Cooking meatloaf is a culinary art that requires precision and knowledge of cooking times to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and texture. The question “how long cook meatloaf” is of paramount importance, as it determines the doneness of the dish and its overall quality.
The cooking time for meatloaf varies depending on its size, shape, and the type of oven used. Generally, a 2-pound meatloaf cooked in a conventional oven at 350F (175C) will take approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, while a 4-pound meatloaf will require about 2 hours and 15 minutes. Using a meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature of the meatloaf is the most accurate way to determine its doneness. The safe internal temperature for cooked ground beef is 160F (71C).