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.

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.

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 To Store Meatloaf Safely (Raw) In The Fridge

Here’s more detail on storing uncooked meatloaf, including how to wrap it.

• Refrigeration: Place the raw meatloaf in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Use within two days: To ensure its freshness, store the raw meatloaf in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below and use it within two days.
• Consider freezing: If you don’t plan to use the meatloaf within two days, consider freezing it for longer storage. To freeze it, wrap the raw meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. Label the package with the date and store it in the freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or below, as per USDA guidelines.

By following these guidelines, you can store raw meatloaf safely to ensure its quality and minimize the risk of foodborne illness.

Is it ok to prep meatloaf the night before?

Yes, it is perfectly fine to prep meatloaf the night before. Meatloaf is a good option for meal prep. Preparing it in advance also allows the flavors to develop.

You can mix the ingredients, shape the loaf, and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Just cook it within a day or two to ensure freshness and food safety according to USDA safety guidelines for ground meats.

How To Store Meatloaf Safely (Cooked/Leftover)

Storing cooked meatloaf safely helps maintain its flavor and prevents bacterial contamination. Here’s how to store cooked meatloaf properly:

1. Cooling: Allow the cooked meatloaf to cool at room temperature for no more than 2 hours after it’s done cooking.
2. Refrigeration: Wrap the cooked meatloaf tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container.
3. 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.
4. Freezing: For longer storage, consider freezing the cooked meatloaf. Wrap it tightly in a freezer-safe wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. Label with the date and store in the freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or below. Cooked meatloaf can typically be frozen for 2 to 3 months.
5. Thawing: When ready to use frozen meatloaf, thaw it safely in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
6. Reheating: Reheat cooked meatloaf in the oven, microwave, or air fryer until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s thoroughly heated and safe to eat. Take a look through my full article here on reheating meatloaf.

Following these guidelines, you can safely store cooked meatloaf to maintain quality and prevent foodborne illness.

FAQS on How Long Meatloaf Lasts in the Fridge

Just skimming through? Here are the key takeouts from this article about how long meatloaf lasts in the fridge:

How long can you refrigerate raw meatloaf?

Raw meatloaf can be refrigerated for up to two days. Store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to keep it fresh.

How long can you refrigerate cooked meatloaf leftovers?

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.

How to freeze raw meatloaf safely

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.

How to freeze meatloaf safely (cooked)

To freeze cooked meatloaf safely, allow it to cool completely after cooking. Wrap the cooked meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container.

Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 to 3 months.

Meatloaf Recipes to Try:

• If you haven’t already, check out my best meatloaf recipe – coated in a caramelized meatloaf glaze.
• This meatloaf recipe with brown gravy is also super easy, and the gravy is next-level. It’s a failproof recipe, so if you’re new to meatloaf, that’s a good one to start with!
• I also have a delicious Lipton meatloaf recipe for you to try – dead easy and full of juiciness.
• Try my homemade Meatloaf Seasoning blend, too.

Next reading: 

• What to Make with Leftover Meatloaf
• Best Meatloaf Side Dishes: complete your meatloaf dinner menu with the most popular sides out there.
• Safe Meatloaf Temperatures: everything you need to know from oven temp to internal temp.
• How Long Does Ground Beef Last in the Fridge?
• Can You Freeze Meatloaf?
• 7 Best Egg Substitutes for Meatloaf (That Really Work!)