To determine the cooking time, you need to consider the size and shape of your meatloaf. A general rule of thumb is to cook it for about 20-25 minutes per pound, but this can vary depending on whether you're using a conventional oven or a convection oven. Think of it like baking a cake – you need to adjust the time and temperature according to the recipe and your oven's quirks.
For example, if you're cooking a small meatloaf, about 1-1.5 pounds, you'll want to check on it after 30-40 minutes. On the other hand, a larger meatloaf, around 2-3 pounds, will require around 50-60 minutes of cooking time. It's like waiting for a pot of coffee to brew – you need to be patient and let it do its magic.
