Should I increase the baking time of my meatloaf if I have potatoes baking in the oven as well?

Answer 1

No, what matters is the temperature of the oven. In a microwave, you'd increase the time when you have more food cooking, but not in a regular oven. If you want them to come out at the same time, put whichever one takes longer in first, then wait the difference of the cooking times, then add the second item.

Answer 2

Meatloaf is usually cooked at 350F, and baked potatoes at 400-425F. The thing to do is average out the temperature, and add a little time for the potatoes, and subtract a bit of time for the meatloaf.

When cooking meatloaf and baked potatoes together, set the oven to 375F and put the potatoes in first, as they will take 10 to 20 minutes longer to cook than the meatloaf. Allow about an hour for the meatloaf.

I take the lazy way out. Set the oven to 375F, cover the meatloaf loosely with foil, and put it in at the same time as the potatoes. Allow about 75 to 90 minutes total baking time. When there is about 30 minutes remaining, remove the foil from the meatloaf. It will have had enough time to brown, and yet will not be overdone and dry.