Cooking a delicious meatloaf is easy with the right temperature and cooking time. Here is the answer to the top question of how long to cook a meatloaf at 400°F. Plus, learn helpful tips to make your next meatloaf a success. Get ready to start cooking your flavorful meatloaf dish!
More Cooking Time Information:
- How Long To Cook Meatloaf At 450
- How Long To Cook A 1 Pound Meatloaf At 350
- How Long To Cook Meatloaf At 375
Benefits Of Cooking Meatloaf At 400
- Cooking meatloaf at 400°F results in a juicy and flavorful entree. The high temperature and shorter cooking time help to keep the juices inside the meatloaf, resulting in a moist and delicious dish.
- Cooking at a high temperature also helps to form a crispy, golden crust on the outside of the meatloaf. This adds both texture and flavor to the dish.
- Cooking meatloaf at 400°F allows you to use less fat and oil in the recipe. This reduces the overall fat and calories in the dish, making it a healthier option compared to traditional methods.
- The high temperature helps to reduce the cooking time significantly. This is especially beneficial for busy households that need to prepare a meal quickly.
- Finally, cooking at 400°F helps to prevent foodborne illnesses. This is because the high temperature kills off any harmful bacteria that may be present in the meat.
How Long To Cook Meatloaf At 400 Based Per Pound
Typically, a meatloaf should be cooked at 400°F for about 45 to 55 minutes per pound. So, a 2-pound meatloaf would take about 55 to 65 minutes to cook.
Be sure to check the internal temperature of the meatloaf with a meat thermometer to ensure it is cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 160°F.
How Long To Cook Meatloaf At 400 Based On Types
- For pork meatloaf, cook at 400 degrees for approximately 45-55 minutes per pound.
- For beef meatloaf, cook at 400 degrees for approximately 55-65 minutes per pound.
- For chicken meatloaf, cook at 400 degrees for approximately 35-45 minutes per pound.
- For turkey meatloaf, cook at 400 degrees for approximately 45-55 minutes per pound.
How Long To Cook Meatloaf At 400 Based On Cooking Methods
1. Oven
- Pork Meatloaf: 45-55 minutes per pound
- Beef Meatloaf: 55-65 minutes per pound
- Chicken Meatloaf: 35-45 minutes per pound
- Turkey Meatloaf: 45-55 minutes per pound
2. Air Fryer
- Pork Meatloaf: 20-30 minutes per pound
- Beef Meatloaf: 20-30 minutes per pound
- Chicken Meatloaf: 20-30 minutes per pound
- Turkey Meatloaf: 20-30 minutes per pound
3. Convection Oven
- Pork Meatloaf: 35-40minutes per pound (25% reduction)
- Beef Meatloaf: 40-50 minutes per pound (25% reduction)
- Chicken Meatloaf: 25-35 minutes per pound (25% reduction)
- Turkey Meatloaf: 35-40 minutes per pound (25% reduction)
How Long To Cook Frozen Meatloaf At 400
If you are cooking a meatloaf from frozen, you should expect to add 25-30% more cooking time than if you were using fresh meatloaf.
- Frozen pork meatloaf: cook at 400 degrees for 56-69 minutes per pound.
- Frozen beef meatloaf: cook at 400 degrees for 69-81 minutes per pound.
- Frozen chicken meatloaf: cook at 400 degrees for 44-56 minutes per pound.
- Frozen turkey meatloaf: cook at 400 degrees for 56-69 minutes per pound.
What Temperature Should A Meatloaf Be Cooked To
For food safety and quality, a meatloaf should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure it is cooked through. Use a food thermometer to check the temperature.
Do You Bake Your Meatloaf Uncovered Or Covered With Foil?
It is usually recommended to bake your meatloaf covered with foil for the first half of the cooking time, then remove the foil and bake uncovered for the remaining cooking time.
How Can You Tell If Meatloaf Is Done Without A Thermometer?
To tell if your meatloaf is done without a thermometer, you can insert a knife into the center of the meatloaf and check that the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink.
Additionally, you can use the touch test to check the firmness of the meatloaf: when the meatloaf is done, it will feel firm and spring back when lightly pressed.
- Not Preheating The Oven: Preheat The Oven To 400°f Before Adding Your Meatloaf.
- Not Using A Meat Thermometer: Use A Meat Thermometer To Make Sure The Internal Temperature Of Your Meatloaf Reaches 160°f.
- Not Using A Roasting Rack: Place Your Meatloaf On A Roasting Rack, Which Allows The Heat To Circulate Around The Meatloaf, Ensuring Even Cooking.
- Not Using A Shallow Pan: Use A Shallow, Rimmed Baking Sheet Or A Deep Roasting Pan To Ensure Even Cooking And To Help Prevent Burning.
- Not Adding Moisture: Add Moisture To Your Meatloaf With Grated Onion, Garlic, Or Herbs. You Can Also Add A Few Tablespoons Of Tomato, Barbecue, Or Worcestershire Sauce.
- Not Basting With Egg Wash: Before Baking, Brush The Top Of Your Meatloaf With A Mixture Of Beaten Egg And Milk To Achieve A Golden Brown Crust.
- Not Allowing The Meatloaf To Rest: Let Your Meatloaf Rest For 10 Minutes Before Slicing And Serving. This Will Help Keep All The Juices In The Meatloaf.
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