What’s the Proper Meatloaf Cooking Temperature?

The perfect temperature to cook meatloaf at is 375 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature, you ensure that the meatloaf will thoroughly cook through without having to worry about it drying out. A higher temp will overcook and possibly burn the outer layer before the inside is cooked, whereas a lower temp won’t result in a well-baked crust for your meatloaf.

To avoid dropping your oven below 375°F when you open the door to place the meatloaf in, try preheating the oven to 425°F. Once you’ve put your meatloaf in the oven, immediately turn it back down to 375°F. This way, you’ll have some extra heat to spare that will inevitably escape when you open the oven door, allowing the loaf to start baking at the right temperature right away.