Meatloaf is a classic delicious meal loved by everyone. Since it is typically cooked in a large quantity, it is almost a guarantee that you will end up with some leftovers unless you have a crowd to feed.
The great news is you can serve the leftovers as tasty as freshly-made loaves! The secret is to reheat them appropriately, so the dish won’t dry out and fall apart.
This article informs you of our detailed instructions to reheat leftover meatloaf to preserve its delicate texture and incredible taste!
How To Store Meatloaf Safely
As you’ve probably known, cooked meatloaf is a perishable food. When it comes to storage, the rule of thumb is to refrigerate it as soon as possible, preferably within 1 to 2 hours after cooking.
It stays fresh for up to 3 to 4 days as long as it is refrigerated in a sealed, airtight container. If you don’t want to store it in its original baking dish, at least cover it tightly in aluminum foil.
Shortly before serving, you can reheat the classic dish in an oven, a microwave, or a skillet. No matter which reheating technique you choose, it needs to be reheated to a safe temperature of 165 F. (*)
If you have frozen meatloaf, thaw it in advance in the refrigerator before reheating it. Do not defrost on the counter. It is also safe to defrost in the microwave if you want to serve it immediately after reheating.
The utmost concern with reheating meatloaf is how to prevent the dish from drying out. You want it as moist and juicy as when it came out of the oven for the first time.
Check our ultimate guide below to reheat leftover meatloaf properly, so you won’t waste all the hard work you have put into the cooking process.
How To Reheat Meatloaf In An Oven (or A Toaster Oven)
Your oven is the best and efficient appliance to reheat a big portion or even a whole loaf. This is a great way to reheat frozen meatloaf without drying it out.
Although it seems easy, it doesn’t mean that reheating in an oven never goes wrong.
The two most important things in doing so are using the correct temperatures and covering the dish with foil. Here is how to do it.
1. Preheat your oven to 225 to 250 F.
If you use too high temperatures, the meatloaf will dry out more quickly. It may take longer to reheat at a lower temperature, but it does the job of preserving its delicate texture.
2. Place meatloaf on a baking tray and add a few drops of water or beef broth to add some moisture and prevent drying out.
3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to help retain the moisture.
4. Bake for approximately 15 to 30 minutes.
5. Check if it is already heated all the way through the center. Use a thermometer to make sure that the inside has reached a safe temperature of 165 F. Otherwise, put it back into the oven and continue reheating.
6. Once ready, remove from the oven. Be careful when removing the foil.
7. Let it rest and cool quickly for a few minutes before serving.
If you’re only reheating a slice or two, you can also use a toaster oven or an air fryer. Follow similar steps as reheating in a conventional oven.
How To Warm Up Meatloaf In A Microwave
If you only need to warm up a single portion, you can easily do it in a microwave. It is the fastest and most convenient method.
A whole meatloaf can be dense and heavy. Therefore, it is not recommended to microwave a whole loaf. It is likely that the exterior will dry out quickly while the inside stays cold.
Follow our instructions below on how to reheat meatloaf in a microwave.
1. Place a slice of meatloaf in a microwave-safe dish.
2. Cover with a damp paper towel.
3. Microwave for 1 to 2 minutes on low to medium power, depending on the thickness of the slice.
4. Check whether it is already thoroughly warmed up. If not, continue reheating with shorter intervals of 15 seconds.
5. Finally, remove the dish from the microwave and allow it to rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
How To Heat Up Meatloaf In A Skillet
A skillet is also perfect for reheating one to few slices. Here is how you can do it on stove top:
1. Preheat your skillet on medium heat.
2. Add a little bit of oil or butter to prevent the meatloaf from sticking to the pan.
3. When the skillet is heated, place the slice and add a splash of water or beef broth (if necessary).
4. Cook for 2 to 3, flip it and continue reheating for another 2 to 3 minutes. Be careful not to overcook and burn it.
FAQs
How many times can you reheat meatloaf?
You can reheat leftover meatloaf more than once. However, the quality degrades after reheating. It is best to reheat the amount you need and keep the rest refrigerated. Consider freezing it for long-term storage.
How long is meatloaf good in the fridge?
Cooked meatloaf generally stays safe to eat for 3 to 4 days if properly refrigerated. Transfer it to a sealed container and refrigerate it within 2 hours after cooking.
Can you freeze already cooked meatloaf?
Yes. You can freeze meatloaf before or after cooking. To freeze, wrap each slice in plastic wrap, pack in a freezer bag, and freeze well for up to 2 to 3 months. Before serving, thaw safely in the refrigerator and reheat it in an oven, skillet, or microwave.
Can meatloaf be left out overnight?
No. It should be refrigerated within 1 to 2 hours after cooking to prevent the development of harmful bacteria. If it is left out overnight, reheating may not make it safe to eat. (*)
Does reheating meat kill bacteria?
Proper reheating kills harmful bacteria. According to the USDA, food must be reheated all the way through, and the internal temperature reaches at least 165 F.
However, if perishable food is left out of the fridge for too long, reheating won’t make it safe to eat.
Final Notes
Meatloaf is one of those scrumptious dishes that often end up as leftovers. To enjoy it the second time around, you need to reheat it properly, so it stays juicy and tasty. You can also make some meatloaf sides to go with it.
To reheat a whole loaf, your oven is an excellent choice. But, if you’re only reheating one or two slices, you can do it in a toaster oven, microwave, or skillet.
Follow our detailed step-to-step guide on reheating meatloaf, so your family can enjoy this lovely dish anytime!
Rosa graduated with a master degree in Food Safety from Wageningen University and Research, The Netherlands. Recently, she started a consulting agency to facilitate the improvement of food safety, quality, and sustainability.
