How can you freeze meatloaf? Meatloaf is best frozen in individual slices. Frozen (classic) meatloaf can be stored in the freezer for around 3 months.
Furthermore, attention should be paid to airtight packaging, as this guarantees maximum shelf life.
How Can You Freeze Meatloaf?
It is best to freeze the meatloaf immediately after preparation because if you wait a long time before freezing, bacteria and germs will quickly form on the roast.
Among other things, these can contribute to a shorter shelf life and also greatly change the taste.
Furthermore, bacteria and germs can also be harmful to health and thus pose a risk.
Let the meatloaf cool down first
However, before the meatloaf can be frozen, it should cool down sufficiently.
If it is frozen hot, its consistency changes drastically, which ultimately affects the taste.
The meatloaf is no longer enjoyable. It is also not an advantage for the freezer if hot food is placed in it.
Tip: Freeze in individual slices
In any case, it is advisable to first divide the meatloaf into individual slices.
If the individual slices are frozen, they can also be removed individually if required, so that the entire roast does not have to be thawed at once.
The individual slices can also be defrosted much more quickly and easily.
However, you should make sure that the individual slices are separated from each other with baking paper, otherwise, they will stick together in the freezer.
Make sure the packaging is airtight
The meatloaf slices should now be packed airtight. Airtight packaging primarily protects against freezer burn.
In addition, this also protects against contact with other foods as well as with bacteria and germs in the freezer.
Both a freezer bag and a freezer box can be used as airtight packaging.
With both types of packaging, care should be taken to ensure that the air chamber is as small as possible so that freezer burn cannot form.
Freeze the meatloaf at -18 °C
Meatloaf can be stored the longest in the freezer at a temperature of -18 °C.
Therefore, you should definitely make sure that the freezer is able to generate such a temperature.
This is not always the case with a regular freezer compartment in a refrigerator, so unfortunately a somewhat shorter shelf life must be expected here.
Frozen meatloaf has a shelf life of 3 months
The shelf life of the meatloaf in the freezer is now around 3 months.
However, the roast should not be stored in the freezer for longer, because otherwise, the high-fat content will quickly develop a rancid taste, which in turn will make the roast inedible.
Defrost meatloaf: Gently in the fridge
The meatloaf should always be thawed in the refrigerator overnight.
Here it can be thawed particularly gently, which in turn contributes to a delicious taste.
This also prevents the consistency of the meatloaf from changing.