Meatloaf is a delicious meal staple for many families, but How Long Does Meatloaf Last In The Fridge before it goes bad? The answer may surprise you. Generally speaking, cooked meatloaf can last in the fridge for up to four days. However, this can vary depending on the ingredients and how the meatloaf was prepared. It’s important to make sure that the meatloaf is stored properly in an airtight container to help extend its life in the fridge.
If you’re looking for a way to make your meatloaf last even longer, consider freezing it. With proper storage, frozen meatloaf can last for up to four months. So, make sure to take advantage of this delicious comfort food by storing it properly and keeping it fresh for as long as possible.
How Long Does Meatloaf Last In The Fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container or tightly-wrapped plastic wrap, cooked meatloaf should be safe to eat for up to four days in the refrigerator. This is a general guideline though and may vary depending on how much moisture your meatloaf contains, the temperature of your refrigerator, and other factors.
To ensure that your meatloaf stays safe for consumption, it’s best to err on the side of caution and consume your meatloaf within two to three days.
Can You Freeze Meatloaf?
Yes! To freeze your cooked meatloaf, place a piece or individual slices in a freezer-safe container and wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Meatloaf will last for up to three months in the freezer, but it’s best to eat it within two months for maximum freshness and taste. When ready to eat, thaw your meatloaf overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
If you’d like to freeze raw meatloaf, use an airtight container or wrap in plastic, then place in the freezer for up to two months. When ready to cook, thaw your raw meatloaf overnight in the refrigerator before cooking as normal.
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Food Safety Tips
Although properly-stored cooked and frozen meatloaf should last several days or months respectively, it’s always a good idea to be aware of the potential risks associated with consuming food that has been stored for an extended period of time. To ensure that your meatloaf remains safe to eat, it’s important to be aware of the following food safety tips:
- Always store your cooked or frozen meatloaf in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil
- Cook your meatloaf to the proper internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)
- Refrigerate all cooked food within two hours after cooking
- If freezing, freeze raw or cooked meatloaf within two days
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating
- Discard any leftovers that have been in the refrigerator for more than four days
- Use a food thermometer to check that your meatloaf has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before consuming.
By following these food safety tips, you can ensure that your homemade or store-bought meatloaf is safe to eat for several days after cooking. Enjoy!
Note: If you’re looking for new ways to enjoy your leftover meatloaf, try this delicious chili-spiced turkey and meatloaf skillet recipe. It’s a great way to use up leftovers and add a unique twist to an old favorite!
The bottom line is that cooked and frozen meatloaf can last for several days or months respectively when stored properly. To ensure your meatloaf remains safe to eat, always cook it to the proper temperature, refrigerate within two hours after cooking, and use a food thermometer when reheating.
How to Properly Store Meatloaf in the Fridge
To ensure your cooked meatloaf stays fresh and safe for consumption, you’ll want to store it properly in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also consider cutting your meatloaf into individual slices before storing to make reheating easier.
Place the container with your meatloaf in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking, and your leftovers should be safe to eat for up to four days. If you need to store your meatloaf for longer than four days, it’s best to freeze it for later use.
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Can You Reheat Meatloaf?
Yes! To reheat cooked or frozen meatloaf, simply remove it from the refrigerator or freezer and place in a preheated 350°F (177°C) oven. Reheat your meatloaf until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, you can reheat your slices in the microwave. Place individual slices on a plate lined with paper towels and heat for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
How to Properly Store Meatloaf in the Freezer
If you’d like to keep your cooked meatloaf for longer than four days, freezing is an option. To freeze your cooked meatloaf, allow it to cool completely before wrapping tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and placing in the freezer. Your frozen meatloaf can be stored for two months before it starts to lose its freshness and flavor.
When ready to eat your frozen meatloaf, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as normal. Reheat your frozen meatloaf until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before consuming.
Note: If you’re looking for new ways to enjoy your leftover meatloaf, try this delicious chili-spiced turkey and meatloaf skillet recipe. It’s a great way to use up leftovers and add a unique twist to an old favorite!
The bottom line is that cooked and frozen meatloaf can last for several days or months respectively when stored properly. To ensure your meatloaf remains safe to eat, always cook it to the proper temperature, refrigerate within two hours after cooking, and use a food thermometer when reheating. Following these food safety tips will help ensure the safety of your homemade or store-bought meatloaf.
What are the Signs of Bad Meatloaf?
The signs of bad meatloaf depend on whether the meatloaf has been cooked or is still raw. If you’re dealing with a cooked meatloaf, there will be changes in color, texture and smell that indicate it’s gone bad. The meat should have an off-smell, look slimy and discolored, and feel sticky or tacky to the touch. If the meatloaf is raw, it will be past its expiration date, have a sour smell and an unpleasant color.
What is the Best Way to Cook Meatloaf?
Meatloaf can be cooked in a variety of ways, but here is a basic recipe for a classic meatloaf:
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds ground beef (preferably 80% lean)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, eggs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a 9×5-inch loaf pan, and use your hands to press it down evenly.
- Bake the meatloaf for 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) when tested with a meat thermometer.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips:
- You can add additional seasonings or vegetables to the meat mixture, such as chopped bell peppers or parsley, to customize the flavor of your meatloaf.
- You can also glaze the meatloaf with additional ketchup or barbecue sauce during the last 10-15 minutes of baking for added flavor and moisture.
How Long Does Meatloaf Last in Room Temperature?
Cooked meatloaf should never be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. If it is left at room temperature any longer, bacteria will start to grow and make the meat unsafe to eat. Therefore, it’s important to refrigerate cooked meatloaf within two hours of cooking or discard if left out too long.
Uncooked meatloaf should never be left at room temperature, as it can contain bacteria that can make you sick. If you’re not planning to cook your raw meatloaf right away, store it in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to use.
How Long Does Meatloaf Last in the Freezer?
Frozen cooked meatloaf can stay good for two to three months in the freezer. To make sure your frozen leftovers remain safe and taste great, it’s important to wrap them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before storing in the freezer.
When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as normal. This will help ensure that your cooked or frozen meatloaf remains safe to eat for up to two months after freezing.
What to Do with Leftover Meatloaf?
If you have leftover cooked meatloaf, there are plenty of delicious ways to enjoy it. For a quick and easy meal, try slicing the meatloaf into thin slices and serving with a side of mashed potatoes.
You can also use your leftovers as an ingredient in dishes like chili or shepherd’s pie. If you’re feeling creative, try making meatloaf sandwiches or tacos. For a unique twist on an old favorite, try this delicious chili-spiced turkey and meatloaf skillet recipe. The possibilities are endless!
What are some tips for making the perfect meatloaf?
Here are some tips for making the perfect meatloaf:
- Use the right meat: Ground beef that is 80% lean and 20% fat is ideal for making meatloaf. The fat helps to keep the meatloaf moist and tender.
- Don’t overwork the meat: When mixing the ingredients together, be careful not to overwork the meat. Overworking can result in a dense and tough meatloaf.
- Use fresh breadcrumbs: Fresh breadcrumbs are better than store-bought ones because they absorb moisture better and help to keep the meatloaf moist.
- Let the meatloaf rest: Letting the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes after it comes out of the oven helps the juices redistribute, making for a more flavorful and juicy meatloaf.
- Add moisture: Meatloaf can easily become dry, so adding a liquid such as milk or broth can help keep it moist.
- Use a meat thermometer: To ensure that the meatloaf is cooked all the way through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The internal temperature should be 160°F (71°C).
- Consider adding a glaze: A glaze made from ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard can add flavor and moisture to the meatloaf.
- Customize the recipe: Feel free to customize the recipe to your liking by adding additional seasonings or vegetables, such as chopped bell peppers or mushrooms.
What are some common mistakes people make when cooking meatloaf?
Here are some common mistakes people make when cooking meatloaf:
- Overworking the meat: Overworking the meat when mixing the ingredients together can result in a dense and tough meatloaf.
- Using the wrong meat: Using ground beef that is too lean can result in a dry and flavorless meatloaf. Aim for ground beef that is 80% lean and 20% fat.
- Not adding enough moisture: Meatloaf can easily become dry, so it’s important to add enough moisture to keep it moist. This can be done by adding milk, broth, or other liquids to the meat mixture.
- Not letting the meatloaf rest: Letting the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes after it comes out of the oven helps the juices redistribute, making for a more flavorful and juicy meatloaf.
- Overcooking the meat: Overcooking the meatloaf can result in a dry and tough texture. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Using stale breadcrumbs: Using stale breadcrumbs can result in a dry and crumbly meatloaf. Use fresh breadcrumbs instead.
- Not seasoning the meat properly: Meatloaf can be bland if it’s not seasoned properly. Be sure to add enough salt and pepper, and consider adding additional seasonings or vegetables to customize the flavor.
- Skipping the glaze: A glaze made from ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard can add flavor and moisture to the meatloaf. Don’t skip it!
How Long Can Cooked Meatloaf Sit Out?
Cooked meatloaf should never be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. This is because bacteria will start to grow and make the meat unsafe to eat. Therefore, it’s important to refrigerate cooked meatloaf within two hours of cooking or discard if left out too long.
Can You Reheat Meatloaf?
Yes, you can reheat cooked meatloaf. Before reheating, make sure to use a food thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 165°F or higher before serving. This will help ensure that your leftovers are safe to eat and tasty too!
How to Freeze Already Cooked Meatloaf?
To freeze already cooked meatloaf, first wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place in an airtight container. Label the container with the date you put it in the freezer and store for up to two months.
When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as normal. This will help ensure that your cooked or frozen meatloaf remains safe to eat for up to two months after freezing.
Can You Eat Cooked Meat After 5 Days?
No, you should not eat cooked meat after 5 days. Due to the risk of food poisoning, it is best to discard any cooked meat that has been stored in the refrigerator for longer than five days.
It is also important to note that raw or uncooked meats should never be left at room temperature as they will spoil quickly and could harbor bacteria. For the safest approach, cook or freeze your meat within two hours of purchase and discard any cooked meat after 5 days.
Thanks for reading! We hope this answers all of your questions about how to store, reheat, and freeze cooked and uncooked meatloaf. Remember, it’s always best to use a food thermometer to ensure that your cooked meat reaches a safe internal temperature before serving.
FAQs:
Q: How long can cooked meatloaf sit out?
A: Cooked meatloaf should never be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. This is because bacteria will start to grow and make the meat unsafe to eat. Therefore, it’s important to refrigerate cooked meatloaf within two hours of cooking or discard if left out too long.
Q: Can you freeze cooked meatloaf?
A: Yes, you can freeze cooked meatloaf. To make sure your leftovers remain safe and tasty, it’s important to wrap them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before storing in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as normal. This will help ensure that your cooked or frozen meatloaf remains safe to eat for up to two months after freezing.
Q: Does reheated meatloaf taste good?
A: Yes, if heated correctly, reheated meatloaf can taste great. To ensure the best taste and texture, it’s important to reheat until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving. You can also add a bit of gravy or extra sauce to help keep the meatloaf moist and flavorful.
Q: How long does cooked meatloaf last in the refrigerator?
A: Cooked meatloaf will last in the refrigerator for up to five days if stored properly. To store, wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place in an airtight container. Label the container with the date you put it in the refrigerator and use within five days. After this time, discard any cooked meatloaf that has been stored in the refrigerator.
Q: Are there any tips for freezing cooked meatloaf?
A: Yes! To freeze already cooked meatloaf, first wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place in an airtight container. Label the container with the date you put it in the freezer and store for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as normal. This will help ensure that your cooked or frozen meatloaf remains safe to eat for up to two months after freezing.
Q: How long can you keep cooked meatloaf in the refrigerator?
A: Cooked meatloaf should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking and eaten within five days. After this time, discard any cooked meat as it may be unsafe to eat.
Q: Is it safe to reheat cooked meatloaf?
A: Yes, it is safe to reheat cooked meatloaf if you heat it until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Be sure to use a food thermometer to check the temperature of your cooked meatloaf before you serve it.
Q: Does freezing cooked meatloaf change its texture?
A: Yes, freezing and thawing can cause some changes in the texture of cooked meatloaf. To prevent this, make sure it is wrapped tightly before freezing and thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This will help preserve its texture as much as possible.
Q: Can you freeze raw meatloaf?
A: Yes, you can freeze raw meatloaf but it is important to make sure that it is wrapped tightly and stored correctly in the freezer for no longer than two months. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking as normal.
Follow these tips and you can safely enjoy your delicious meatloaf anytime!
Just remember to store or freeze it properly and make sure you check the internal
Conclusion
If you’re wondering how long does meatloaf last in the fridge, the answer is three to four days. This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated, so it’s a great option for meal prep.
It’s also one of those comfort foods that always tastes better when made by someone else. If you’re looking for a delicious and easy recipe, give our meatloaf a try.
Jane is a chef-turned-writer who brings masterful creations to life in the kitchen. She spends her days transforming ordinary dishes into exceptional feasts, while exploring local food trends around town!