How Long to Cook 3 lb Meatloaf | Cooking Times for Meatloaf

Find out how long to cook 3 lb meatloaf with this easy recipe. Includes cooking times for oven, crockpot, and pressure cooker. Meatloaf is a classic dish that is perfect for a family dinner. It can be cooked in the oven or the slow cooker, and it’s easy to adapt to your own taste. This recipe calls for 3 pounds of meatloaf mix, which is a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal. The cooking time will vary depending on the type of meat you use, so be sure to check the instructions carefully. With this simple recipe, you can have a delicious meal that everyone will love!

How Long to Cook 3 lb Meatloaf – Meatloaf Help

Meatloaf is a delectable, homey dish that anyone can make with ease. Not to mention, it’s pretty cost-effective as well!

You’re unlikely to find meatloaf populating the menus of any upscale eateries, but if you attend a potluck at someone’s house and they’ve whipped up a loaf of homemade meatloaf?gm It’ll be hearty, comforting, and delicious.

The cook time for a meatloaf depends on the size of your dish. For example, how long does it take to cook a 3-pound meatloaf? We’ve got you covered with an answer and recipe below.

Cooking Times for Meatloaf

As a general rule, plan on the oven cook time for your meatloaf being about 15 minutes per pound. So, if you’ve got a 3-pounder, expect it to take around 45 minutes in the oven.

Now, there are always exceptions to every rule. If you stuff your meatloaf with ingredients like sautéed veggies or cheese, it could add a few extra minutes onto the cook time since stuffed dishes tend to take longer in the oven.

The same goes for glazed meatloaves. A glaze adds both flavor and visual appeal, but it will need an extra 5-10 minutes in the oven so that the sugars can caramelize without burning. No one likes a burnt meatloaf!

Oven Temperature:

Most recipes will instruct you to cook your meatloaf at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a good general oven temperature to use, but feel free to experiment a bit.

If you like your meatloaves on the well-done side, cranking up the heat to 425 degrees Fahrenheit will give you a nice crispy outer crust while still cooking the inside all the way through. Just be sure to keep an eye on it so that it doesn’t overcook and dry out.

On the other hand, if you prefer your meatloaves with a more moist and tender texture, cooking at a lower temperature like 325 degrees Fahrenheit will give you that result. Again, just be sure to keep an eye on it so that it doesn’t undercook and become unsafe to eat.

Remember, the cook time will also be affected by your oven temperature. So, if you’re cooking at 425 degrees Fahrenheit, you’ll want to reduce the cook time a bit since things tend to cook faster at higher temperatures.

See also: Venison meatloaf recipe

What Type of Meatloaf Mix Should I Use?

There are a few different types of meatloaf mix that you can use for your dish. The most common is probably ground beef, but you could also use ground pork, ground turkey, or even a combination of all three!

Each type of meat will give your meatloaf a slightly different flavor, so feel free to experiment until you find the mix that you like best. You could even use a combination of ground beef and sausage if you’re feeling adventurous.

Ingredients/Flavorings for Meatloaf

Once you’ve decided on the type of meatloaf mix that you want to use, it’s time to start thinking about ingredients and flavorings.

The possibilities are endless, but some common ingredients include chopped onions, garlic, bell peppers, bread crumbs, ketchup, mustard, barbeque sauce, and herbs like parsley, thyme, and rosemary.

You could also add in things like shredded cheese, diced ham or bacon, or sautéed veggies. The sky is the limit! Just be sure not to add too many wet ingredients or your meatloaf will be too soggy.

Rest the Meatloaf before you Serve

After you’ve taken your meatloaf out of the oven, resist the urge to slice it right away. Letting it rest for 5-10 minutes will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the loaf, resulting in a moister and more flavorful dish. Trust us, it’s worth the wait!

The Best Meatloaf Recipe

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef

1/2 cup chopped onion

1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup bread crumbs

1/4 cup ketchup

1 tablespoon mustard

1 tablespoon barbeque sauce

1 teaspoon dried parsley

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 egg, beaten

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, chopped onion, garlic, bell peppers, bread crumbs, ketchup, mustard, barbeque sauce, and herbs.

3. Grease a loaf pan with cooking spray or butter and add the meatloaf mixture.

4. Bake for 45 minutes or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

5. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

Extra Tips for Meatloaf Cooking Success:

-Try not to overmix the ingredients or your meatloaf will be tough. Just mix until everything is combined.

-For extra flavor, try marinating your meatloaf mixture in worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or even beer overnight before cooking.

-If you find that your meatloaf is cooking too fast on the outside but still raw in the middle, cover it with foil for the last few minutes of cooking to prevent burning.

-Leftover meatloaf makes great sandwiches! Just slice and serve on your favorite bread or rolls. Enjoy!

FAQs

Should you bake meatloaf covered or uncovered?

Most meatloaves are cooked uncovered. This allows the top to brown evenly as the loaf cooks through. If your meatloaf is browning too quickly, you can cover it with foil for the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.

Can I make meatloaf without eggs?

You can make meatloaf without eggs, but it will be less moist and may fall apart more easily. If you want to try it, substitute 1/4 cup of milk or water for each egg called for in the recipe.

Do I have to use bread crumbs in meatloaf?

Bread crumbs help bind the ingredients together and give meatloaf a slightly bouncier texture. If you don’t have any bread crumbs on hand, you can use oatmeal, cracker crumbs, or even mashed potatoes.

My meatloaf fell apart when I tried to slice it. What happened?

If your meatloaf falls apart when you try to slice it, it’s likely that you didn’t add enough binding ingredients like eggs or bread crumbs. You could also have overcooked it, which can make it dry and crumbly.

Is it best to cook meatloaf in metal or glass?

You can cook meatloaf in either metal or glass, butmetal will conduct heat more evenly and result in a more evenly cooked dish. Glass has a tendency to hold on to heat, so your meatloaf may be overcooked on the outside by the time the center is cooked through.

Why do you put milk in meatloaf?

There are a few reasons why you might put milk in meatloaf. First, it can help to keep the meatloaf moist. Second, it can add flavor. Third, it can help to bind the ingredients together. Milk is an ingredient that is often used in meatloaves, so if you have some on hand, give it a try!

How long does homemade meatloaf last?

Homemade meatloaf will last for 3-4 days in the fridge or 2-3 months in the freezer. To extend its shelf life, make sure to store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. When reheating, be sure to heat it until it’s piping hot all the way through to ensure food safety.

Is it better to bake meatloaf in a loaf pan or on a baking sheet?

You can cook meatloaf in either a loaf pan or on a baking sheet, but a loaf pan will result in a moister dish. If you choose to cook your meatloaf on a baking sheet, make sure to line it with foil or parchment paper first to prevent sticking.

Should I put egg in my meatloaf?

Adding an egg to your meatloaf can help to bind the ingredients together and give it a slightly bouncier texture. If you don’t have any eggs on hand, you can substitute 1/4 cup of milk or water.

My meatloaf is cooking too fast on the outside but still raw in the middle, what can I do?

If your meatloaf is cooking too fast on the outside but still raw in the middle, cover it with foil for the last few minutes of cooking to prevent burning.

When cooking meatloaf do you cover it with tinfoil?

Cooking meatloaf covered with tinfoil will help to prevent the top from browning too quickly. If you want a crispy top, you can remove the foil for the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.

How do I know when my meatloaf is done?

You’ll know your meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a meat thermometer to check, andinsert it into the center of the loaf. If it’s not quite done, continue cooking it until it reaches the correct temperature.

Why does my meatloaf crack?

There are a few reasons why your meatloaf might crack. First, if you add too much bread crumbs or not enough eggs, the mixture will be too dry and will crack as it cooks. Second, if you overcook your meatloaf, it will become dry and cracked. Finally, if you use lean ground beef, the fat will render out as it cooks and can cause cracks.

Conclusion for How Long to Cook 3 lb Meatloaf :

You should cook your 3 lb meatloaf for about 60 minutes at a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a meat thermometer to check, and insert it into the center of the loaf. If it’s not quite done, continue cooking it until it reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!