Meatloaf Muffins {Healthy, kid-friendly, freezer-friendly!} (2024)

FAQs

Is it better to freeze meatloaf raw or cooked? ›

It is generally safe to freeze both cooked and uncooked meatloaf. However, some prefer to freeze the uncooked meatloaf mixture for convenience. Uncooked meatloaf can be shaped into portions and frozen individually. This allows for easier meal preparation later.

Meatloaf is a time-honored favorite for family dinners and you can freeze meatloaf so it's ready to go on a busy weeknight. It's the perfect make-ahead dish or you can double the recipe the next time you make meatloaf and save the extra loaf to eat later.

It's also possible to prepare your meatloaf mix and freeze it. In such cases, you can cook fresh meatloaf directly from frozen. Alternatively, the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service says that you can thaw meat products like meatloaf overnight in your refrigerator, then cook it once it's thawed.

Freezing Cooked Meatloaf – You can also freeze cooked meatloaf. After cooking the meatloaf mixture, make sure it has come to room temperature and cooled completely. Then wrap in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and place in a freezer bag. It will last 6 months in the freezer.

Milk and other dairy products, like heavy cream and buttermilk, contain both water and fat, adding two types of moisture to our meatloaf. There's a long-held theory that milk can tenderize ground meat, and this is the reason often cited for cooking ground meat in milk to make a Bolognese-style ragù.

When you're ready to enjoy your frozen meatloaf, there are two safe methods for thawing: in the refrigerator or the microwave on the defrost setting. Once thawed, you can reheat slices in the oven at a low temperature or in the microwave.

While it is great that you can reuse the meatloaf for multiple meals, it is essential to know how long you have to eat it all. So, how long will meatloaf last in the refrigerator? Meatloaf generally stays good for about 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator, but only when properly stored.

Spoon the ketchup into ice trays and freeze so you can easily pop some out when needed. When it is time to warm it back up, just put the container under some hot water. You run the risk of burning it if you try to thaw it out in the microwave, plus it will lose its freshness.

Should I cook my meatloaf covered or uncovered? The meatloaf can be cooked uncovered. However, if you are concerned about it burning, you can cover the meatloaf with foil for the first 45 minutes and uncover it for the final 15 minutes to allow the meatloaf to brown on top.

Preheat Your oven: Preheat your oven to around 350°F (175°C) while you prepare the frozen meatloaf. Slice into portions: If your meatloaf is in one large piece, consider slicing it into individual portions. This allows for more even reheating and helps reduce the overall cooking time.

Is it better to freeze a meatloaf, uncooked or cooked? ›

Cook the recipe and then cool completely before freezing. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them into a freezer bag. Or place the pieces into airtight containers, label, and freeze. This is a great option when you want to reheat an individual slice for sandwiches or a quick individual meal.

Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated (but don't overmix or your meatloaf will turn out tough). Label ziptop bags with the contents, date, and cooking directions. Add uncooked meatloaf into the ziptop bag, seal and place in the freezer until ready to use.

You can! Just make sure to cool the spaghetti completely before freezing, transfer properly in an airtight container or freezer bag, and label it with the date. Can you freeze cooked pasta with sauce? You can, but if possible, it is best to freeze the sauce and pasta separately for best texture.

The answer is yes. But pay attention to the way you thaw and, conversely, the way you freeze. Most foods previously frozen, thawed and then cooked can be refrozen as long as they have not been sitting at room temperature for more than two hours.

Reheat in intervals: Microwave the meatloaf in short intervals. Start with 1-2 minutes, depending on the thickness of the slices and the power of your microwave. Check and rotate: After each interval, check the meatloaf's temperature and rotate or flip the slices for even heating.

When properly stored in an airtight container, meatloaf lasts up to four days in the fridge. Start checking for signs of spoilage at 3-4 days.

To freeze your food quickly, expose as much surface area as possible to cold freezer air. Distribute foods you're trying to freeze (like meatballs) on sheet trays, then transfer them to freezer bags. Freeze soup in multiple freezer bags, not one large container.