Shepherd’s pie, also known as cottage pie, is a classic comfort food that consists of seasoned meat and vegetables topped with mashed potatoes and baked in the oven. It’s a delicious dish that takes some time to prepare and cook through fully. So you may be wondering if you can keep shepherd’s pie in the oven overnight after cooking it for dinner, to enjoy the leftovers the next day without having to reheat it. Let’s take a look at whether leaving shepherd’s pie in the oven overnight is safe and advisable.
Is It Safe to Leave Shepherd’s Pie in the Oven Overnight?
In most cases, it is not recommended or safe to leave shepherd’s pie or any cooked food in the oven overnight after it has been baked. There are a few reasons for this:
- Bacteria can grow – Leaving shepherd’s pie or other cooked foods in the oven provides an environment where bacteria, both good and bad, can thrive and multiply quickly. The moist filling and potatoes are breeding grounds for bacterial growth if left overnight in the warm oven, even after cooking to safe internal temperatures.
- Food spoilage risk – Along with bacteria growth, there is an increased risk of food spoilage and mold when leaving shepherd’s pie in the oven overnight. Even in a turned off oven, the food will remain in the “danger zone” between 40°F and 140°F overnight, which promotes spoilage.
- Safety hazard – Having a hot oven or cooked food sitting out all night can also pose a safety hazard, especially if you have small children or pets in the home that could access the oven and get burned.
To prevent food poisoning, it is not recommended to leave any perishable foods out at room temperature for more than 2 hours (1 hour if temperatures are above 90°F). Cooked meat and potato dishes in particular need to be refrigerated within this timeframe. Leaving shepherd’s pie in the warm oven all night exceeds this limit by far. For food safety, it’s best to refrigerate any leftovers within 2 hours of cooking.
Can I Reheat Shepherd’s Pie that’s Been in the Oven Overnight?
While it’s not recommended to leave shepherd’s pie or any food in the oven overnight, if you did so on accident, you may be wondering if it’s still safe to eat. Here are some tips on reheating shepherd’s pie that’s sat in the oven overnight:
- Inspect carefully – Check the shepherd’s pie thoroughly for any signs of spoilage before reheating. Look for mold growth, an unusual smell, or an off coloration or texture.
- Reheat thoroughly – If the dish still looks and smells normal, you can reheat it to 165°F or higher before eating. This helps destroy any bacteria that may have grown overnight.
- When in doubt, throw it out – If you notice any signs of spoilage, mold, or an off smell, it’s best to discard the shepherd’s pie. Do not take risks with potentially contaminated food.
- Refrigerate after – Even if you reheat the shepherd’s pie to high temperatures, it’s important to refrigerate any leftovers immediately after to prevent further bacteria growth.
In general, it’s not worth the risk of foodborne illness to eat food left in the oven overnight. When reheating, the product may not taste as fresh or appealing either. Better to be safe and make a new batch of shepherd’s pie than risk eating spoiled food from the oven.
How to Safely Store and Reheat Leftover Shepherd’s Pie
To safely store leftover shepherd’s pie and enjoy it again later, follow these recommendations:
Refrigerating
- Allow the dish to cool – Let the freshly baked shepherd’s pie cool to room temperature first before refrigerating.
- Store in shallow containers – Divide into small, shallow containers to allow for faster cooling in the fridge.
- Refrigerate within 2 hours – Get the food into the fridge within 2 hours of cooking.
- Use within 3-4 days – Eat refrigerated leftovers within 3-4 days for best quality.
Freezing
- Portion into freezer bags – Divide into meal-sized portions in freezer bags or airtight containers.
- Remove air – Squeeze out excess air before sealing bags to prevent freezer burn.
- Freeze right away – Freeze shepherd’s pie immediately after cooking and cooling.
- Label and date – Note the name of the dish and freeze date on labels.
- Use within 2-3 months – For optimal flavor and texture, consume frozen shepherd’s pie within 2-3 months.
Reheating
- Thaw if frozen – Thaw shepherd’s pie overnight in the fridge before reheating if frozen.
- Use oven or stove – Reheat gently in a 375°F oven or on the stovetop until heated through, about 30 minutes.
- Microwave – Microwave single portions, covered, until hot, stirring halfway.
- Bring to 165°F – Heat to an internal temperature of 165°F or hotter before serving.
- Avoid repeat reheating – Only reheat leftovers once for food safety.
Following these storage guidelines will allow you to keep leftover shepherd’s pie for several days in the fridge or months in the freezer. Reheat using a food thermometer to ensure it reaches safe temperatures.
Tips for Freezing and Reheating Shepherd’s Pie
Freezing is an excellent way to preserve leftover shepherd’s pie to enjoy weeks or months later. Follow these freezing and reheating tips:
Freezing Tips
- Underbake slightly – When initially baking the dish, shave 5 minutes off the cook time before freezing to avoid overcooking when reheated later.
- Cool completely – Let cool to room temperature before freezing so it chills faster.
- Double wrap – Wrap the frozen dish in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Fill air gaps – If freezing in a container, pack with crumpled foil or parchment paper to limit air exposure.
- Press down top – Cover shepherd’s pie with plastic wrap and press down to remove air pockets before freezing.
Reheating Tips
- Thaw first – Thaw shepherd’s pie for 18-24 hours in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat gently – Use a lower oven temperature (325°F) to reheat gently to avoid overcooking.
- Add moisture – Place a small cup of water in the oven or cover with foil to steam and prevent drying out.
- Check temperature – Test the center with a food thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F.
- Boost flavor – Stir in extra chicken or beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, or gravy when reheating if needed.
With proper freezing and reheating methods, leftover shepherd’s pie can retain moisture and flavor almost like it was freshly prepared.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Shepherd’s Pie Storage
While shepherd’s pie leftovers keep well, there are some common mistakes that can lead to spoiled food. Avoid these blunders when storing shepherd’s pie:
- Not cooling before refrigerating – Allowing the dish to sit at room temperature invites bacteria growth.
- Storing in deep containers – This prevents quick cooling in the fridge.
- Using the wrong container – Don’t store in containers that allow air contact and freezer burn.
- Forgetting to label – Undated leftovers can be easily forgotten and spoiled.
- Stacking together – Spread containers out in the fridge and freezer so air can circulate.
- Keeping too long – Even properly stored, eat within 3-4 days in the fridge or 2-3 months frozen.
- Reheating incorrectly – Always reheat fully to 165°F and do not reheat more than once.
Being mindful of these common shepherd’s pie storage mistakes can help maximize the shelf life and safety of enjoying the leftovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you freeze and reheat shepherd’s pie?
Yes, shepherd’s pie freezes and reheats very well. Prepare the dish, let it cool fully, and freeze in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently in a 325°F oven until heated through to 165°F internal temperature.
How long is shepherd’s pie good for in the fridge?
Properly stored shepherd’s pie will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Be sure to cool the dish completely first and store covered in shallow containers. Reheat refrigerated leftovers only once before consuming.
How can you tell if shepherd’s pie is bad?
Signs that shepherd’s pie has spoiled include mold growth, an unpleasant odor, unusual color changes, or an odd texture or sliminess. If reheated, the flavor may also be off. When in doubt, do not risk eating shepherd’s pie you suspect may be bad.
Can you put shepherd’s pie straight from the oven into the fridge?
No, shepherd’s pie and other cooked dishes should be cooled to room temperature first before refrigerating. Hot food can raise the temperature inside the refrigerator, putting other foods at risk. Let the shepherd’s pie cool for 1-2 hours uncovered until it is no longer steaming.
Can shepherd’s pie be reheated in the microwave?
You can reheat individual portions of shepherd’s pie in the microwave. Cover the dish to retain moisture and heat until steaming hot throughout, stirring halfway. Allow microwaved pieces to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Conclusion
Leaving shepherd’s pie or any cooked food in the oven overnight is risky from a food safety standpoint. Bacteria can multiply quickly on perishable foods left in the warm oven for hours. While it’s possible to reheat shepherd’s pie the next day if done carefully, it’s best not to chance it. For enjoyable leftovers, promptly refrigerate or freeze shepherd’s pie within 2 hours after baking. With proper short-term refrigeration and long-term freezing methods, you can safely store shepherd’s pie to reheat and enjoy later without the food safety hazards.