How Long Does Turkey Meatloaf Last in the Fridge?

Turkey meatloaf is a classic comfort food 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 take a closer look.

Storing Cooked Turkey Meatloaf

When stored correctly in the refrigerator, cooked turkey meatloaf will keep for 3 to 4 days. To maximize the shelf life make 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 Tips

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.

Creative Ways to Use Leftover Turkey Meatloaf

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.

Food Safety Tips for Raw Turkey Meatloaf

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.

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!