Spaghetti sauce with meat that has been properly stored in the fridge will usually last 3-5 days. However, there are a few factors that can affect how long it stays fresh and safe to eat:
Ingredients
The ingredients in the sauce will impact its shelf life. Sauces with a higher fat or dairy content will spoil faster. Meat and vegetable-based sauces with less fat will generally last longer.
Preparation
– Homemade vs. store-bought: Homemade sauces won’t last as long since they don’t contain as many preservatives. Store-bought jarred sauce can last 1-2 weeks past the “best by” date.
– Cooked vs. uncooked: Cooked sauces have a shorter shelf life than uncooked ones. The cooking process introduces more opportunities for bacteria growth.
– Thickness: Thinner sauces will spoil faster than thick, chunky sauces. More moisture allows bacteria to thrive.
Storage
Proper storage is key for maximizing how long spaghetti sauce will last:
– Fridge temperature: Store sauce at 40°F or below. The colder the better.
– Container: Use an airtight container instead of the original jar or can. Transferring to a container with less air exposure helps prevent mold.
– Portioning: Dividing sauce into smaller portions that require less time to reheat after opening also extends its life.
– Freezing: Frozen sauce keeps for 2-3 months. Make sure to leave room for expansion.
Signs it’s Gone Bad
Watch for these signs that spaghetti sauce should be tossed:
– Mold or fuzzy growth anywhere
– Separation, watery texture, or oil on the surface
– Off odors, especially sour or unpleasant smells
– Unnatural color changes or dark spots
– A film or bubbly froth when heated
– Expired “use by” or “best by” dates
Maximizing Shelf Life
Follow these tips to get the most mileage out of homemade or store-bought spaghetti sauce:
– Use clean utensils and cookware when preparing homemade sauce.
– Quickly refrigerate or freeze sauce after cooking. Don’t let it cool on the counter.
– Ensure even cooking temperatures when making sauce — bring to a full boil.
– Check for dents, damage, or swelling of jarred sauce before opening.
– Remove sauce from the can; don’t store or reheat sauce in the can.
– Keep the lid tightly sealed on the jar or storage container.
The Final Word
When stored properly in an airtight container, spaghetti sauce with meat will keep for 3-5 days in the refrigerator. Sauce with lower moisture content and less dairy will have a longer shelf life. Keep sauce refrigerated at 40°F or below and watch for signs of spoilage like mold, off smells, or separation. For maximum freshness, homemade and opened jarred sauce can be frozen for 2-3 months. With proper handling and storage, you can safely enjoy spaghetti throughout the week!