Cooking up a delicious meatloaf is an easy and effective way to feed your family a hearty meal. For some, however, knowing exactly how long to cook a 1 pound meatloaf. If you’re unsure about where to start with timing your meatloaf cooking process, this blog post will provide you with everything you need in order to get it just right! Read on to find out what exact time duration is suitable for successfully cooking a one pound meatloaf, as well as helpful tips and tricks that will make sure you never miss your mark while preparing meals in the kitchen again.
Table of Contents
- 1 At what temperature do you cook a 1 pound meatloaf?
- 2 How long to cook a 1 pound meatloaf?
- 3 Factors effecting 1 pound meatloaf cooking time
- 4 How to cook a 1 pound meatloaf?
- 5 Table showing meatloaf cooking times and temperatures
- 6 How do you know when meatloaf is done?
- 7 How to tell if meatloaf is overcooked?
- 8 Should you cook meatloaf covered or uncovered?
- 9 What pan should I use to cook meatloaf?
- 10 Tips for making a delicious one pound meatloaf
- 11 Conclusion: How long to cook a 1 pound meatloaf?
- 12 FAQs Cook a 1 pound meatloaf
- 12.1 Is it better to cook meatloaf at 350 or 375?
- 12.2 How long should meatloaf be cooked at 350?
- 12.3 Do you need to cover a meatloaf when baking?
- 12.4 How long does it take to cook meatloaf at 375?
- 12.5 How long does it take to cook a 1lb meatloaf at 325?
- 12.6 Should you cover a meatloaf when baking it?
- 12.7 Why does my meatloaf fall apart?
- 12.8 What temperature is meatloaf done in the oven?
- 12.9 How long does it take to cook a 1.5 pound meatloaf at 350?
- 12.10 What is the secret to moist meatloaf?
- 12.11 Can you cook meatloaf at 400?
At what temperature do you cook a 1 pound meatloaf?
The ideal temperature to cook a one-pound meatloaf is 350°F (177°C). This will ensure that the interior of your dish reaches a safe internal temperature, while also allowing it to cook through evenly and not become dry or overcooked on the outside.

How long to cook a 1 pound meatloaf?
In order for your one-pound meatloaf to be cooked through and reach a safe internal temperature, it should be cooked for approximately 45 minutes. This time may vary slightly depending on how thick your loaf is and how accurate your oven temperature setting is.
To ensure the best results, insert an instant-read thermometer into the center of your dish after the initial 40 minutes of cooking to check the temperature. If it reads between 145°F – 160°F (63°C – 71°C), then your dish is ready to be served!
Factors effecting 1 pound meatloaf cooking time
The exact time it takes to cook a one-pound meatloaf will depend on various factors, such as how thick the loaf is and how accurate your oven temperature setting is. Additionally, how moist or dry you like your meatloaf can also affect how long it needs to be cooked for. If you prefer a more succulent dish, then reducing the cooking time by 5 minutes may be suitable.
For those who like their dish more on the dry side, add a few extra minutes to make sure it’s completely cooked through. Ultimately, how long you choose to cook a one-pound meatloaf is up to you and how your family prefers it!

How to cook a 1 pound meatloaf?
Cooking a one-pound meatloaf is easy and straightforward. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). While the oven is heating, mix together all of the ingredients for the loaf in a bowl. Once the mixture is combined, press it into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan and place it in the oven.
Bake for 40 minutes, and then insert an instant-read thermometer into the center of your dish to check the temperature. If it reads between 145°F – 160°F (63°C – 71°C), your meatloaf is ready! Allow it to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
By following these simple instructions, you’ll be on your way to serving up a delicious and perfectly cooked one-pound meatloaf in no time! With this how-to guide, you can be sure that your family is always being served the best meal they deserve.
Table showing meatloaf cooking times and temperatures
Meatloaf Size | Temperature (°F) | Cooking Time (minutes)
1 Pound | 350°F (177°C) | 45 minutes
2 Pounds | 350°F (177°C) | 60 minutes
3 Pounds | 375°F (191°C) | 75 minutes
4 Pounds | 375°F (191°C) | 90 minutes
So, now that you know how long to cook a one pound meatloaf, it’s time to get cooking! With the right ingredients and temperature in mind, you’ll be able to create a delicious meal for your family in no time.
How do you know when meatloaf is done?
The best way to know when a meatloaf is done cooking is to insert an instant-read thermometer into the center of the dish and check the temperature. If it reads between 145°F – 160°F (63°C – 71°C), then your dish is ready to be served!
It’s also important to remember that all ovens are different, so it’s best to keep an eye on the meatloaf and check its temperature every 5 minutes or so in order to ensure that you’re not over-cooking or under-cooking your dish.
How to tell if meatloaf is overcooked?
If your meatloaf is overcooked, it may appear dry or crumbly and the texture of the dish will be slightly off. It’s also possible that the edges of the meatloaf may have become overly crispy.
In order to avoid overcooking your meatloaf, make sure you keep an eye on the temperature of your dish and check it with an instant-read thermometer every 5 minutes or so. This will ensure that you’re not over-cooking or under-cooking your meatloaf.
Now that you have a better understanding of how long to cook a 1 pound meatloaf, as well as how to tell if it’s overcooked, you can be sure that your family is always being served the best meal they deserve!
Should you cook meatloaf covered or uncovered?
Most recipes recommend cooking a meatloaf uncovered, as this allows the edges of the loaf to crisp up and brown. However, if the top of your meatloaf begins to burn or dry out too quickly, you can cover it with aluminum foil until it is fully cooked.
It’s important to note that covering your meatloaf while it’s cooking might cause the inside of your dish to become a bit soggy, so try using the foil sparingly or only for the last few minutes of baking.
What pan should I use to cook meatloaf?
It’s best to use a 9×5 inch loaf pan when cooking a one-pound meatloaf. This size is ideal for ensuring that the ingredients are mixed together properly and that the entire dish cooks evenly throughout.
Greasing your pan before adding the mixture will also help ensure that the meatloaf doesn’t stick to the pan when you go to remove it from the oven.
Tips for making a delicious one pound meatloaf
– Use lean ground beef or turkey for the best results.
– Mix your ingredients together with a spoon or spatula, not your hands.
– Add breadcrumbs or oats to help bind and moisten the mixture.
– Don’t overmix – mix just until everything is combined.
– Grease the loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
– Use an instant-read thermometer to check if your meatloaf is done.
– Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to serving up a delicious and perfectly cooked one-pound meatloaf in no time!

Conclusion: How long to cook a 1 pound meatloaf?
Cooking up a delicious meatloaf is an easy and effective way to feed your family a hearty meal. By following the instructions in this how-to guide, you’ll be able to create a perfect one-pound meatloaf every time. Just remember to keep an eye on the temperature of your dish with an instant-read thermometer, use the right ingredients, and allow your dish to rest before serving. With these tips in mind, you’ll be sure to serve up a delicious and perfect meal every time.
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FAQs Cook a 1 pound meatloaf
Is it better to cook meatloaf at 350 or 375?
It’s best to cook your meatloaf at 350°F (177°C). At this temperature, it will cook evenly and the internal temperature of the dish should reach 165°F (74°C).
How long should meatloaf be cooked at 350?
It’s best to cook your meatloaf at 350°F (177°C) for approximately 40-50 minutes. However, it’s important to check the internal temperature of the dish with an instant-read thermometer every 5 minutes or so in order to ensure that you’re not over-cooking or under-cooking your meatloaf.
Do you need to cover a meatloaf when baking?
Most recipes recommend cooking a meatloaf uncovered, as this allows the edges of the loaf to crisp up and brown. However, if the top of your meatloaf begins to burn or dry out too quickly, you can cover it with aluminum foil until it is fully cooked.
How long does it take to cook meatloaf at 375?
It’s best to cook your meatloaf at 375°F (191°C) for approximately 40-50 minutes. However, it’s important to check the internal temperature of the dish with an instant-read thermometer every 5 minutes or so in order to ensure that you’re not over-cooking or under-cooking your meatloaf.
How long does it take to cook a 1lb meatloaf at 325?
Cooking a one pound meatloaf at 325°F (163°C) should take approximately 50-60 minutes. However, it’s important to check the internal temperature of the dish with an instant-read thermometer every 5 minutes or so in order to ensure that you’re not over-cooking or under-cooking your meatloaf.
Should you cover a meatloaf when baking it?
Most recipes recommend cooking a meatloaf uncovered, as this allows the edges of the loaf to crisp up and brown. However, if the top of your meatloaf begins to burn or dry out too quickly, you can cover it with aluminum foil until it is fully cooked.
Why does my meatloaf fall apart?
If your meatloaf is falling apart, it could be due to a few different factors. Make sure to add breadcrumbs or oats to help bind and moisten the mixture, use lean ground beef or turkey for the best results, and don’t overmix – mix just until everything is combined. Greasing your pan with non-stick cooking spray can also help prevent sticking. Finally, make sure to allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
What temperature is meatloaf done in the oven?
Your meatloaf is done when the internal temperature of the dish reaches 165°F (74°C). It’s best to use an instant-read thermometer to check if your meatloaf is done. Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
How long does it take to cook a 1.5 pound meatloaf at 350?
Cooking a 1.5 pound meatloaf at 350°F (177°C) should take approximately 50-60 minutes. However, it’s important to check the internal temperature of the dish with an instant-read thermometer every 5 minutes or so in order to ensure that you’re not over-cooking or under-cooking your meatloaf. Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
What is the secret to moist meatloaf?
The secret to a moist meatloaf is to bind and moisten the mixture with breadcrumbs or oats, use lean ground beef or turkey for the best results, and don’t overmix – mix just until everything is combined. Greasing your pan with non-stick cooking spray can also help prevent sticking. Finally, make sure to allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Can you cook meatloaf at 400?
Cooking meatloaf at 400°F (205°C) may result in an over-cooked or dry dish. It’s best to cook your meatloaf at 375°F (191°C) for approximately 40-50 minutes and check the internal temperature of the dish with an instant-read thermometer every 5 minutes or so in order to ensure that you’re not over-cooking or under-cooking your meatloaf. Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Echo Reed is the owner and head chef of darkhorse restaurant. She has been working in the culinary world for over a decade, and opened her own establishment in 2018. Echo is known for her unique style and approach to cooking, which has won her critical acclaim from food critics and diners alike.