How Long To Cook Meatloaf To Perfection: A Complete Guide For Beginners

Ingredients:

For the Meatloaf:

- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and pork)

- 1 cup breadcrumbs

- 1/2 cup milk

- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion

- 1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper

- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 large eggs, beaten

- 1/4 cup ketchup

- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

- 1/4 teaspoon paprika

For the Topping:

- 1/4 cup ketchup

- 2 tablespoons brown sugar

- 1 teaspoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)

Instructions:

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let it sit for a few minutes until the breadcrumbs have absorbed the milk.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, soaked breadcrumbs, chopped onion, green bell pepper, celery, minced garlic, beaten eggs, 1/4 cup ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, thyme, oregano, and paprika. Mix everything together until they're well combined.

4. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.

5. In another small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. This will be the topping for the meatloaf.

6. Spread the topping mixture evenly over the meatloaf.

7. Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven until it's cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

8. Once the meatloaf is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

9. Slice the meatloaf and serve it with your choice of side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or a salad.

As we discussed previously, cooking time is the key to flavorful, juicy, and tender meatloaf. However, cooking time for meatloaf is a bit tricky because it depends on the size and shape of the loaf, as well as the type of oven you are using.

However, a general rule of thumb is to cook meatloaf at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 35-45 minutes per pound. Here is a more detailed guide on how long to cook meatloaf:

- 1-pound meatloaf: 35-45 minutes

- 2-pound meatloaf: 1 hour to 1 hour and 20 minutes

- 3-pound meatloaf: 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours

You must remember that these times are just estimates. Here are some tips to ensure that your meatloaf is cooked perfectly:

1. Check the Temperature: The best way to know if your meatloaf is ready is to use a meat thermometer. Stick it in the middle of the meatloaf. If it shows 160°F (71°C) for meatloaf with beef or pork and 165°F (74°C) for chicken or turkey meatloaf, the meatloaf is ready to go.

2. Look at How It Looks: Take a look at the meatloaf. When it's done, the outside should be brown and a little bit crispu. It should also have moved away from the sides of the pan.

3. Check the Juices: Stick the meat thermometer into the center of the meatloaf. If the juices that come out are clear, it's already cooked. But if they're still pink, the meatloaf needs more time in the oven.

These are the easy meatloaf recipe and tips on how long to cook meatloaf to perfection. The cooking time is different according to the size and shape of the meatloaf, the type of the meat, and the oven that you use.

Don't forget to rest the meatloaf for around 10 minutes before slicing and serving the dish. Resting the meatloaf give some times for the juices to redistribute, which makes the meatloaf more juicy, flavorful, and tender.