How Long Does Tuna Noodle Casserole Last in the Fridge?

Tuna noodle casserole is a classic American dish that has been around for decades. This budget-friendly casserole is easy to make, refrigerate, and reheat throughout the week. But exactly how long does tuna noodle casserole last in the fridge?

As a meal prepper and busy mom, I’m always looking for ways to get dinner on the table efficiently Knowing how long leftovers will last helps me plan my week accordingly. In this article, I’ll share everything you need to know about storing and reheating tuna noodle casserole to get the most out of your meal prep

How to Store Tuna Noodle Casserole

The first step to maximizing how long tuna noodle casserole lasts is proper storage. Here are some tips:

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before refrigerating. You don’t want to put a steaming hot dish in the fridge as it can raise the temperature and jeopardize other foods.

• Store tuna noodle casserole in shallow airtight containers. I like to use glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. The shallow depth allows the casserole to chill quickly in the fridge.

• Make sure your containers are big enough. Overcrowding the casserole can compress it and trap moisture, creating a breeding ground for bacteria.

• Place containers on a fridge shelf rather than the door. The back of the fridge maintains a more consistent temperature.

• Label containers with the prep date This makes it easy to track freshness and use older portions first

Following proper storage methods prevents foodborne illnesses and maximizes shelf life

How Long Does Tuna Noodle Casserole Last in the Fridge?

When stored correctly in the refrigerator, tuna noodle casserole will keep for 3 to 5 days. The ingredients – pasta, canned tuna, canned soup, cheese, milk, veggies – are all stable when chilled.

Here are some signs it may be time to toss your tuna noodle casserole:

• You notice an off smell or appearance. The casserole should still look and smell fresh. Discard if mold appears.

• The texture changes and becomes mushy. This is a sign bacteria is breaking down the food.

• It has been longer than 5 days since prep. Even when refrigerated, tossed after 5 days as a safety precaution.

I like to prep my tuna noodle casserole for the week on Sunday night. That gives us leftovers for Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights’ dinners without having to worry about the casserole staying fresh.

How to Reheat Tuna Noodle Casserole

To enjoy tuna noodle casserole throughout the week, you’ll need to properly reheat each portion. Here are some reheating tips:

• Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20-30 minutes until warmed through. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.

• Microwave individual portions, covered, for 2-3 minutes until hot. Stir before serving.

• For a crispy top, place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes after reheating in the oven or microwave.

• Bring the casserole to an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a food thermometer to check it’s properly reheated.

• Only reheat the amount you plan to eat. Don’t keep reheating the entire dish through the week.

Proper reheating kills any bacteria that may have developed and brings the casserole back up to a safe, tasty temperature.

Freezing and Reheating Tuna Noodle Casserole

For longer storage, you can freeze tuna noodle casserole. Here’s how:

• Cool the casserole completely before freezing, about 2 hours.

• Portion into shallow, airtight containers with at least 1 inch of headspace.

• Label containers with the prep and freeze date.

• Freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat from frozen:

• Thaw overnight in the fridge or leave the container at room temperature 1-2 hours before reheating.

• Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven until warmed through, at least 165°F.

Freezing gives you the flexibility to make a double batch and heat up meals for months to come.

Food Safety Tips for Meal Prepping

When preparing multiple meals in advance, follow these food safety guidelines:

• Wash hands, prep surfaces, dishes, and utensils thoroughly before and during cooking.

• Use a food thermometer to ensure meats like tuna reach safe minimum internal temperatures when cooking.

• Portion cold foods into shallow containers within 2 hours of cooking for quick cooling.

• Label all containers with the date and contents.

• Store oldest portions at the front of the fridge to use first.

• Don’t keep leftovers longer than the recommended fridge or freezer time, even when frozen.

Being diligent about food safety reduces your risk of foodborne illness when enjoying leftovers later in the week.

More Ways to Use Up Leftover Tuna Noodle Casserole

One of the beauties of a classic casserole like tuna noodle is it lends itself to so many creative leftover ideas. Here are some of my favorites:

• Stir in a fried egg and extra cheese for a hearty tuna noodle breakfast.

• Stuff into a pita or sandwich bread for a satisfying lunch on-the-go.

• Layer the casserole and crushed corn chips for a crunchy tuna nacho bake.

• Mix in sautéed bell peppers and onions for a quick veggie-loaded dinner.

• Top with crushed crackers or potato chips and run under the broiler for a crispy topping.

With a bit of creativity, you can reinvent those leftover casserole portions into all sorts of delicious new meals. No need for food boredom!