To start, you'll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). This is the ideal temperature for cooking a meatloaf, as it allows the outside to brown nicely while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Just think of it as the Goldilocks zone - not too hot, not too cold, but just right!
Now, when it comes to cooking time, it really depends on the size and shape of your meatloaf. A general rule of thumb is to cook it for about 45-60 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). But don't worry, we'll get into the nitty-gritty details in a bit!
