How Long To Cook 3 Lb Meatloaf At 350? Simple and Delicious

Cooking the perfect meatloaf is an art form that requires precision, patience, and a deep understanding of how heat interacts with meat. When it comes to preparing a 3 lb meatloaf, one of the most common questions that arises is: “How long to cook 3 lb meatloaf at 350?” This question may seem straightforward, but the answer involves a nuanced exploration of meatloaf’s unique composition, the oven’s characteristics, and the desired level of doneness. In this article, we delve into the intricacies of cooking a 3 lb meatloaf at 350°F, a temperature often recommended for its ability to gently coax out the flavors while ensuring the meatloaf is cooked evenly and thoroughly.

Overview of Preparing Meatloaf

Making meatloaf requires minimal active preparation time, though it does need at least an hour of hands-off baking time. The recipe detailed below makes enough for 6 generous servings, but it’s easy to double for a larger crowd or halve for just 2-3 people.

Ingredients for a 3 lb Meatloaf

The star of the show is 3 pounds of lean ground beef. For best texture and moisture, use a mix of 85% lean and 15% fat.

Other ingredients include:

• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon each of salt, pepper, dried basil, dried oregano, and dried parsley

For the sweet and tangy glaze:

• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 1 tablespoon vinegar

Those avoiding gluten or dairy can use gluten-free panko-style breadcrumbs and omit the egg.

How Long To Cook 3 Lb Meatloaf At 350?

To cook a 3-pound meatloaf at 350°F, it typically takes between 1½ to 2 hours. However, the exact cooking time can vary depending on the oven’s accuracy, the ingredients used, and the desired level of doneness. It’s recommended to start checking the internal temperature of the meatloaf at around 90 minutes for a gas oven and 1 hour and 10 minutes for a convection oven.

Baking the Meatloaf

Baking a 3 pound meatloaf requires:

• Preheating oven to 350°F. Use a standard loaf pan (approx 4.5 x 8.5 inches).
• Baking time of 55-70 minutes. Check for doneness at 55 minutes by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part. It should read 160°F internally.
• Tenting with foil if the top browns too quickly while baking.

The glaze is brushed on during the last 15 minutes so it caramelizes but does not burn. Remove from oven and let rest before slicing and serving.

Expert Tips for Moist, Flavorful Meatloaf

Here are some pro tips for the best homemade meatloaf:

• Include wet ingredients like ketchup, Worcestershire, and eggs for moisture.
• Season well with salt, pepper, herbs and spices. Go beyond just salt and pepper.
• Avoid overpacking the meat mixture into the loaf pan. Leave a bit of room for air circulation.
• Use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked doneness, not just relying on time.
• Let the meatloaf rest before slicing for the juices to absorb back into the meat. Don’t skip this step.

Serving Suggestions

Meatloaf makes a hearty entree when served with:

• Mashed potatoes – the classic pairing to soak up the meatloaf juices.
• Roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus.
• A fresh salad like a spinach or kale Caesar salad.

Pair meatloaf with a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or amber ale. Garnish the slices with extra fresh parsley.

Storing and Reusing Leftovers

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Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Slices of meatloaf also freeze well for 2-3 months.

Leftover meatloaf is delicious:

• Chopped up in pasta sauce or chili
• As the protein in fried rice or pasta primavera
• In sandwiches or wraps

Get creative with leftover meatloaf. It makes easy reheatable meals.

Nutrition Information

A 6 ounce serving of meatloaf provides:

• Calories: 285
• Fat: 18g
• Carbs: 10g
• Protein: 24g

It’s a good source of iron, zinc, and B vitamins. Balance it out with some veggies and carbs.

Those monitoring sodium should note approximately 700-800mg per serving. Use low-sodium ingredients to cut down.

Conclusion: How Long To Cook 3 Lb Meatloaf At 350?

From easy pantry staples, you can make a delicious old-fashioned meatloaf. With a few simple techniques, it comes out perfectly moist and full of flavor every time. Serve sliced with classic side dishes for a satisfying homecooked meal. Once you master this recipe, you can reinvent meatloaf dozens of ways.