what temp to cook meatloaf in oven

Cook meatloaf in a 350°F (175°C) oven and bake until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Ideal oven temperature

• Most classic meatloaf recipes use 350°F as the standard oven temp because it balances moisture and cooking time.

• Some cooks use 325°F for extra moisture or 375°F for a faster bake and a firmer crust, but 350°F is the most commonly recommended sweet spot.

How long to bake

• A typical 2 lb meatloaf baked at 350°F usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.

• A general rule of thumb is roughly 35–45 minutes per pound at 350°F, but this varies by recipe and oven.

• Always rely on a thermometer rather than just time; shape, pan type, and ingredients can all change how fast it cooks.

Internal temperature (most important part)

• For food safety and juiciness, the center of the meatloaf should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

• Insert an instant‑read thermometer into the thickest part of the loaf; once it hits 160°F, let it rest 5–10 minutes before slicing so the juices redistribute.

Simple step‑by‑step guide

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Shape your meat mixture into a loaf in a pan (or free-form on a baking sheet).

3. Bake on the middle rack.
4. Start checking internal temp about 10–15 minutes before the earliest time your recipe suggests.

5. Remove when it reaches 160°F in the center, tent with foil, and rest before serving.

TL;DR: 350°F oven temp, bake until the middle hits 160°F, and you’ll have a safely cooked, juicy meatloaf.

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