what temp to bake meatloaf

Bake meatloaf at 350°F (175°C) until the center reaches 160°F (71°C) for beef or pork, or 165°F (74°C) for turkey or chicken.

Ideal oven temperature

• The most commonly recommended oven temperature for classic meatloaf is 350°F (175°C) , which balances even cooking with keeping the loaf moist.

• Some cooks use 325°F (163°C) for extra tenderness or 375°F (190°C) for a faster bake and crisper crust, but 350°F is the go‑to for “foolproof” results.

How long to bake

• As a rough guide, a standard 2 lb meatloaf takes about 1 to 1¼ hours at 350°F (175°C).

• Larger loaves can take 1½–2 hours, while smaller ones may be done in 45–55 minutes.

• Time is only an estimate; the internal temperature is what really matters for doneness and juiciness.

Safe internal temperature

• For ground beef, pork, veal, or lamb meatloaf, cook to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

• For ground turkey or chicken meatloaf, cook to 165°F (74°C).

• Check in the thickest part of the loaf with an instant‑read thermometer, avoiding the pan and edges.

Quick practical example

• 2 lb beef meatloaf: bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour, then start checking the internal temp; pull it from the oven once it hits 160°F (71°C) and let it rest 5–10 minutes before slicing.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.