How Long to Cook Meatloaf at 400ºF? Quick Recipe

How Long to Cook Meatloaf at 400ºF? Quick Recipe

Meatloaf is a classic dish that can be prepared in many different ways. You can add your twist by experimenting with the ingredients or following one of the many recipes.

But no matter how you make it, one question always arises: how long to cook Meatloaf at 400ºF? Lucky for you, I have a quick and easy recipe that only takes about an hour!

So fire up your oven, and let’s get cooking. Surely following the steps, you will be able to have the perfect taste. This would be a great way to treat your loved ones.

Can I cook Meatloaf at 400 degrees?

Ready-to-eat Meatloaf

Yes, you can cook Meatloaf at 400 degrees. The cooking time will be shorter than if you cooked it at a lower temperature, so keep an eye on it and use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. 

You may need to experiment with cooking times to find the perfect balance of juicy, flavorful Meatloaf cooked through but not dry or overcooked. But cooking Meatloaf at 400 degrees is possible and can result in a delicious, moist dish.

How long does it take to cook Meatloaf at 400 degrees?

It only takes about 1 hour to cook Meatloaf at 400 degrees. This is a great way to cook Meatloaf if you want it to be juicy and flavorful. 

Cooking Meatloaf at a higher temperature will help to lock in all of the juices, ensuring that your Meatloaf is moist and delicious. So, if you’re looking for the perfect meatloaf recipe, try cooking it at 400 degrees. You won’t be disappointed!

How long does it take to cook Meatloaf at 425 degrees?

It takes about 30-40 minutes to cook Meatloaf at 425 degrees. This is a great way to cook it if you want the outside to be nice and crispy. 

If you are looking for a more traditional meatloaf, you can cook it at a lower temperature for longer. Either way, cooking meatloaf is a pretty simple process. Make sure you cook it until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees.

Should I cook at 400 or 425 degrees?

The oven temperature you use to cook Meatloaf depends on how well-done you like your meat. For a 400-degree oven, cook the Meatloaf for 20 minutes per pound. If you prefer a 425-degree oven, cook the Meatloaf for 18 minutes per pound. 

Either way, make sure the internal temperature of the Meatloaf reaches 160 degrees before removing it from the oven. Cooking times may vary slightly, so use a meat thermometer to be sure.

How Long to Cook Meatloaf at 400ºF? Quick Recipe

How to Cook Meatloaf at 400ºF

The key is ensuring the meat is well-seasoned with salt, pepper, and other spices. Onion, garlic, and green pepper are classic additions to Meatloaf, but feel free to get creative and add in other vegetables, like carrots or mushrooms.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Resting Time 5 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 Servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs Ground beef
  • 1 Onion (diced)
  • 3 Cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 Green pepper (diced)
  • 1 Egg (beaten)
  • 1/2 cup Bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup Ketchup
  • 1 tbsp Mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400ºF.
  • Mix all the ingredients until well combined in a large bowl.
  • Shape into a loaf and place on a greased baking sheet.
  • Bake for 1 hour or until cooked through.
  • Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
  • Enjoy!
Keyword How Long to Cook Meatloaf at 400ºF

How do I know when the Meatloaf is done?

The best way to tell if Meatloaf is done is to use a meat thermometer. Please insert it into the loaf’s center and ensure that the internal temperature has reached 160’F. 

Another way to tell if Meatloaf is done is to look for signs of doneness, like lean ground beef and juices that run clear. If you’re not sure, it’s better to err on the side of overcooking than undercooking, as ground beef that is not cooked through can be dangerous.

Can I add or replace some ingredients?

Yes, you can add or replace ingredients in this recipe. If you don’t like ketchup, you could use BBQ sauce or tomato soup. You could add some shredded cheese, diced ham, or bacon bits. Get creative and make the Meatloaf your own!

Tips and tricks for a better meatloaf recipe

Sliced meatloaf

1. Preheat your oven to the correct temperature. This is critical for ensuring that your Meatloaf cooks evenly throughout.

2. Use lean ground beef. Extra-lean ground beef will result in a dryer meatloaf, so if you are looking for a juicier end product, use regular ground beef.

3. Add some fat. While you want to use lean ground beef, you also need to add some fat to the mix. This will help keep your Meatloaf moist and flavorful. Add bacon, sausage, or even pork fat to the mix.

4. Mix in some wet ingredients. In addition to the ground beef, you’ll need to add some wet ingredients to your meatloaf mix. This can include eggs, milk, or even some BBQ sauce.

5. Use bread crumbs. Bread crumbs help to bind the Meatloaf together and also add some texture. You can use plain bread crumbs or flavored ones.

6. Add some vegetables. Mixing in some chopped vegetables is a great way to add flavor and nutrition to your Meatloaf. Try adding onions, peppers, mushrooms, or even carrots.

7. Use fresh herbs. If you want to take your Meatloaf to the next level, use some fresh herbs in the mix. This can include rosemary, thyme, or oregano.

8. Be careful with the ketchup. Ketchup is a classic ingredient in Meatloaf, but it can also make the dish too sweet. If you are using ketchup, add it slowly and taste as you go.

9. Get creative with the toppings. In addition to ketchup, there are a variety of other things you can use to top your Meatloaf. Try using BBQ sauce, brown sugar, or even horseradish.

10. Let it rest. Once your Meatloaf is out of the oven, let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing into it. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make for a more flavorful dish.

11. Use a meat thermometer. The best way to ensure that your Meatloaf is cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Please insert it into the center of the loaf and check that the temperature is at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

12. Slice it thick. When slicing your Meatloaf, be sure to slice it thick. This will help to ensure that each piece is juicy and flavorful.

13. Serve with a side of mashed potatoes. One of the best things about Meatloaf is that it pairs well with mashed potatoes. So be sure to serve up a scoop of mashed potatoes with your Meatloaf.

14. Make extra for leftovers. Meatloaf is one of those dishes that always tastes better the next day. So make extra so you can enjoy it for lunch or dinner the next day.

15. Freeze any leftover meatloaf. If you have any meatloaf leftovers, be sure to freeze them. This will help keep the dish fresh and delicious for weeks.

Final words

As you can see, there are a lot of different tips and tricks you can use to make a delicious meatloaf. Be sure to preheat your oven, use lean ground beef, add some fat, mix wet ingredients, and use bread crumbs. You can also add in some vegetables and fresh herbs. 

When it comes to the ketchup, add it slowly and taste as you go. There are also a variety of different toppings that you can use, including BBQ sauce and brown sugar. Finally, let the meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing into it.

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Candy Seideman has been cooking for most of her life. In fact she is referred to as "The Chef" by most of her close family not only because she attended culinary school and was an actual chef, but also because she has a passion for cooking for friends and family.