up the whole oven. Here are air fryer cook times:

• 1 pound meatloaf – 18-22 minutes at 370°F
• 2 pound meatloaf – 30-40 minutes at 350°F
• 3 pound meatloaf – 45-55 minutes at 330°F

The condensed heat of an air fryer can lead to quicker cook times. Monitor closely and use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.

Safe Internal Temperatures for Ground Meats

Meat Type	Minimum Safe Internal Temp
Beef, Pork, Lamb, Veal	160°F
Ground Chicken	165°F
Ground Turkey	165°F

Always verify meatloaf reaches the proper internal temperature for the type of ground meat used. If using a blend, cook to the higher temp. A meat thermometer is the only way to accurately determine if a meatloaf is fully cooked and safe to eat. Never rely solely on cook time or visual cues.

How to Tell When Meatloaf is Done?

While a thermometer is best, there are some other ways to gauge doneness:

• Fork or Knife Test: Insert a fork or knife into the center of the meatloaf. If the juices run clear rather than pink, it is likely done.
• Finger Test: Gently press on the center of the meatloaf. If it feels firm with no indentations or mushiness, it is cooked through.
• Visual Test: Check that no pink color remains and the meatloaf is browned on the outside. However, ground meats can turn brown before reaching a safe temperature. Do not rely solely on these alternative methods. Always confirm with a thermometer for food safety.

Tips for the Best, Most Flavorful Meatloaf

Achieving the perfect moist and delicious meatloaf relies on some key tricks.

• Keep it Moist: Adding milk, broth, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, or even fruit purees will introduce extra moisture into the meatloaf.
• Mix up Meat Types: Use 85% lean ground beef plus turkey, veal or pork for balanced flavor and texture.
• Include Vegetables: Grate or mince carrots, peppers, mushrooms, etc. into the meatloaf for extra nutrition.
• Season Generously: Incorporate spices and herbs like garlic, onion, basil, oregano, chili powder, paprika, and cayenne.
• Add Texture with Nuts or Oats: Introduce crunch with chopped nuts or chewiness from oats or breadcrumbs.
• Prevent Denseness: Gently mix just until combined and avoid over-packing the meatloaf into the pan.
• Allow Resting Time: Let meatloaf sit at least 5-10 minutes before slicing for easier cutting and juicier results.
• Bake in Alternative Vessels: If needed, bake in a casserole dish, cast iron skillet or muffin tins instead of a loaf pan.

Proper Storage and Reheating

Like any cooked meat, proper storage is important for safety and quality. Here are some guidelines:

• Refrigerating: Store cooked meatloaf in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• Microwave: Slice the chilled meatloaf and reheat individual slices wrapped in a paper towel for 60-90 seconds until heated through.
• Oven: Place thawed meatloaf slices on a baking sheet and warm at 325°F for 15-20 minutes until hot.
• Skillet: Cook meatloaf slices in a skillet over medium heat with a bit of butter or oil for 2-3 minutes per side. Always reheat meatloaf to an internal temperature of 165°F. Microwaving may leave cold spots so test carefully.

Conclusion: How Long To Bake Meatloaf At 350

From preparation to baking to storage, meatloaf requires attention at each stage for the ideal outcome. Following proper cook times for the oven or air fryer ensures a meatloaf with a fully cooked, moist interior. Relying on a meat thermometer is crucial for both safety and accuracy. With the right technique, you can achieve tender, flavorful meatloaf every time. Experiment with different meats, flavors, shapes and vessels for endless delicious variations on this hearty classic.