How Long Can You Freeze a Roast?

Pot roasts make great leftovers.

Freeze Roasts up to Three Months

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, cooked meat dishes can easily be frozen for up to three months. Roasted meats, whether pork, chicken or beef, can last even longer. Indeed, the U.S. Department of Agriculture says "freezing keeps food safe almost indefinitely." But they recommend a freezing time of up to three months for quality and taste reasons.

Proper Conditions

The FDA guideline for freezing food assumes proper storage and safe freezing conditions. If you believe that your freezer became overheated because it was unplugged or there was a power outage, the roast is best thrown out. Instead of blindly following guidelines, always use common sense, and check the condition of the food.

Bottom Line

Stored under safe freezing conditions, roasted meats will stay good indefinitely. For best taste and quality, however, you will want to consume them within three months.

References

• FDA: Freezer Safety Chart
• USDA: Focus on Freezing