Cooking a meatloaf from scratch can be daunting, but can you freeze a cooked meatloaf, especially when you have some leftovers? Cooking meatloaf results in a delicious, home-cooked meal that your whole family will love.
Can You Freeze A Cooked Meatloaf?
Yes, you can freeze a cooked meatloaf, as doing this is a great way to save leftovers or to cook a big batch of meatloaf so that you have some on hand for quick meals.
To freeze a meatloaf, start wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Then place the meatloaf in a freezer-safe container or bag. Label the container with the date so you know how long it has been in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat meatloaf, thaw it inside the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the oven or microwave.
Cooked meatloaf can last in the freezer for 3 months. However, for the best quality, it is best to eat it within 1 month. You can always wrap the meatloaf tightly, so it doesn’t dry out in the freezer.
Can You Freeze Meatloaf After It Has Been Baked?
Yes, you can freeze meatloaf after it has been baked to save leftovers or cook a big batch of meatloaf so that you have some on hand for quick meals.
To freeze a baked meatloaf;
- Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Place the wrapped meatloaf in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Label the container with the date.
- Thaw it inside the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the oven or microwave.
If you plan on freezing meatloaf, add some moisture to it when you reheat it. This can be done by adding a bit of beef broth or tomato juice to the meatloaf when you reheat it to keep it moist and delicious.
How Long Can You Freeze Cooked Meatloaf?
You can keep cooked meatloaf in the freezer for four months. When freezing meatloaf, wrap it tightly in plastic or aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer bag. Be sure to label the meatloaf with the date it was frozen so you can track how long it has been in the freezer.
To reheat frozen meatloaf, thaw it inside the refrigerator overnight and then bake it in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven until it is heated. You can also reheat frozen meatloaf in the microwave, but be sure to do so on low power to avoid drying it out.
When freezing cooked meatloaf, it is best to do so within two days of cooking it. If you wait longer than that, the quality of the meatloaf will start to decline. However, if you need to freeze cooked meatloaf over two days old, it will still be safe to eat, but it may taste better than freshly frozen meatloaf.
Is It Better To Freeze Cooked Or Raw Meatloaf?
It is better to freeze cooked meatloaf because it will last longer and retain its flavor better than raw meatloaf. When freezing raw meatloaf, wrap it tightly in plastic or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Remember to label the meatloaf with the date it was frozen so you can track how long it has been in the freezer.
When you thaw frozen meatloaf, cook it within 24 hours to prevent bacteria from growing. It is best to reheat frozen meatloaf in the oven or microwave, but ensure you do not refreeze the meatloaf that once thawed.
It’s important to remember that freezing meatloaf (or any food) will not kill bacteria; it will only prevent the growth of bacteria. So it’s essential to cook meatloaf thoroughly before eating it.
Can You Make Up A Meatloaf And Freeze It?
Yes, it’s possible to make a meatloaf and freeze it. This is a great way to save time on cooking, especially if you have a busy lifestyle. However, you should keep a few things in mind when freezing meatloaf.
First, make sure the meatloaf is cooked all the way through before freezing, as it’s not safe to eat partially cooked meat that has been frozen.
Second, wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic or aluminum foil to keep it from drying out in the freezer. Finally, label the meatloaf with the date it was made, and your meatloaf should keep for three months.
When you’re ready to eat the frozen meatloaf, thaw it inside the refrigerator overnight. Then, rewarm it in a 350-degree oven until it’s hot. You can also microwave frozen meatloaf, but cut it into small pieces, so it heats evenly.
How Do You Defrost And Reheat a Frozen Cooked Meatloaf?
You need to cook meatloaf from frozen if you have the time. If not, then you need to thaw it inside the fridge overnight. To reheat, bake at 350 degrees F for about an hour or until heated.
It’s possible to cook meatloaf from frozen, but it will take 50% longer to bake. If you don’t have the time to cook it from frozen, you can thaw it inside the fridge overnight.
How Long Is Meatloaf Good For In The Refrigerator?
Typically, a meatloaf will be good for three to four days in the fridge. If you have leftovers from a meatloaf meal, store them in an airtight container and place them in the refrigerator. If you want to extend its shelf life, freeze it — frozen meatloaf will last for two to three months.
There are a few things to keep in mind regarding freezing meatloaf. First, wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
Second, if you plan on freezing individual slices, make sure to wrap each one individually. This will make it easier to thaw and reheat just the amount you need. Finally, label the meatloaf with the date it was frozen. This will assist track how long it’s been in the freezer.
When reheating a frozen meatloaf, ensure it’s heated all the way through before eating and defrost it in the fridge overnight before reheating. In addition, make sure the meat is heated all the way through to 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Use a food thermometer to check the meatloaf’s temperature, as meatloaves can often appear cooked on the outside but still be raw in the center. If you’re short on time, you can reheat sliced meatloaf in the microwave, and to do this, lace slices on a plate and heat for 30-second intervals until warm throughout.
How To Best Store And Freeze Meatloaf
Freezing is the best option if you need to store meatloaf anytime. Wrapped tightly, cooked meatloaf will stay fresh in the freezer for four months. And because it’s already cooked, thawing and reheating meatloaf is a snap.
However, here are a few things to keep in mind when freezing meatloaf:
1. In The Fridge
To effectively store meatloaf in the fridge, it must be wrapped tightly in plastic or aluminum foil; the best option if you will eat the meatloaf within a few days.
2. In The Freezer
Cooked meatloaf can be frozen for three months. To freeze, wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic or aluminum foil and, label the package, then place it in the freezer.
Transfer the meatloaf to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. Once thawed, reheat the meatloaf in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
3. Baking Meatloaf
You can freeze a cooked meatloaf, but it may not be as moist and juicy as if you were to bake it fresh. To freeze a cooked meatloaf, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic, then place it in a freezer bag.
Label the bag with the date and contents, then place it in the freezer. When ready to use your meatloaf, thaw it inside the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it in a 350-degree oven until warm.
Tips For Freezing Meatloaf
It’s possible to freeze a cooked meatloaf, but you should keep a few things in mind to ensure the best results.
- First, ensure the meatloaf is completely cooled before wrapping and freezing it to prevent freezer burn.
- Second, wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic or aluminum foil to keep it fresh-tasting and moist.
- Third, label the meatloaf with the date it was cooked, so you’ll know how long it’s been in the freezer.
