how long to cook ground beef in oven at 375

Mastering Perfectly Cooked Ground Beef in the Oven at 375°F

Ground beef is a versatile ingredient that can be used in endless delicious recipes. When baked in the oven ground beef transforms from an uncooked pink mass into juicy, flavorful meat perfection. But nailing the right oven temp and cook time is key to avoiding dried out, overcooked ground beef.

This guide will walk through exactly how long to bake ground beef in a 375°F oven until perfectly safe and delicious Follow these tips and tricks for tender ground beef every home cook will enjoy

Why Cook Ground Beef in the Oven

Baking ground beef in the oven offers several advantages:

• The dry, ambient heat of the oven cooks the meat evenly all over.

• Unlike the stovetop, oven cooking doesn’t require constantly monitoring and stirring.

• It’s an easy, contained method with no splattering grease.

• The oven’s indirect heat thoroughly cooks ground beef without drying it out.

• High oven heat achieves a nice browned exterior for added texture and flavor.

Choosing the Right Ground Beef

Picking the right ground beef ensures optimum juiciness and flavor when oven baked. Opt for 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef, which provides enough fat for moistness and taste without becoming greasy. Grass-fed or organic beef offers a more complex, beefy flavor.

Avoid pre-frozen ground beef which tends to cook up dry and crumbly in the oven. Always check that the raw ground beef is bright red and not oozing clear liquid, the sign of spoilage.

Seasoning and Preparing the Beef

• Let the ground beef sit out for 20-30 minutes before baking to reduce cook time.
• Gently mix in any seasonings, herbs or spices to distribute evenly.
• For burgers, gently form into patties without over-handling.
• For meatloaf or meatballs, add a binder like egg or breadcrumbs.

This helps ensure tender, moist oven baked results. Avoid compressing the meat too firmly or it may become dense.

Cook Time for Ground Beef in a 375°F Oven

At an oven temp of 375°F, ground beef requires the following approximate cook times:

• Ground beef patties: 15-20 minutes
• 1/2 inch thick burgers: 20-22 minutes
• 1 inch thick burgers: 22-25 minutes
• Meatloaf: 35-45 minutes
• Meatballs: 20-25 minutes

The cook time can vary a bit based on the exact size, shape and thickness of the ground beef. Always rely on a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked results.

Internal Temp for Fully Cooked Ground Beef

Regardless of oven temp, ground beef is safe to eat once it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.

Use an instant read thermometer to check the thickest part of burgers or the center of meatloaf/meatballs. The beef should not have any pink coloration remaining once it hits 160°F.

Let the baked ground beef rest for 5 minutes before serving, as the temp will rise another 5-10 degrees. Resting also allows the juices to redistribute for maximum juiciness.

Tips for Baked Ground Beef Perfection

Follow these tips for flawlessly cooked ground beef from the oven every time:

• Preheat oven fully before baking. Use oven-safe pans like cast iron.

• Brush patties or loaves with oil to promote browning and prevent sticking.

• Flip patties and rotate pans halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.

• Add a small splash of broth or water to the dish for extra moisture.

• Avoid overcrowding the pan which prevents proper heat circulation.

• Let ground beef rest 5-10 minutes before serving for juiciest results.

Creative Ways to Use Baked Ground Beef

The possibilities are endless when it comes to using oven-baked ground beef. Here are just a few delicious recipe ideas:

• Juicy beef burgers loaded with cheese and toppings

• Zucchini or mushroom stuffed meatloaf

• Easy meatball subs or pasta in tomato sauce

• Shepherd’s pie or cottage pie with veggies and mashed potato

• Tacos, burritos, enchiladas, or taco salad with fixings

• Hearty lasagna, moussaka or Bolognese sauce for pasta

• Savory breakfast skillets or brunch egg bakes

• Chili, sloppy joes, or baked spaghetti casseroles

• Nutritious lettuce wrap sandwiches

Mastering the perfect oven temp and cook time means you can enjoy tender, juicy ground beef any night of the week. Get creative with seasonings and baked ground beef additions to suit your favorite flavors.