How long will the leftover meatloaf from last night stay fresh in the refrigerator?
Depending on how you save information, the answer to your query may change.
Refrigerating the meatloaf as soon as you can after cooking it is the greatest approach to guarantee that it will stay tasty for as long as possible.
According to the safety regulations, cooked meatloaf and other perishable foods should be kept at temperatures no more than 40 degrees Fahrenheit within two hours of cooking.
Meatloaf should not be left out at room temperature for longer than two hours since this promotes the growth of dangerous bacteria that can result in mild to severe foodborne disease. You shouldn’t leave it out of the fridge for longer than an hour if the temperature in your kitchen is 90 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
The danger zone for harmful bacteria growth is from 41 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
In order to maximize its shelf life, you should either wrap the leftover meatloaf tightly with plastic wrap, or aluminum foil or put it in an airtight container. The less contact it has with the air, the better.
When appropriately packed and refrigerated in time, you can expect the meatloaf to last for about 3-4 days.
If you want to store it for longer, you should freeze it. First, wrap it tightly or place it in an airtight container and then put it in the freezer. It will remain good to thaw and eat for about 2-3 months, and its quality, texture, and taste will start deteriorating if left for more than that in the freezer.
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Keep in mind that how well the meatloaf freezes depends on the recipe and how it is prepared. Meatloaf which has been cooked with a sauce will freeze better than dry meatloaf.
After thawing the frozen meatloaf, make sure to keep it in the fridge at all times. It can last there for about 3-4 days and should not be frozen again.
Also, check our guide and learn how to make meatloaf without eggs!