Baking Ground Beef to Perfection: Timing and Temp Tips for 375°F Oven

As a busy home cook I’m always looking for quick and easy ways to make delicious dinners for my family. One shortcut I rely on is baking ground beef in the oven rather than pan-frying on the stovetop. But to get the best results you need to know exactly how long to bake ground beef at 375°F for perfect doneness.

In this article I’ll share my tips and guidelines for baking ground beef in a 375°F oven including how to tell when it’s done as well as some of my favorite flavorful recipes. Read on to become a ground beef baking pro!

Choosing the Right Ground Beef

Selecting high-quality ground beef is the first step for delicious oven-baked results. Opt for 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef with a higher fat content to keep it moist during cooking. The fat helps prevent the lean meat from drying out in the oven. Grass-fed or organic ground beef can provide great flavor.

Make sure the beef is fresh with bright red coloring and no off odors. For food safety, use ground beef within 1-2 days or freeze for later use. Defrost fully before baking.

Prepping the Ground Beef

To prepare ground beef for the oven, I recommend mixing in some seasoning for extra flavor. Try salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, or Italian seasoning.

Lightly mix seasonings through the beef just until incorporated – over-mixing can make baked ground beef tough.

For loaves or meatballs, add an egg and/or breadcrumbs to help bind the mixture.

Shape beef into patties, meatballs, or a loaf. Chill for 30 minutes which helps hold the shape better when baking.

Baking at 375°F

A 375°F oven is ideal for baking ground beef. This moderate temperature evenly cooks the meat without drying it out.

Use a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil or parchment for easy cleanup. Lightly coat with oil if making patties or meatballs.

For a loaf, place in a loaf pan or shape into a free-form loaf on a sheet pan.

Cook Times at 375°F

Cook times will vary based on the size and shape of the ground beef:

• 1/2 inch thick patties – 15-18 minutes
• 1 inch meatballs – 18-22 minutes
• Mini 1-2 oz meatloaves – 22-25 minutes
• 4×8 inch loaf pan – 40-50 minutes

Meat near the edges may cook faster, so rotate baking sheets midway for even cooking.

Checking Doneness

The best way to confirm ground beef is fully baked is to use a meat thermometer. Insert into the thickest section and check the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Signs it’s done without a thermometer:

• Brown throughout with no pink in center
• Juices run clear if cut
• Easily flakes apart

If unsure, it’s better to bake a bit longer than risk undercooked beef. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Flavorful Recipe Ideas

Baked ground beef is extremely versatile. Here are some of my favorite ways to use it:

• Cheeseburgers – Top patties with cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, and condiments.

• Tacos – Season beef taco-style and serve in warmed tortillas with fixings.

• Stuffed peppers – Mix beef with rice, tomatoes, spices, and stuff into baked peppers.

• Spaghetti Bolognese – Cook beef in a rich tomato sauce and toss with pasta.

• Shepherd’s pie – Layer beef with gravy, veggies, and mashed potatoes.

• Meatloaf sandwich – Form ground beef into a loaf and use slices for sandwiches.

Tips for Delicious Oven-Baked Ground Beef

Follow these tips for succulent baked ground beef every time:

• Always use a meat thermometer to check doneness instead of relying on cook time.

• Bake at 375°F on a lined, rimmed baking sheet for even heating.

• Shape beef into an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking.

• Let patties or meatballs rest 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.

• For extra moisture, add a bit of broth, ketchup, or other sauce to the beef.

• Mix in spices, garlic, onions, eggs, breadcrumbs, etc. for enhanced flavor.

• For added richness, insert slivers of butter or cream cheese in the center.

Mastering the Bake

Cooking ground beef in the oven at 375°F allows you to skip stovetop sautéing while still achieving delicious, juicy results. Follow the guidelines above for cook times based on thickness and shape. Always rely on a meat thermometer to confirm safety and prevent overbaking.

In no time, you’ll be whipping up incredible oven-baked dishes from cheeseburgers to meatloaf with ease. Your family will love these quick and delicious meals. Give baking ground beef a try tonight!