freezing bolognaise

[filthiestfis]

I made a bolognaise 2 days ago and have kept it in the fridge so far, but its too much, so I want to freeze half of it. Is it still ok to freeze it?

[Buenchico]

I frequently buy discounted chilled prepared meals (i.e. the stuff which has reached it's sell-by date) from supermarkets and then freeze them. Those meals have been in the chiller cabinet for several days or more before I purchase them but nobody puts stickers on them reading "Danger of death! Do not freeze! You have been warned!" If those prepared meals are safe to freeze after, typically, a week or so, I can't see why you should worry about freezing your bolognaise after a couple of days.

The only exception might be if you used frozen mince. The 'experts' always say that you shouldn't freeze things made with previously-frozen ingredients. However, that would apply even if you wanted to freeze it as soon as you'd made it.

Chris

[filthiestfis]

Good to see you in the Food section Buenchico!
YES, I too regularly buy discounted meals etc from supermarkets on their Use By date and then freeze it, have done so for years, and nothings happened. I used fresh strak mince, not frozen.
The only thing is that these meals that sit in the supermarket for a week-I imagine-contain preservatives, and my bolognaise does not!

[rabbitygirl]

Currently recovering from food poisoning from holiday abroad. Have never managed to poison myself despite often buying reduced well chosen stuff. ' If in doubt throw it out' has served me well or I should say - pardon this - go with your gut feeling!!!!

[whiffey]

Just 2 days in the fridge should be fine. If it has not been lying around at room temperature uncovered then how could anything untoward have got into it. If you consider it safe to eat, then it's safe to freeze and will probably taste the better for it.

[ethandron]

the thing about not refreezing previously frozen mince doesn't count once the frozen mince (or any meat) has been cooked. you are safe to freeze the cooked mince (or meat). if you see what i mean!

[kaztuz]

Too many people throw food out nowadays because it has reached its use by date, years ago people had to use their smell and taste to see if something was ok to eat still. As long as food is stored correctly by covering and keeping at the right temperature then it should last quite a long time. I regularly use skimmed milk, cream, creme fraiche and yoghurt that is several days past its use by date, I always smell it and as long as its smells ok I will have a little taste and then use it and its never done me any harm. I know prepacked food has lots of preservatives in it thats why it lasts longer, but fresh food should last just as long and is much healthier for you.