Last Updated on April 15, 2023 by Shari Mason
Lasagna is a delicious and hearty dish that can be enjoyed for days after it’s cooked.
However, it’s important to know how long cooked lasagna is good for in the fridge to ensure that you’re eating safe and delicious food.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy leftovers or plan to make a big batch to freeze for later, you’ll find the information you need here to enjoy your lasagna to the fullest. Let’s dive in.
How Long Does Cooked Lasagna Last in the Fridge?
Cooked lasagna, if stored properly, will last three to five days in the fridge. Ensure you use a tightly sealed container to prevent it from drying due to the cold temperature.
Lasagna is commonly made of lasagna noodles or pasta, tomato sauce, meat or vegetables, and cheese.
It can last in the fridge for five days, but you may end up with a dry meal. So it’s better to eat the lasagna within three to four days.
Factors To Consider
Homemade Lasagna
You can leave a homemade lasagna on the counter for less than two hours between 40°F and 140°F or the “Danger Zone.” That is the safest time frame for your cooked dishes without increasing the risk of food poisoning.
Beyond this time, you should refrigerate your lasagna to avoid ruining it.
Read: How Long To Bake Lasagna At 350?
Store-Bought Lasagna
A store-bought lasagna would have an expiry date to indicate its freshness and quality. But you should still store this lasagna properly and not leave it on the counter for more than four hours.
“Both meat and vegetable lasagnas can be frozen, but be sure to fully cook any meat before assembling and freezing.”
– Lauren Salkeld, Writer & Recipe Developer
Properly store the lasagna in the fridge or freezer if you have any leftovers to make it last longer.
Leftover Lasagna
Store the leftover in a tightly sealed container to keep the cold temperature of the fridge from drying out its moisture. You should only keep the food leftovers in the fridge for around three to four days [1].
It would be safe to consume the leftovers, but you should still look for signs of spoilage before attempting to reheat.
Storage
A cooked lasagna should only be left on the counter for about two to four hours, depending on the temperature. Keeping the food longer than that would give a good environment for bacteria to grow.
Refrigerating the lasagna slows the bacteria’s growth, while freezing would inactivate or stop bacteria from growing.
How Long Will Cooked Lasagna Last In The Freezer?
Cooked lasagna lasts for about three to four months in the freezer. Some varieties can last for around six months, but the flavors and texture of lasagna would start to deteriorate after a long time.
How To Tell If It Has Gone Bad
Appearance
If you have stored lasagna in the fridge for more than four days, you better check its appearance before reheating it. Discoloration may happen by this time, where you will notice dark or whitish spots on the lasagna’s surface.
In addition, you would have to discard the lasagna once you notice any mold formation.
Odor
When freshly cooked, lasagna has a delicious aroma that would make us want to dig into the food immediately. But after it has gone bad, there would be an off smell like something funky or sour caused by the cheese or tomato sauce.
According to the USDA, the unappetizing smell signifies that the food should be tossed out [2].
Texture
Another thing to observe is the noodle’s texture. If the lasagna is uncooked, the noodles will be so dry after it has already gone bad. On the other hand, the cooked lasagna would have mushy and gooey noodles due to spoilage.
It may not necessarily make you sick, but there would be health risks in consuming spoiled food.
Cooked Lasagna Shelf Life
| Cooked Lasagna | Room Temperature | Refrigerator | Freezer |
| Homemade | 1-2 hours | 3-4 days | 3-4 months |
| Store Bought | 2-4 hours | 3-5 days | 3-6 months |
| Left Over | 1-2 hours | 3-4 days | 3-4 months |
| Frozen | 1-2 hours | 3-4 days | 3-4 months |
| Thawed Frozen | 1-2 hours | 3-4 days | 3-4 months |
Cooked Lasagna Shelf Life Tips & Tricks
- If the lasagna has been sitting on the counter for more than four hours, do not store it in the fridge or freezer anymore.
- Store the lasagna in a tightly sealed container.
- You can use a clear wrap or aluminum foil if the container does not have a lid.
- Freeze lasagna with sauce to avoid the cooked noodles from falling apart during the thawing process.
FAQs
How long does cooked lasagna last after being frozen and thawed?
Cooked lasagna can last one to two hours after being frozen and thawed. You can also reheat it for half an hour after being taken to room temperature.
How to store lasagna to extend its shelf life?
You can extend the shelf life of your lasagna by storing it in a tightly closed container and placing it inside the fridge or freezer.
Is week-old lasagna safe to eat?
Yes, a week-old lasagna is safe if you store it in the freezer. Meanwhile, a week-old lasagna stored in the refrigerator may pose health risks.
How long until lasagna goes bad in the fridge?
It takes three to five days before lasagna goes bad in the fridge. It may take a week, but the flavors would have already deteriorated.
Can you eat lasagna after the expiry date?
Yes, you can still eat lasagna after the expiry date if you store it properly. The expiry date usually indicates the freshness of the product, but it does not mean that it has become inedible.
How long does beef lasagna last in the fridge?
A beef lasagna can last three to five days in the fridge. You can also leave it on the counter for not more than four hours.
In Summary
Sometimes you make so much lasagna for a simple family get-together that you are left wondering what to do with the leftovers.
Using a tightly closed container, refrigerate these leftovers for about four days. It would help maintain its texture and flavors by preventing moisture from escaping the lasagna.
But if you’re aiming for a longer storage time, go for the freezer to make the cooked lasagna last for around three months.
References:
- https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/leftovers-and-food-safety
- https://www.insider.com/how-to-know-if-leftovers-are-bad-2019-1#as-a-general-rule-no-food-should-be-in-your-fridge-for-longer-than-a-few-days-1
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