How to Cook Meatloaf 6 Different Ways

Meatloaf is a classically comforting meal. It’s perfect with a heaping side of mashed potatoes and buttered green beans. However, you may be running short on time and want to know how to cook meatloaf in another way.

If you don’t even know how to cook meatloaf, you’ll soon know how with these 6 methods for making meatloaf. We’ve got the oven method plus other faster ways to get this divine dish onto your dinner table fast. Remember, for any meatloaf recipe cooking method, always allow the meat to rest briefly (about 5 to 10 minutes) before slicing and serving to keep it juicy inside.

How to Cook Meatloaf in the Oven

Knowing how to cook meatloaf in the oven is the most standard way to cook this beloved dish. The temperature you set for the oven will impact how long it takes. If you set it too low, you’ll be waiting a while for it to cook while hearing the whole family complain that they’re hangry. If you set it too high, it will come out too dry.

The best rule of thumb for meatloaf is to set the oven to 375°F. If you have a one-pound meatloaf, it will take between 25 and 30 minutes for it to become fully cooked. Add 10 to 20 minutes to that time for a meatloaf that is double the size. No matter the size of your meatloaf, make sure you set a timer for 15 minutes before the end of the baking time. You can then add the glaze and continue cooking until it’s finished.

How to Cook Meatloaf in a Crock Pot

If you’d love to come home from work to have a meatloaf all hot and ready for you and your family to enjoy, learn how to cook it in a crock pot. Make sure you line your crock pot with foil first, which will make it easy to pull the whole thing out without breaking it apart.

You’ll shape your meatloaf in a way that keeps it off the sides of your slow cooker, set it in there on top of your foil lining, and set it to cook. You can choose the low setting for 6 hours or put it on high for 3 hours. Feel free to glaze it and pop it under the broiler for a few minutes while you throw your side dishes together.

How to Cook Meatloaf in a Skillet

Want to minimize your cooking time for meatloaf? Learn how to make meatloaf in a skillet. You’ll want to make your meat mixture and then shape it into 2 loaves, which will make it easier to cook through in a skillet. Then brown both loaves on all sides and drain the fat. Make your tomato-based topping and pour it over your meatloaves in the skillet, allowing them to boil in the sauce. Turn the heat down to medium low, cover, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the meatloaves are fully cooked.

How to Cook Meatloaf in an Air Fryer

Try a new twist on meatloaf by cooking it in the air fryer. This works best when you preheat it to 350°F. Shape your meat mixture into 2 small loaves, put them in the air fryer, and cook for 20 minutes. You can then glaze the tops of these loaves and continue cooking for about 5 to 7 more minutes.

How to Cook Meatloaf in the Microwave

Yes, meatloaf in the microwave is possible! All you need to do is make your meat mixture, then shape it into a loaf and place it in a shallow microwave-safe dish. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave on high for about 10 to 12 minutes.

Check the internal temperature to make sure it registers at 160°F. You can then drain the excess fat from the dish and brush or drizzle your glaze on top. Cover it again and microwave once more on high for 2 to 3 minutes.

How to Cook Meatloaf in an Instant Pot

Your Instant Pot can be in charge of the meatloaf for your dinner tonight. Here’s how to cook meatloaf in an Instant Pot! Start with the steamer rack and pouring water inside. Mix your meatloaf ingredients, form into a loaf, and set it on a square of foil greased with cooking spray. You can then put this into the Instant Pot, pulling the corners and sides up without sealing it, and setting it on top of the rack in the insert.

Choose the “Sealing” option for the valve pressure and “Manual” for cooking, then let the Instant Pot work its magic for 30 minutes. You can then hit “Cancel” to let it release the pressure for 10 minutes, followed by setting the valve to “Venting” to manually let out any remaining pressure. Once the pressure is released, you can pull the meatloaf out, glaze it, and let it rest before slicing and serving with your favorite side dishes.