How Long Does It Take to Cook Ground Beef in the Oven at 375°F?

Cooking ground beef in the oven is a great hands-off way to prepare meat for tacos pasta chili, and so much more. But getting the timing right can be tricky. Undercook the beef and it will be unsafe to eat. Overcook it and you end up with dry, crumbly meat. So how long should you bake ground beef at 375°F for perfect results? Let’s find out!

Factors That Affect Cooking Time

Several factors impact how long ground beef takes to cook in the oven at 375°F:

• Amount of meat – The more meat you have, the longer it will take to cook through. For example, 1 pound takes less time than 2 pounds.

• Fat content – Fattier beef cooks quicker than lean beef since fat renders and cooks faster. For instance, 80/20 ground beef cooks faster than 90/10.

• Desired doneness – Ground beef for tacos or pasta is usually cooked to 160°F for medium doneness. Burgers are often cooked to 160°F If you want well-done beef, cook to 170°F

• Size and shape – Meat baked in a casserole dish takes longer than patties or meatballs. More surface area = quicker cooking.

• Additions – Onions, tomatoes, and other veggies add moisture, which lengthens cooking time.

How Long to Cook 1 Pound of Ground Beef

For 1 pound of 80/20 ground beef, here are general oven cooking times at 375°F:

• Patties or meatballs: 15-20 minutes
• Casseroles or pasta: 20-25 minutes
• Chili or bolognese: 25-30 minutes

Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the beef has reached 160-170°F. Ovens can vary, so the visual doneness and temperature is more reliable than time.

For 1 pound of leaner 90/10 ground beef, add 5 minutes to those time ranges since the lower fat content causes it to cook slightly slower.

Tips for Cooking Ground Beef in the Oven

Follow these tips for perfectly cooked oven-baked ground beef:

• Preheat properly – Always fully preheat your oven before baking to prevent uneven cooking.

• Use a meat thermometer – This is the only way to confirm safe internal temperatures.

• Stir halfway – For casseroles or loose ground beef, stir halfway through to redistribute juices.

• Drain excess fat – Drain browned beef before adding to dishes to prevent greasiness.

• Avoid overcrowding – If pan is overfilled, moisture can’t evaporate properly which steams the meat.

• Let rest 3-5 minutes – Residual heat continues cooking, allowing juices to redistribute.

How Long Does It Take to Cook 2 Pounds of Ground Beef?

Since 2 pounds of meat is double the amount, it also takes nearly twice as long to cook in the oven. Use these general guidelines:

• Patties or meatballs: 25-30 minutes
• Casseroles or pasta: 35-40 minutes
• Chili or bolognese: 45-50 minutes

As before, use a meat thermometer and add 5 extra minutes for leaner beef. Stir halfway and drain any excess grease for the best results.

Oven Recipes with Ground Beef

Ready to put your beef cooking knowledge to work? Try these delicious oven recipes using ground beef:

Juicy Oven-Baked Burgers

• 1-2 pounds ground beef
• Salt, pepper, garlic powder
• Optional cheese, bacon, toppings

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Divide beef into patties, season, and place on a foil-lined baking sheet.
2. Bake 15-20 minutes until 160°F internal temperature.
3. Melt cheese on burgers during last 2 minutes if using.
4. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Zesty Taco Casserole

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 15oz can diced tomatoes
• 8 corn tortillas, cut into strips
• 2 cups shredded cheese

1. Brown ground beef with taco seasoning.
2. In a casserole dish, layer half the tortillas, beef, tomatoes, and cheese. Repeat layers.
3. Bake 30-35 minutes until bubbly.
4. Rest 5 minutes before serving.

Get ready for perfectly cooked ground beef every time by following these oven cooking guidelines. Just be sure to use a meat thermometer for the best results. Happy baking!