Getting the cooking time right can be challenging if you’ve ever attempted to cook a 3-pound meatloaf. Nobody wants to end up with a dry and overcooked loaf or, worse, an undercooked raw mess. So, how long to cook 3 lb meatloaf to perfection? This blog post will dive into the specifics and provide the ideal cooking time and temperature for a delicious and juicy 3 lb meatloaf. Let’s get cooking!
Recommended Cooking Time for a 3 lb Meatloaf
- Recommended Cooking Temperature: To ensure that your 3 lb meatloaf cooks evenly and reaches a safe internal temperature, it is recommended to cook it at 350°F (175°C).
- Cooking Time per Pound: The cooking time for a meatloaf can vary depending on several factors, such as the oven’s accuracy, the ingredients used, and the desired level of doneness. Generally, allow approximately 30 – 45 minutes of cooking time for each pound of meatloaf.
Understanding Variations in Cooking Time
Type of Oven being Used.
- Gas oven: At a minimum temperature of 350°F, cooking times can range from 1 hour and a half to 2 hours. It is important to start checking the internal temperature of the meatloaf at around 90 minutes.
- Electric oven: An electric oven should also be preheated to a minimum temperature of 350°F. The estimated cooking time for a 3 lb meatloaf ranges from 1 hour and a half to 2 hours.
Meatloaf Ingredients
- Variety of meats used: If the meatloaf is made with a mixture of different meats, such as beef, pork, and veal, it may require a longer cooking time. The meat mixture’s additional fat content and density can affect the cooking time.
- Additional ingredients: Adding ingredients like vegetables, cheese, or breadcrumbs to the meatloaf can also impact the cooking time. These additions may increase the moisture content of the meatloaf, leading to a longer cooking time.
How To Cook 3 Lb Meatloaf
Course: Blog, Cooking Tips3
servings10
minutes50
minutesWelcome to this recipe on how to cook a mouthwatering 3 lb meatloaf! Follow these easy steps for a flavorful and juicy homemade meatloaf that will surely impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
3lbs 80/20 Ground beef
1/2 Cup diced Onion (Use more if desired, chop to whatever size preferred)
1/4 cup diced Bell pepper (Use more if desired, chop to whatever size preferred)
3 Garlic cloves- minced
1/2 Cup Milk
2 Eggs
2 Slices of bread
1/2 Tsp Worcestershire Sauce
1 tsp Parsley Flakes
1/2 tsp Black pepper
2 TBSP Season All seasoned salt
1 TBSP Mc Cormick Garlic & Herb salt-free seasoning
1 tsp Red pepper Flakes
2 Tsp Paprika
1/3 Cup Barbecue Sauce (Sweet Baby Rays)
1 Tbsp Ketchup
1/2 tbsp Mustard
1 tsp Brown Sugar
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
- In a bowl, break up the bread into small pieces, then pour in the milk. Set it aside to allow the bread to soak up the milk.
- Chop the onion, bell pepper, and garlic into small pieces.
- Optional: sauté the onion and bell pepper in a skillet over medium-high heat until slightly translucent. Add the minced garlic in the last minute of sautéing. (This step enhances the flavor, but you can skip it if desired).
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, black pepper, crushed red pepper, parsley flakes, paprika, garlic and herb salt-free seasoning, eggs, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Add the sautéed vegetables (if using) to the ground beef mixture. Make sure the vegetables have cooled before adding them.
- Mix in the soaked bread and milk mixture. Be careful not to overmix, as it can make the meatloaf tough. Just mix enough to incorporate all the ingredients.
- Transfer the meat mixture to a greased casserole dish. Shape it into a loaf, pressing the sides gently to form the desired shape. Remember, it doesn't have to be perfect!
- Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes.
- While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the glaze by combining the mustard, barbecue sauce, ketchup, and brown sugar in a small bowl. Mix well until fully combined.
- After 45 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven. Carefully drain any excess fat or grease from the casserole dish.
- Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf, using a spoon or brush to coat it thoroughly.
- Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. In the last 5 minutes of baking, switch the oven to broil to allow the glaze to caramelize.
- Once the meatloaf is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This will help retain its juiciness.
- Garnish with parsley for a fresh touch.
- Serve slices of the delicious meatloaf and enjoy the fantastic flavor and texture.
Hey there, it’s Maura Braun from Maura’s Kitchen of Millbrook! If you love all things BBQ and grilling, my blog is the perfect place for you. But my passion for food doesn’t stop at the restaurant. I also love sharing my smoker, grilling, and BBQ experiences on my blog. From juicy brisket to perfectly smoked ribs, I’m always experimenting with new techniques and flavor combinations.
The blog tutorial is incredibly helpful. I appreciate how you explain the process step by step and show the results in real time. Makes it easier for beginners like me to follow along.
I’ve always wondered about the cooking time for a 3 lb meatloaf. This article cleared up my doubts!
Are there any recommended variations or mix-ins that would enhance the flavor of a 3 lb meatloaf?
Oh, absolutely! When it comes to meatloaf, there’s plenty of room for creativity and flavor enhancement.
One option is to add ½ pound of lean ground pork in place of some of the beef. This will give the meatloaf a slightly different flavor and texture. Alternatively, you can try a mixture of 1 pound ground beef and 1 pound ground turkey, ensuring the turkey is cooked to 165°F. Adding seasonings such as garlic powder (1 tsp) and Worcestershire sauce (1 tbsp) can also give the meatloaf a tasty boost. For those who enjoy the taste of bell peppers, adding chopped and cooked green bell pepper can provide a pleasant twist. If you don’t have chili sauce, you can substitute it with extra ketchup or a bit of BBQ sauce.