How long does meatloaf last in the fridge? If you have leftovers and you’re not sure whether to throw, refrigerate or freeze, read on!
No bragging here, but meatloaf happens to be one of my food specialties. I can thank my mother for this. She made the most delicious recipe growing up and I was always in awe of how good it tasted and looked compared to others of its kind.
I have made many a meat loaf in my life for simple weeknight dinners and larger family gatherings, so I know this recipe inside and out. This is not the most glamorous topic on the planet, but it is valuable to know what to do with leftovers and how long they last.
If you came here with the question, “How long does meatloaf last in the refrigerator?” I have an answer for you! Read on for my best storage tips, as well as how to know when this classic main dish is no longer fresh.
Turkey meatloaf is a classic comfort food that never seems to go out of style. This savory loaf combines ground turkey with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings for a hearty and protein-packed meal. But like any perishable food, leftovers need to be stored properly to maximize freshness and prevent foodborne illness. So how long does turkey meatloaf last in the fridge?
I took a deep dive into food safety recommendations and turkey meatloaf storage tips to bring you this complete guide. Read on to learn how many days cooked and raw turkey meatloaf lasts in the refrigerator, freezer, and when reheating.
Overview of Turkey Meatloaf Fridge Life
The shelf life of turkey meatloaf depends on whether it is raw or cooked. Here is a quick overview
- Raw turkey meatloaf: 1-2 days in the fridge
- Cooked turkey meatloaf: 3-4 days in the fridge
Freezing can extend the shelf life of raw or cooked turkey meatloaf to 2-3 months But for optimal safety and quality, it’s best to follow the recommended fridge and freezer times.
Now let’s look at storage guidelines for cooked and raw turkey meatloaf in more detail.
How Long Does Cooked Turkey Meatloaf Last in the Fridge?
Cooked turkey meatloaf that has been properly stored will keep fresh in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days
To get the maximum shelf life:
- Allow cooked meatloaf to cool completely before refrigerating. Don’t leave it out more than 2 hours after baking.
- Place meatloaf in a shallow covered container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This prevents drying out.
- Refrigerate promptly at 40°F or below. Cold temperatures slow bacteria growth.
- Use refrigerated turkey meatloaf within 3 to 4 days for best quality and safety.
- Label the storage container with the prep or cook date for easy tracking.
- Inspect for signs of spoilage before eating. When in doubt, throw it out.
Proper refrigeration is key for minimizing bacterial growth on perishable cooked meats like turkey meatloaf. If stored correctly, it can stay safe to eat for 3-4 days. But don’t push the limits on fridge storage times.
Freezing and Thawing Tips for Turkey Meatloaf
For longer term storage beyond 3-4 days, cooked turkey meatloaf can be frozen. Here are some freezing and thawing tips:
- Let cooked meatloaf cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
- Place in a freezer bag or airtight container, removing excess air.
- Label package with freeze date and store in a 0°F freezer.
- Frozen, cooked turkey meatloaf will keep for 2 to 3 months before quality declines.
- Thaw frozen meatloaf overnight in the refrigerator. Never thaw meat at room temperature.
- Once thawed, use within 3-4 days. Do not refreeze previously frozen meatloaf.
- You can also reheat frozen meatloaf directly from frozen. Just add 50% more cooking time.
Always thaw turkey meatloaf in the fridge, not on the counter. Refrigerator thawing keeps the meat at a safe, cool temperature while thawing over 12-24 hours.
Tips for Reheating Turkey Meatloaf
To safely reheat leftover turkey meatloaf:
- Use the oven, microwave, or stove top. Heat meatloaf to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Slice meatloaf into smaller pieces to promote even reheating throughout.
- Bring sauces or gravy to a boil when reheating.
- Only reheat cooked turkey meatloaf once. Don’t let it linger in the fridge after 4 days.
- Watch for hot spots when microwaving that could overcook the meat.
- Stir heated meatloaf halfway through oven or microwave reheating.
Reheating cooked meats thoroughly to 165°F kills any bacteria that may have multiplied during storage. This makes leftovers safe to eat again.
How Long Does Raw Turkey Meatloaf Last in the Fridge?
For raw turkey meatloaf that needs to be cooked, the fridge shelf life is shorter than already cooked meatloaf.
Here are some tips for maximizing how long raw meatloaf lasts:
- Store raw turkey meatloaf in the fridge in an airtight container. Keep at 40°F or below.
- Raw meatloaf keeps for 1 to 2 days in the refrigerator maximum.
- For longer storage, freeze raw meatloaf for 2-3 months. Wrap well and label date.
- Thaw frozen raw meatloaf overnight in the fridge before cooking. Never thaw on the counter.
- Cook fresh or fully thawed meatloaf within 1-2 days. Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Don’t leave raw turkey meatloaf at room temperature for over 2 hours before cooking.
Raw meats are more prone to bacteria growth, so they don’t last as long as cooked meats. Always thaw raw turkey meatloaf in the fridge before cooking for food safety.
Food Safety Tips for Fresh and Leftover Turkey Meatloaf
To keep turkey meatloaf safe from spoilage and foodborne illness, follow these tips:
- Discard turkey meatloaf that is past the recommended fridge/freezer storage times. Don’t risk eating spoiled meat.
- Check cooked meatloaf for an off smell, weird color, or slimy texture before eating leftovers. When in doubt, throw it out.
- Don’t let raw or cooked turkey meatloaf linger for more than 2 hours at room temperature.
- Cook turkey meatloaf thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a food thermometer to verify doneness.
- Rapidly chill any leftovers within 2 hours and refrigerate or freeze immediately.
Adhering to proper cooking, cooling, and storage methods gives you the best chance for turkey meatloaf that stays fresh and safe to eat. Don’t take risks with food safety when dealing with perishable meat products.
Creative Ways to Use Up Leftover Turkey Meatloaf
Leftover turkey meatloaf is versatile for giving it delicious new life beyond sandwiches. Here are some creative ways to repurpose it:
- Break up meatloaf into pasta sauce or lasagna for extra meatiness.
- Make meatloaf hash by cooking it with potatoes, onions, peppers, and spices.
- Top salads, pizza, nachos, and baked potatoes with sliced or crumbled meatloaf.
- Stuff cooked turkey meatloaf into bell peppers, zucchini boats, or cabbage rolls.
- Make meatloaf quesadillas or sliders with cheese, veggies, and condiments.
- Mix diced turkey meatloaf into omelets, frittatas, or breakfast burritos.
With a little creativity in the kitchen, you can transform leftover turkey meatloaf into all sorts of tasty dishes. This stretches your food dollars while reducing waste.
Knowing how long turkey meatloaf lasts in the fridge, freezer, and when reheating lets you enjoy it safely for meals and leftovers. Follow the storage times and food safety tips in this guide to maximize the shelf life of your turkey meatloaf. With proper refrigeration and handling, you’ll keep bacteria at bay and avoid foodborne illness from spoiled meat.
So go ahead and whip up a savory turkey meatloaf for dinner, sandwiches, and creative leftover recipes. Just be diligent with cooling and refrigeration to keep your food fresh and safe to eat. Then get ready to savor this classic comfort food for days to come!
Extend the Shelf Life
- Refrigerate it! Secure the lid on the airtight container or wrap tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Store food in the fridge at all times for best results.
- Keep at the same temp! Moisture can collect inside the container when temperature change occurs. Keep the temp of the entire container as consistent as possible to make it last longer.
- Go glass! Use a covered glass storage container instead of a plastic container for a longer shelf life.
- Avoid cross contamination! Always be sure to use clean utensils when cutting off pieces of the loaf in order to avoid cross-contamination.
What To Do With Meatloaf Leftovers
- Use it as a meat for tacos.
- Add to a batch of chili, yum!
- Crumble it up and throw into spaghetti sauce to create leftover meatloaf spaghetti.
- Break into pieces and add it to your next batch of nachos.
- Build a few meatball subs, substituting meatballs for chunks of meatloaf.
Freezing Turkey Meatloaf!
FAQ
Can you eat meatloaf after 7 days?
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Bacteria growth:Even when refrigerated, bacteria can still grow on cooked meat over time, which can make you sick if you eat it after several days.
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Check for spoilage:If you notice any off smells, discoloration, or slimy texture, throw the meatloaf away immediately.
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When in doubt, throw it out:If you’re unsure about whether your meatloaf is still safe to eat, it’s best to discard it.
How long is leftover turkey meatloaf good for?
Leftovers — Properly stored, cooked turkey meatloaf will keep well in the fridge, tightly wrapped or stored in an airtight container, for 3 to 4 days.
Is it okay to eat turkey that’s been in the fridge for 2 weeks?
A thawed turkey is only safe to eat within 1-2 days after fully thawing in the fridge. Since yours has been in the fridge for about 9 days, it’s not safe to eat. It’s best to discard it to avoid food poisoning. Just like in Bit life.
How long does cooked meatloaf stay good in the refrigerator?
Refrigerator storage: Store the cooked meatloaf in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below. Properly stored, it should remain safe to eat for 3 to 4 days. Freezing: For longer storage, consider freezing the cooked meatloaf.
How long does meatloaf last in the fridge?
Ensure that the container is tightly sealed to prevent any odors from spreading to other foods in the fridge. Properly stored meatloaf can last in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To ensure that your meatloaf stays fresh for as long as possible, it’s important to keep it at a consistent temperature in the refrigerator.
How do you store meatloaf in the fridge?
When it comes to storing meatloaf in the refrigerator, it’s important to follow food safety guidelines. After cooking the meatloaf, allow it to cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container. Ensure that the container is tightly sealed to prevent any odors from spreading to other foods in the fridge.
Can You reheat leftover meatloaf?
Yes, you can safely reheat meatloaf that has been stored in the refrigerator. Reheat it to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure that it’s safe to eat. 4. What’s the best way to store leftover meatloaf? The best way to store leftover meatloaf is to wrap it tightly and place it in an airtight container.
Can You thaw frozen meatloaf?
The best way to thaw frozen meatloaf is in the fridge (more on this below). But you can also bake it directly from the freezer. Putting it in the oven when it’s frozen takes up to twice as long to cook as thawed meatloaf. It takes approximately one and a half to two hours to cook thoroughly at 350 degrees.
Can you eat leftover meatloaf?
When reheating leftover meatloaf, preheat your oven to 325°F and wrap the meatloaf in aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Reheat it for 25-30 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. 10. Is it safe to eat leftover meatloaf that has been in the refrigerator for a week?
How do you keep meatloaf from drying out?
To prevent meatloaf from drying out in the refrigerator, it’s important to store it in an airtight container to maintain its moisture. You can also add a small amount of broth or sauce to the container to help keep the meatloaf moist.