How Long Does Cooked Meatloaf Last in the Fridge or Freezer?

MEATLOAF - HOMEMADE, LEFTOVERS

Refrigerator
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3-4 days
Freezer
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3-4 months

 

Shelf Life Tips

  • How long does cooked meatloaf last in the fridge or freezer? The precise answer to that question depends to a large extent on storage conditions - refrigerate meatloaf within two hours of cooking.
  • To maximize the shelf life of cooked meatloaf for safety and quality, refrigerate the meatloaf in shallow airtight containers or wrap tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
  • Properly stored, cooked meatloaf will last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.
  • To further extend the shelf life of cooked meatloaf, freeze it; freeze in covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, or wrap tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil or freezer wrap.
  • Cooked meatloaf dishes containing sauce freeze best; cooked dry meatloaf may become overly mushy when thawed.
  • How long does cooked meatloaf last in the freezer? Properly stored, it will maintain best quality for about 3 to 4 months, but will remain safe beyond that time.
  • The freezer time shown is for best quality only - cooked meatloaf that has been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely.
  • How long does cooked meatloaf last after being frozen and thawed? Cooked meatloaf that has been thawed in the fridge can be kept for an additional 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator before cooking; meatloaf that was thawed in the microwave or in cold water should be eaten immediately.
  • How long does cooked meatloaf last at room temperature? Bacteria grow rapidly at temperatures between 40 °F and 140 °F; cooked meatloaf should be discarded if left for more than 2 hours at room temperature.
  • How to tell if cooked meatloaf is bad? If cooked meatloaf develops an off odor, flavor or appearance, or if mold appears, it should be discarded.

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