How Long Does Turkey Meatloaf Last in the Fridge?

So, how long does meatloaf last in the fridge? Great question! And I’ve got the answers!

If you are on a time crunch, you might want to know how long you can store raw meatloaf in the fridge before you put it in the oven.

On the other hand, you might have cooked meatloaf leftovers and are trying to figure out its shelf-life.

I’m a food scientist and I’m here to tell you everything you need to know for freshness, quality and food safety.

Turkey meatloaf is a hearty, protein-packed dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or used in sandwiches, wraps, and more. But like any perishable food, it’s important to store turkey meatloaf properly to ensure it stays fresh and safe to eat. So how long does leftover turkey meatloaf last in the fridge? Let’s break it down.

Overview

When stored correctly in the refrigerator, cooked turkey meatloaf will keep for 3 to 4 days To maximize its shelf life, be sure to

Allow the cooked meatloaf to cool completely before refrigerating Don’t leave it out for more than 2 hours after cooking
Place the meatloaf in a shallow airtight container or wrap it tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This prevents drying out.
Refrigerate at 40°F or below. The cold temperature inhibits bacteria growth.
Use within 3 to 4 days for peak quality and safety. Cooked meats don’t tend to last much longer.
Label the container with the prep date for easy tracking.
Inspect for signs of spoilage before eating, like off-colors, textures, and odors. When in doubt, throw it out.

Freezing and Thawing Tips

For longer storage, cooked turkey meatloaf can be frozen. To freeze:

Let the cooked meatloaf cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap.
Place in freezer bags or airtight containers, removing excess air.
Label with the freeze date and store in a 0°F freezer.
Frozen, it will keep for 2 to 3 months before quality declines.

To thaw frozen turkey meatloaf:

For food safety, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Don’t thaw at room temp.
Once thawed, use within 3 to 4 days. Don’t refreeze.

You can also reheat frozen meatloaf straight from the freezer. Just add 50% more cook time.

Reheating and Food Safety

To reheat leftover turkey meatloaf safely:

Use the oven, microwave, or stovetop. Heat to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Slice into smaller portions to help it reheat evenly throughout.
Bring sauces or gravy to a boil when reheating to ensure they are piping hot.
Only reheat once for food safety. Don’t let leftovers linger beyond 4 days total.
When reheating in the microwave, watch for hot spots that can overcook the meat.

Getting Creative with Leftovers

Don’t let turkey meatloaf leftovers go to waste! Here are some tasty ways to repurpose them:

Meatloaf sandwiches – Slice meatloaf and add to sandwiches. Goes great with cheese, lettuce, tomato, etc.
Meatloaf salad topping – Crumble over salads for added protein.
Stuffed peppers – Dice meatloaf and mix with rice, cheese, etc. to stuff peppers.
Meatloaf omelet or frittata – Dice meatloaf and add to egg dishes for breakfast.
Meatloaf hash – Cook diced meatloaf with potatoes, onions, peppers. Top with a fried egg.
Meatloaf pasta sauce – Break up meatloaf into pasta like spaghetti. Mix with tomato sauce.

So get creative and give your leftover turkey meatloaf new life! It freezes well too, so you can stash some away for later.

Raw Turkey Meatloaf Storage

When preparing raw turkey meatloaf to cook later, proper storage is also key. Here are some tips:

Store raw turkey meatloaf in the fridge in an airtight container. Keep at 40°F or below.
Maximum fridge life for raw meatloaf is 1 to 2 days. Freeze for longer storage.
Freeze raw meatloaf for 2 to 3 months max. Wrap well and label with date.
Thaw frozen raw meatloaf overnight in the fridge before cooking. Don’t thaw at room temp.
Cook raw or thawed meatloaf within 1 to 2 days. Cook to an internal temp of 165°F.
Don’t leave raw meatloaf at room temp for more than 2 hours total before cooking.

The Bottom Line

Following proper storage methods will ensure your raw or cooked turkey meatloaf stays fresh and reduces the risk of foodborne illness. Meatloaf is highly perishable, so storing in the fridge or freezer is key.

With these tips, you can enjoy tasty turkey meatloaf for meals or leftovers while keeping your food safe from spoilage and contamination. Let us know your favorite way to serve up this hearty classic!

how long does turkey meatloaf last in the fridge

How Long Does Meatloaf Last In The Fridge (Uncooked)

Uncooked meatloaf: Raw meatloaf can be stored in the fridge for up to two days, as per USDA safety guidelines.

It should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container to prevent cross-contamination with other foods and maintain its quality.

How Long Does Meatloaf Last In The Fridge (Cooked)

Here are the guidelines based on food safety information for recipes with cooked ground beef. Cooked meatloaf: In the fridge, cooked meatloaf typically lasts for about 3 to 4 days when stored properly – at 40°F or less, according to USDA.

It’s essential to wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and prevent it from drying out or absorbing odors from other foods in the fridge.

Freezing Turkey Meatloaf!

FAQ

Can you eat meatloaf after 7 days?

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Safety first:

Always prioritize food safety and throw away any meatloaf that has been in the fridge for longer than a week.
Use your senses:

If the meatloaf smells off, looks discolored, or has a slimy texture, throw it out regardless of how long it’s been in the fridge.
Proper storage:

To extend the shelf life of meatloaf, store it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or an airtight container in the refrigerator.

How long is leftover turkey meatloaf good for?

Store leftover turkey meatloaf in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap for 4 to 5 days in the fridge. It’s best to keep the meatloaf as whole as it’ll stay more moist than reheating sliced meatloaf.

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?

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Proper storage:

Always wrap meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent contamination and maintain quality.
Check for signs of spoilage:

Before eating, look for signs like discoloration, unusual odor, or slimy texture, which indicate that the meatloaf has gone bad and should be discarded.

How long does cooked meatloaf last?

Here are the guidelines based on food safety information for recipes with cooked ground beef. Cooked meatloaf: In the fridge, cooked meatloaf typically lasts for about 3 to 4 days when stored properly – at 40°F or less, according to USDA.

Can cooked meatloaf be refrigerated?

Cooked meatloaf leftovers can be refrigerated for 3 to 4 days. Wrap the leftover meatloaf tightly in aluminum foil or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Wrap it tightly in plastic or aluminum foil to safely freeze raw meatloaf.

How do you store meatloaf after 7 days?

Keep the meatloaf in the refrigerator inside an airtight container for maximum freshness. Make sure the container isn’t overly large. A shallow container that is slightly larger than the meatloaf is ideal. Store uncooked meatloaf in the same way. Can You Eat Meatloaf After 7 Days?

Can you freeze leftover meatloaf?

Wrap the leftover meatloaf tightly in aluminum foil or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Wrap it tightly in plastic or aluminum foil to safely freeze raw meatloaf. Place the wrapped meatloaf in a freezer bags or container, label it with the date, and freeze it for up to 3 months.

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 eat leftover meatloaf?

You can eat cold leftover meatloaf as long as it’s cooked. You don’t want to eat raw meat. Many people enjoy their leftover meatloaf on bread as a sandwich, either hot or cold. How Long Does Meatloaf Last In The Freezer? Meatloaf is an easy dish to freeze for later. So making a few at once and freezing the extras can shave time off your meal prep.