Can You Freeze Meatloaf? (Cooked And Uncooked)

Have you just gotten up from the dinner table after having a healthy helping of meatloaf to realize that there is still a lot of it left?

The question has dawned on your mind can you freeze meatloaf? Well, have no worries, as I am here to help with all the answers to the questions which you have in your mind.

Meatloaf, for as long as I have been alive, is one of the most frequently served dishes in family dinners in my household.

I have savored and enjoyed every bite of this beautiful dish, and it would not usually be with leftovers. However, sometimes you may find yourself with some and think about preserving it in the freezer.

So here is everything you need to know about freezing meatloaf.

Can You Freeze Meatloaf?

If you are here for the short answer, you can freeze meatloaf, whether it is cooked or uncooked.

However, there is a difference in the time duration of freshness between cooked and uncooked meatloaf. If you freeze the uncooked meatloaf in the freezer, you can rest assured that it will remain fresh for six months.

On the other hand, if you find yourself with leftovers from a family meal, you can freeze the meatloaf and preserve it for three to four months.

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How To Freeze Meatloaf?

Now that I have given you a small intro on freezing meatloaf let us discuss how we can freeze it. Here is everything that you need to know.

First things first, you are going to let the meatloaf get cold. Do not go on freezing the meatloaf when it is hot. This will lead to the creation of ice crystals and make the meatloaf unappetizing for consumption.

Next, you are going to wrap the meatloaf in something that is airtight. Do not just keep the meat willy-nilly in the freezer. Do not leave any gap for air to touch the meat.

Once you have the meatloaf airtight in the bag, note down the date on it with a sharpy and freeze it.

In case you have uncooked meatloaf, there is going to be a small change in the method.

First, you are going to take the uncooked meatloaf and put it in a pan. Then you are going to first flash freeze it before committing it to the airtight foils. Flash freezing should take two hours. Once the flash froze, do everything as was for the cooked meatloaf.

How To Defrost and Thaw Meatloaf?

There are a few ways that you can use to thaw a meatloaf. These are as explained. The first method involves using cold water, which will allow you to defrost the meatloaf.

All you have to do is put cold water in a pan and dip the bag of meatloaf into it. This should take an hour; in the end, you should have defrosted meatloaf.

The next method is keeping the meatloaf in the fridge overnight. All you have to do is transfer the meatloaf from the freezer to the refrigerator and wait overnight. This will also result in thawed meatloaf.

However, if you want to thaw the meatloaf timely, you should use a microwave. Here is how you can do it. Remove the frozen meatloaf from the foil and put it on a hot plate.

Put the meatloaf in the microwave for ten minutes at a low temperature. Keep your eyes peeled as you want the meat to be defrosted and not cooked.

How Long Will Meatloaf Last In The Freezer?

Meatloaf can be preserved for a long time if you freeze it. However, there is a slight difference in the time duration to which meatloaf can be kept depending on whether the meatloaf is cooked or uncooked.

If you keep an uncooked meatloaf in the freezer, you can expect it to last for six months. However, if you keep a cooked meatloaf in the freezer, you should expect it to last about three to four months.

Does Meatloaf Freeze Well?

Meatloaf can be frozen very well, provided you use the proper steps. All you have to do is cool the meatloaf and then wrap them so it is airtight.

Once you have done so, put the meatloaf in the freezer. You can expect the meatloaf to remain fresh in the freezer for up to six months before it starts to go bad.

Is It Better To Freeze Meatloaf Cooked Or Uncooked?

Freezing meatloaf is your prerogative, and there is nothing wrong with freezing it cooked or uncooked. If you have leftovers, keeping them in the freezer is the best way to preserve them.

However, do keep in mind that if you have frozen meatloaf and cooked it and then you are thinking about freezing it again, I suggest that you donate the food as refreezing it will damage its taste, and the next time you cook it will leave you with a bad taste in your mouth.

Final Verdict:

This was everything that you needed to know about freezing meatloaf. To summarize, uncooked meatloaf can be kept in the freezer for six months, while cooked meatloaf can only do three months. To preserve the meatloaf, put the meatloaf in a wrap and put it in the freezer.