Cooked meatballs are a great addition to any meal. Whether you’re making spaghetti and meatball casserole or just throwing them in a salad, these little guys are sure to be a hit! If you need to store them in the fridge, how long will cooked meatballs last?
Cooked meatballs will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Make sure it’s cooled to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
How Long Do Cooked Meatballs Last At Room Temperature?
In general, cooked meatballs can last for up to a day at room temperature if it’s properly stored. However, you should never leave them out for longer than 2 hours. After that time, bacteria will start to grow.
If you’re not planning on eating or using the cooked meatballs within 2 hours, it’s best to store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use them.
How To Store Cooked Meatballs In The Fridge
The fridge will keep them safe from bacteria and other contamination, which can happen if they’re left out at room temperature for too long.
You can store cooked meatballs in a number of ways:
In an airtight container or bag. If you’ve made your own meatballs, store them in an airtight container or plastic bag that’s been coated with cooking spray first (this will help prevent the meatballs from sticking). If you’re using store-bought meatballs, make sure they’re refrigerated after opening and used within two days of purchase.
In a sealed container that has been placed in a bowl or pan of water (the water will keep the meatball cold longer). This method works well for both homemade and store-bought meatballs.
How To Tell When Cooked Meatballs Go Bad
To check the color of cooked meatballs, you can use your eyes and nose. If they’re brown, that’s a good sign that they haven’t spoiled yet. If they’re turning green or blue, then it’s time to toss them in the trash.
Also, if you see any signs of mold on cooked meatballs (like fuzzy white spots), throw them out immediately because that means there are bacteria growing on the surface of your food!
If you want an extra way to tell if your cooked meatballs have gone bad, smell them! You might think this sounds silly but some foods actually smell “off” when they’re no longer safe to eat (for example spoiled milk smells sour). The same rule applies here—if there is any foul odor coming from your uncooked meatballs then toss ’em out!
Another way to tell if uncooked meatballs have gone bad would be through their texture; over time cooked foods tend not only to lose their original taste but also become mushy or soft when left at room temperature too long so keep an eye out for anything similar with yours as well!
3 Tips To Keep Cooked Meatballs Fresh Longer In The Fridge
Tip 1: Wrap cooked meatballs in plastic wrap or place them in a sealed container before storing them in your refrigerator. This will help keep their moisture locked in and prevent them from drying out.
Tip 2: Store your meatballs directly on the top shelf of your refrigerator, where they’ll remain at a temperature just below 40 degrees F (4 degrees C) to help prevent bacterial growth and food poisoning.
Tip 3: Refrigerate within two hours of preparing them. If you can’t get around this rule, consider freezing them instead—this will kill most bacteria that might be present and make it much safer for you to eat the meatballs later on.
Can You Freeze Cooked Meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze cooked meatballs! Since frozen cooked meatballs (whether homemade or store-bought) don’t need to be reheated or baked, freezing them is a convenient way to keep them around for later use.
To freeze cooked meatballs:
Let the meatballs cool and place them in a freezer bag or container. Label and date the bag or container and freeze for up to 6 months.
To thaw frozen cooked meatballs:
Place frozen meatballs in a covered dish and heat in a preheated 350-degree F oven for 15 minutes or until heated through.
Conclusion
Cooked meatballs are one of the most versatile foods on the planet. They can be used for so many different things, from appetizers to main courses. But how long do cooked meatballs last in the fridge? When you’re storing them, it’s important to keep track of their expiration date so you know when they need to be thrown out! Cooked meatballs will last for about 4 days before they start to go bad so be sure to use them before then.
Kate has been in the food business for over 20 years. Worked as a cook at several buffets which include Old Country Buffet, Five Star Buffet, and Ichiban Buffet. Now, I’m mostly at home cooking for my family, caring for chickens and ducks, and tending the garden.
