How Long Does Meatloaf Last In The Fridge?
In this post, I will explain how long does meatloaf last in the fridge. Quick answer: 3-4 days. For more details and tips on how to store it, let’s dig deeper.
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How Long Does Meatloaf Last In The Fridge?
You can expect your homemade meatloaf to last in the fridge for 3-4 days, or if you’d prefer, it will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
| Raw Meatloaf | 3-4 days |
| Cooked Meatloaf | 3-5 days |
| Meatloaf Leftovers | 2 days |
What Is a Meatloaf?
Meatloaf is a popular dish made from ground meat, often beef, pork, or a combination of the two. It is usually mixed with other ingredients such as bread crumbs, eggs, onions, and herbs, and then formed into a loaf shape and baked.
If you are curious about meatloaf history, here is more.
How Long Does Raw Meatloaf Last In The Fridge?
Your homemade meatloaf will last in the fridge for 3-5 days, depending on the ingredients you used. To stay on the safe side, cook and eat your raw meatloaf on the 3rd day at the latest.
This is true even if you made it into patties instead of a loaf and froze the patties for later.
You can store your raw or cooked meatloaf in the refrigerator or freezer, but don’t let it thaw on your counter before you cook it unless you’re planning to eat it immediately.
That’s because leaving food at room temperature too long invites harmful bacteria to multiply rapidly and make you sick.
How Long Will Uncooked Meatloaf Last in the fridge
You can store uncooked meatloaf in the fridge for 3-5 days.
To extend its lifespan, store it in the freezer instead, where it’ll last 3-4 months.
It’s best to cook your meatloaf straight away so that you don’t have to worry about how long it’ll last. It will keep fresher longer that way.
If you have a lot of leftovers, however, make sure you don’t leave them sitting around for too long—even frozen meatloaf won’t stay fresh forever!
How Long Can Cooked Meatloaf Last In The Fridge?
3-5 days max.
The key to preventing food poisoning is to minimize bacterial growth and prevent cross-contamination.
In cooked meatloaf, bacteria can double in number every 20 minutes if kept at room temperature.
When bacteria have multiplied to dangerous levels, they release toxins that cause food poisoning. This is why it’s important to refrigerate or freeze your meatloaf as soon as possible after cooking or buying it from the grocery store.
You can help keep your meatloaf fresh by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or freezer paper before placing it in a sealed container or Ziploc bag. Be sure to squeeze all the air out of the bag before sealing it shut so that the meatloaf stays fresh longer.
How Long is Leftover Meatloaf Good In The Fridge?
In general, leftovers should be used within 2-3 days. This means that you should plan to eat your leftover meatloaf within two to three days of making it.
After that point, you will have to throw away the meatloaf because it won’t be safe to eat.
It’s important to remember that food poisoning is a risk with any food, but especially meats and dairy products.
If you keep meatloaf for too long in the fridge or even at room temperature, bad bacteria can grow on the dish.
These side effects can vary from person to person depending on how sensitive their immune system is. Avoid this risk by following these simple tips:
- Always refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking them (1 hour if it’s over 90 degrees Fahrenheit outside).
- Keep your cooked meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator, so it doesn’t dry out or spoil sooner than planned.
- Don’t let other foods touch your dish because they might contaminate it with bacteria if they’ve been sitting around too long as well!
- When reheating leftover meatloaf in a microwave oven or conventional oven, make sure all parts reach 165°F before removing from heat source; let stand 10 minutes before serving.”
How long does meatloaf stay edible in a refrigerator?
Cooked meatloaf can be safely kept in the refrigerator 3-4 days. If we are talking about leftovers eat them within 2-3 days.
Can I freeze meatloaf?
Yes, you can freeze meatloaf. Cover tightly with freezer wrap or foil, or place in a freezer bag. For best quality, use within 2-3 months.
How long does cooked meatloaf last at room temperature?
Cooked meatloaf should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
How to tell if cooked meatloaf is bad?
The best way is to use your nose. If meatloaf smells rancid, throw it out.
Summary
To sum it up, how long does meatloaf last in the fridge? If we are talking about leftovers, they should be eaten within 2-3 days. If you have cooked meatloaf, it can be kept in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can also freeze meatloaf for up to 2-3 months.
