How Long To Cook Meatloaf At 375° F

How Long to Cook Meatloaf at 375°F (2025 Guide)

Perfect Timing, Temperature, and Tips for a Juicy, Flavorful Meatloaf

Cooking meatloaf may seem simple, but getting it just right requires attention to temperature, timing, and technique. In 2025, home cooks continue to rely on tried-and-true guidelines—with a few modern updates—to ensure their meatloaf is flavorful, moist, and cooked to safe perfection.

Why 375°F Is the Sweet Spot

Baking your meatloaf at 375°F (190°C) offers the perfect balance:

• It’s hot enough to develop a rich, caramelized crust.
• It cooks the interior thoroughly without drying it out.

However, the cooking time will vary based on the size and thickness of your meatloaf.

🔍 Quick Cooking Time Reference for Meatloaf at 375°F

🔥 Pro Tip: Always use a meat thermometer! Your meatloaf is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

🥩 How Long to Cook a 1 lb Meatloaf at 375°F

A 1-pound meatloaf will typically bake for 35 to 45 minutes.
To keep it juicy:

• Baste with ketchup, BBQ sauce, or a glaze 2–3 times while baking.
• Let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing to retain its juices.

🥘 How Long to Cook a 2 lb Meatloaf at 375°F

A 2-pound meatloaf generally takes 60 to 75 minutes to bake.
Make sure the center reaches 160°F, and loosely tent the loaf with foil if the top starts browning too quickly.

🧂 Flavor tip: Fill surface cracks with ketchup or mustard glaze before baking for a better crust and visual appeal.

🍽️ How Long to Cook a 4 lb Meatloaf at 375°F

For a large 4-pound meatloaf, plan on 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours of baking time.

• Check it after 90 minutes to avoid overcooking.
• If the internal temp is still below 160°F, continue baking in 10-minute increments.

For better browning and texture, finish it off under the broiler for 3–5 minutes, or sear slices in a pan with butter after resting.

✅ Best Practices for Cooking Meatloaf in 2025

1. Use a Digital Meat Thermometer

Always check doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the center of the loaf. The internal temperature should read 160°F for beef or pork, and 165°F for poultry-based meatloaf.

2. Avoid Overmixing

Mix gently to keep the texture tender. Overmixing compresses the meat, making it dense and dry.

3. Rest Before Serving

Let your meatloaf rest for at least 10–15 minutes after baking. This allows juices to redistribute and prevents crumbling when slicing.

4. Use a Loaf Pan or Freeform Style

• Loaf pans create a more traditional shape and keep juices in.
• Freeform loaves on a baking sheet allow better crust development and faster cooking.

🍴 Why Meatloaf Remains a Family Favorite

Meatloaf is as versatile as it is comforting—easy to reheat, serve cold, or repurpose into sandwiches and leftover dishes. With proper cooking times and a few simple techniques, you can make a meatloaf that’s moist, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing every time.

✅ Summary: Cook Meatloaf Safely and Deliciously at 375°F

• Always cook to 160°F internal temperature
• 1 lb → ~40 min
• 2 lbs → ~1 hr 15 min
• 4 lbs → ~2 hrs
• Let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing
• Glaze and baste for added flavor and moisture

Whether it’s your first time or a weekly staple, following these updated tips will ensure your meatloaf turns out perfectly every time.

Do not overcook 

If the meatloaf is cooked through but lacks the desired browning or crispiness on the outside, consider turning on the broiler during the final minutes of cooking. This method enhances the exterior texture, ensuring a perfectly browned and crispy finish. If you know another method of cooking meatloaf or just want to share your culinary repertoire and expertise with the countless food-loving YouTubers, check out Subscriberz.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cook meatloaf at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the size and thickness of the meatloaf. Check to see if the meatloaf is cooked through by inserting a meat thermometer into the center of the meatloaf. If the meatloaf is cooked through but is not browned or crispy on the outside, you can turn on the broiler for the last few minutes of cooking.