How long does a 5 lb meatloaf take to cook

This post will address the common question of how long does a 5 lb meatloaf take to cook, so keep reading.

The best meatloaf is easy to make. It takes two hours to cook, but you can make it a day ahead.

Do not add the glaze until it is nearly done cooking. The glaze goes on during the last 15 minutes of baking. An instant-read thermometer will tell you when it is done.

Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your loaf. A standard meatloaf temperature is 350⁰F, 35 to 45 minutes per pound of meatloaf.

Meatloaf’s internal temperature is 160⁰F.

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How long does a 5 lb meatloaf take to cook

It takes at least two hours to two hours and 45 minutes to cook a meatloaf at 350 degrees. The average meatloaf needs to cook for two hours at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you don’t have an oven that can reach this temperature, then you should use a different one.

When cooking at anything lower than 350 degrees, your meatloaf will be either dry or burnt on the outside and raw on the inside.

Cooking temperatures of different meatloaf sizes

Here are some common tips for the cooking temperatures of different sizes of meatloaf:

At 350⁰F, a 1 lb meatloaf will take about 35 to 45 minutes for the temperature to reach 160⁰F.
2 lb meatloaf will take about 1 hour to 1 hour and 20 minutes to reach 160⁰ F.
3 lb meatloaf will take about 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours for the meatloaf to reach 160⁰F.

4 lb meatloaf will take 2 hours to 2 hours 20 minutes to reach 160⁰F.
5 lb meatloaf will take 2 hours 20 minutes to go 45 minutes to reach 160⁰F.

Cooking processes for a 5 lb meatloaf

Here are some tips for the cooking process:

Equipment needed for the preparation

A large bowl
A meatloaf pan (12 x 6)
A small mixing bowl

A meat thermometer

Ingredients needed for the preparation of meatloaf

MEAT: Any meat can be used in preparing a meatloaf, the meat has to be 85% to 90% lean for best results.

MILK: Milk goes alongside a few eggs and adds moisture to the breadcrumbs, which help hold the ground meat together.

BREAD CRUMBS: This helps to bind your meat mixture together while adding more flour.

VEGGIES: Any vegetable of your choice can be added to the meatloaf, such as onions, carrots, peas, etc. The Vegetables must be cooked before they go into the meatloaf for a tender texture.

HERBS AND SEASONING: Gives a spectacular test to your meatloaf.

GLAZE: This is a finishing touch that mixes all flavors. During cooking, the ketchup creates a creamy glaze that perfectly pairs with the savory nature of the meatloaf. A BBQ sauce or any sauce of your choice can be used.

How to make a meatloaf

Here are some steps on how to make a meatloaf:

STEP 1: Heat the oven to 350⁰F
Arrange a rack in the oven and heat to 350⁰F.
Line the baking dish with aluminum foil.

STEP 2: Soak the bread pieces in the milk.
Mix the bread pieces with the milk in a small bowl until the bread has soaked into thick oatmeal.

Stir and mash the bread against the sides of the bowl occasionally. It is advisable to remove any large piece that hasn’t broken down after soaking.

STEP 3: Cook the veggies
Heat a little oil over medium heat, add diced onions, carrots, and celery, and cook until the carrots are softened, 6 to 8 minutes.

When the vegetables begin to brown, add your garlic for fragrance and stir for about 30 seconds, then add thyme and tomato paste and stir until coated. Bring it down and let it cool.

STEP 4: Make the meatloaf mix
Pour your ground meat, beaten eggs, soaked bread and milk, your sauce, salt and pepper, and comedy vegetables into a large bowl. With the use of your hands, mix thoroughly.

STEP 5: Shape the loaf
Transfer the meatloaf mixture into your loaf pan or the foil-lined baking dish.

STEP 6: Coat with ketchup, this is optional

STEP 7: Bake for 1 hour 45 minutes.
Spread the remaining ketchup over the loaf.

Bake until the middle registers at least 155⁰F to 160⁰F using your meat thermometer, and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes more (about 2 hours total).

STEP 8: Serve cool
Let the loaf cool for about 15 minutes before serving, cut into slices, and help.