Ever wonder if you can freeze cooked meatloaf?
Do not worry, you are not alone. Many people ask the same question.
In this post, I will answer this question for you.
So, can you freeze cooked meatloaf? Yes, meatloaf can be frozen both cooked and uncooked. Just make sure that you put it in an airtight container to keep it safe from freezer burn.
Like freezing any foods, good handling is key.
How to freeze cooked meatloaf correctly?
Freezing cooked meatloaf is very simple.
All you have to do is wrap the meatloaf in aluminum foil and freeze it.
It can stay in your freezer for up to three months. After that, its quality may start to deteriorate.
Will freezing cooked meatloaf change the texture?
Yes, freezing will slightly alter how the texture of the meatloaf will be.
Even then, freezing cooked meatloaf will still taste great if properly handled.
How long can you freeze cooked meatloaf?
You can freeze cooked meatloaf for up to three months before freezing it.
The freezing time frame may vary depending on your freezer or storage container.
According to the National Center for Home Food Preservation, freezing cooked meatloaf is safe.
Tips and tricks when freezing cooked meatloaf:
If you want to make sure that cooked meatloaf will be safe during the freezing process, you can take the following tips:
- Wrap each piece of meatloaf separately with aluminum foil.
- Make sure that you use an airtight container to keep the freezer burn out.
- Always label your freezing containers or freezing bags for easy reference on what’s inside so you can easily identify it when it comes time to consume them.
- Defrost cooked meatloaf overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it before serving.
- Reheat it by placing frozen meatloaf in a shallow pan and bake it in the oven until heated through.
- If freezing cooked meatloaf, make sure to use freezer-safe containers or freezing bags so that your food stays fresh and maintains its quality when freezing it.
How to reheat frozen cooked meatloaf?
You can reheat frozen cooked meatloaf by placing it in a shallow pan and baking it in the oven until heated through.
It can also be reheated in a microwave but make sure that you do not overheat it.
Do not place your freezing container directly on the counter or stovetop for reheating, as this may cause the freezing container to explode.
The freezing times will vary depending on your freezing method and freezer temperature.
Can you freeze cooked meatloaf with egg?
Yes, freezing cooked meatloaf with egg is safe.
Be sure to use freezing containers or freezing bags that are airtight and moisture-vapor resistant.
Reheat frozen meatloaf by placing it in a shallow pan and bake it in the oven until heated through.
You can also reheat it in the microwave but make sure that you do not overheat it.
What happens if you freeze cooked meatloaf with egg?
Freezing cooked meatloaf with egg will keep it safe from freezer burn and deterioration for up to three months.
But freezing any foods, especially meats, will change the texture a little bit.
However, if freezing cooked meatloaf is your only option, freezing it with egg will still taste great if properly handled.
After freezing, reheat frozen meatloaf by placing it in a shallow pan and bake it in the oven until heated through.
You can also reheat it in the microwave but make sure that you do not overheat it.
Can cooked meatloaf be refrozen?
I do not recommend refreezing cooked meatloaf is not recommended.
Reheating frozen meatloaf already destroyed its texture, so you should refrain from refreezing cooked meatloaf.
Refreezing will only worsen the issue.
What happens if cooked meatloaf is refrozen?
According to HGTV, freezing cooked meatloaf more than once will change the texture.
In most cases, it becomes tough and chewy.
You may also see ice crystals in your freezing container when reheating your freezing container.
What to do with leftover cooked meatloaf?
Leftover cooked meatloaf can be frozen for up to three months.
Label your freezing containers or freezing bags for easy reference in freezing it so that you will know what’s inside so you’ll be able to identify it when it comes time to consume them.
Freezing cooked meatloaf recipes is the best way to have a good dish handy when it comes time to reheat them or serve them even after freezing.
Final Thoughts
Freezing cooked meatloaf is not complicated as long as you know the freezing method and freezing containers that you would use after freezing.
You will need to label your freezing container for easy identification so that you won’t confuse it with other freezing food in your freezer.
When freezing food, make sure to use moisture-vapor-resistant freezing containers or freezing bags.
An inappropriate container may not be able to protect the meatloaf from freezer burn.
