How Long Do Cooked Meatballs Last In The Fridge?

Last Updated on September 11, 2024 by Shari Mason

Are you in search of a delicious and satisfying meal that you can enjoy any day of the week? Look no further than cooked meatballs! But, do you know how long these meatballs can be kept in the fridge and the best way to store them?

In this blog post, we will answer your questions and more. 

How Long To Keep Cooked Meatballs In The Fridge 

The general rule of thumb is that cooked meat can be stored in the fridge for up to four days. However, there are a few factors that can affect this. 

For example, the type of meat used and how it was cooked can play a role. Ground beef tends to spoil more quickly than other types of meat. Additionally, meatballs that are fried will last shorter than those that are baked or grilled. 

Considering all this, it’s always best to consume cooked meat within two days of cooking. After that, it’s best to freeze it for future use. But how long should you keep bolognese in the fridge?

How Long Can You Keep It In The Freezer?

Most cooked meatballs will be safe to eat in the freezer after 3-4 months. Of course, this assumes that they’ve been properly stored – cooked meatballs should be placed in an airtight container or bag before being frozen. 

If stored properly, cooked meatballs should retain their flavor and texture for several months. After that point, they may still be safe to eat, but their quality will decline. 

So if you’re looking to enjoy your meatballs at their best, aim to use them up within 3-4 months of cooking.

Read: Is It Better To Bake Or Fry Meatballs?

How To Cook Meatballs

Meatballs are versatile dishes enjoyed as part of the main meal or as a snack. They can be made from a variety of different meats, including beef, pork, lamb, and chicken. 

The key to making delicious meatballs is to create a flavorful mixture of meat, breadcrumbs, and spices. 

Once the mixture is prepared, it should be rolled into balls and then fried, baked, or simmered in sauce. Try adding grated cheese or chopped herbs to the mix for extra flavor. 

With a little practice, anyone can learn to cook perfect meatballs that will be sure to please even the most discerning palate.

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What Is The Best Way To Store It?

For the best results, allow the cooked meatballs to cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. Make sure to tightly seal the container to prevent freezer burn. 

When ready to enjoy the meatballs, thaw them in the refrigerator and reheat them in a covered dish in the oven or microwave. 

How To Tell If Cooked Meatballs Have Gone Bad

If you’re unsure whether your cooked meatballs have gone bad, there are a few signs to look for. 

First, check the color of the meatballs. If they’ve turned a greenish-grey color, they’ve probably gone bad. 

Another sign of spoiled meatballs is a sour or off smell. If your meatballs have either of these signs, it’s best to throw them out. 

Additionally, cooked meatballs that have been sitting at room temperature for more than two hours should be discarded. If you’re unsure whether your meatballs are still safe to eat, throwing them away is always better.

How To Reheat Cooked Meatballs

Reheating cooked meatballs is simple. Just preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, place the meatballs on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10 minutes. 

If you’re reheating frozen meatballs [1], increase the cooking time to about 15 minutes. You can also reheat meatballs in sauce by adding them to a pan of simmering sauce on the stovetop. Just heat until the meatballs are hot throughout, then serve. 

Whether you’re reheating leftover meatballs or cooking them frozen, they’ll taste just as good as they did the first time. But how long is roast good in the fridge?

FAQs

How long can you leave meatballs with a sauce?

You can leave meatballs in the sauce for a few hours or overnight. The key is to ensure that the meatballs are cooked before adding them to the sauce. They’ll become soggy and gross if they’re not cooked all the way through.

How do you thaw frozen meatballs?

You can throw them in the refrigerator overnight or use the microwave. If you choose to use the microwave, cook them immediately after they’re thawed because they can become tough if allowed to sit at room temperature.

What will happen if you eat meatballs that have gone bad?

If you eat meatballs that have gone bad, you will likely get sick. The meat in the meatballs will have begun to spoil, and bacteria will have started to grow on it. This bacteria can cause food poisoning, making you sick with vomiting, diarrhea, and a fever. It is best to throw away meatballs that have gone bad and not eat them.

Final Thoughts

All in all, how long do meatballs last? If you store them properly in the fridge, they will be good for 3-4 days. 

If you freeze them, they will last 2-3 months. And if you decide to cook them frozen, they should be safe to eat as long as they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. 

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your meatballs are fresh and delicious every time.

Reference:

1. https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/dishes-start-frozen-meatballs/