How Long to Cook Meatloaf at 400

What is a meatloaf and how do you prepare it? A meatloaf is a dish made of ground meat (such as beef, pork, or turkey) that is mixed with other ingredients, formed into a loaf shape, and baked in the oven.

It is typically seasoned with herbs and spices and may include vegetables and/or other ingredients such as breadcrumbs or oats to help bind the mixture together.

Ingredients

To prepare a meatloaf, you will need the following ingredients

• 1-2 pounds of ground meat (beef, pork, turkey, or a mixture)
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs or oats
• 1/2 cup of milk
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1 stalk of celery, finely chopped
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/4 cup of ketchup or tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce (optional)
• Your choice of herbs and spices (such as parsley, oregano, basil, thyme, etc.)

Instructions

To prepare the meatloaf, follow these steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a large bowl, beat the egg and then mix in the breadcrumbs or oats and milk.
3. Add the ground meat to the bowl and use your hands to mix everything together until well combined.
4. Add the onion, carrot, celery, garlic, salt, pepper, ketchup or tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce (if using) to the bowl and mix well.
5. Add any additional herbs and spices that you like and mix until well combined.
6. Lightly oil a loaf pan or a baking dish and transfer the meat mixture to the pan or dish, shaping it into a loaf.
7. Place the pan or dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit when measured with a meat thermometer.
8. Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

FAQs

How long do I need to cook a 1 pound meatloaf at 400 degrees Fahrenheit?

A 1-pound meatloaf should take about 45-50 minutes to cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your meatloaf and the type of meat you are using. It is always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the meatloaf is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

How long to cook a 5 lb meatloaf at 400?

To cook a 5-pound meatloaf at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, it will likely take around 2 hours to 2 hours and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit when measured with a meat thermometer.

Can I cook a frozen meatloaf at 400 degrees Fahrenheit?

It is not recommended to cook a frozen meatloaf at 400 degrees Fahrenheit or any high temperature. This is because cooking frozen meatloaf at a high temperature can result in the outside of the meatloaf overcooking and drying out before the inside has a chance to thaw and cook through. Instead, you should thaw the meatloaf in the refrigerator before baking it in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Can I use a different type of ground meat for my meatloaf?

Absolutely! You can use any type of ground meat for meatloaf, such as beef, pork, turkey, chicken, lamb, or a mixture of different meats. Each type of meat will have its own unique flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment and see which one you like best. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of meat you use. For example, beef and lamb will generally take longer to cook than poultry, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I add other ingredients to my meatloaf?

Definitely! In addition to the ingredients listed above, you can add all sorts of other ingredients to your meatloaf to give it extra flavor and texture. Some ideas might include diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, chopped bell peppers, grated cheese, diced ham, crumbled sausage, or diced bacon.

You can also add different herbs and spices to the meat mixture to give it a unique twist. Just be sure not to overstuff the meatloaf with too many ingredients, as this can make it difficult to shape and may cause it to fall apart while baking.

Can I freeze leftover meatloaf?

Yes, you can freeze leftover meatloaf for later use. To freeze the meatloaf, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and then place it in a resealable plastic bag or a covered container. Alternatively, you can slice the meatloaf into individual servings and freeze them separately.

Frozen meatloaf will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat the meatloaf, thaw it in the refrigerator and then bake it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until it is heated through.

I hope this information is helpful and that you are now able to successfully cook a delicious meatloaf at 400 degrees Fahrenheit!