Ground turkey is a versatile protein that is often used as a healthy alternative to ground beef in a variety of dishes from burgers to tacos to chili. However you use ground turkey, it is important to understand how to store it safely so you can have it available when you need it.
Ground turkey is a refrigerator and freezer staple for many home cooks. It’s lean, versatile, and can be used in everything from weeknight dinners to meal prepped lunches. But how long does ground turkey last in the freezer before it goes bad? And what’s the best way to store it for maximum freshness? This article will cover all the details you need for freezing and storing ground turkey.
How Long Does Ground Turkey Last in the Freezer?
When stored properly in airtight packaging, ground turkey can safely be frozen for 3 to 4 months. For best quality and taste, it’s best to cook frozen ground turkey within 2 to 3 months.
Here are some general guidelines for ground turkey freezer life:
- Fresh raw ground turkey: 3 to 4 months
- Cooked ground turkey: 2 to 3 months
- Ground turkey that’s been defrosted: 1 to 2 days in the fridge
The freezer timeframes above are for ground turkey stored at a constant 0°F. If your freezer runs warmer your ground turkey may not last quite as long.
Proper Storage for Ground Turkey in the Freezer
To get the full freezer shelf life out of your ground turkey, it’s important to store it correctly:
- Use air-tight packaging like freezer bags or containers. Vacuum sealing is ideal.
- Remove as much air as possible before sealing.
- Portion into usable amounts so you don’t have to thaw more than needed.
- Label packages with contents and freeze date.
- Freeze ground turkey immediately after purchasing. Don’t leave it in the fridge.
- Maintain a consistent 0°F freezer temperature. Use a thermometer to check.
- Don’t overcrowd the freezer or block air vents.
Following these tips will prevent freezer burn and quality deterioration
How to Know if Frozen Ground Turkey is Still Good
Frozen ground turkey that is stored properly should remain safe to eat for the full 3 to 4 month freezer timeline. However, here are some signs that ground turkey has gone bad and should be discarded
- Unpleasant odor, slimy texture, or sticky liquid when thawed
- Strange color changes like gray, green, or brown hues
- Signs of freezer burn like dry, brown leathery patches
- Ice crystals inside package or turkey feels hard and icy
- Expired use-by date printed on original packaging
Trust your senses – if thawed ground turkey looks or smells off, don’t risk eating it. When in doubt, throw it out.
Thawing and Handling Frozen Ground Turkey
Frozen ground turkey must be thawed safely before cooking. DO NOT thaw at room temperature as this invites bacterial growth. Recommended thawing methods:
- Refrigerator: Place frozen ground turkey in a bowl or pan to catch drips. Thaw for 1-2 days.
- Cold water: Submerge package in cold water, changing water every 30 mins. About 30 mins per pound to thaw.
- Microwave: Follow appliance directions for defrosting. Cook immediately after thawing.
Once thawed, cook ground turkey within 1 to 2 days. It’s generally not recommended to refreeze thawed raw ground turkey unless it was thawed in the fridge and never reached 40°F.
Freezing Cooked Ground Turkey
You can also safely freeze cooked ground turkey meals, casseroles, etc. Here are some tips:
- Let cooked dishes cool completely, about 2 hours.
- Portion into shallow containers and freeze until solid.
- Reheat frozen cooked turkey to 165°F before eating.
- Use within 2 to 3 months for best quality.
The cooking process won’t “reset” the freezer clock if you freeze cooked ground turkey that was already previously frozen.
Creative Ways to Use Frozen Ground Turkey
Beyond burgers and meatballs, here are some unique ways to put that frozen ground turkey to use:
- Add to chili, soups, chilies, and stews for extra protein
- Make turkey breakfast sausage patties or crumbles
- Stuff peppers, mushrooms, or squash boats
- Mix into lasagna, casseroles, and pasta bakes
- Create Mexican-style turkey tacos or burritos
- Whip up healthy turkey meatloaf or meatballs
And don’t forget simple weeknight dinners like turkey skillet dishes loaded with veggies.
Can You Substitute Frozen for Fresh?
Frozen and fresh ground turkey can typically be used interchangeably in recipes, with a few caveats:
- You may need to extend the cook time to ensure frozen turkey browns and cooks through.
- The texture of previously frozen turkey may be a bit more brittle.
- Seasonings might need adjusting since flavors concentrate during freezing.
When adapting recipes, opt for simple seasoning with fresh herbs after cooking for best results with frozen ground turkey.
The Bottom Line
When stored properly in the freezer, ground turkey will keep for 3 to 4 months. For best quality and food safety, use frozen ground within 2 to 3 months. Be sure to check for signs of spoilage and always thaw in the refrigerator, not at room temperature. With proper handling, frozen ground turkey can be an easy, healthy protein option for home cooks.
How to Thaw Frozen Ground Turkey?
The three recommended ways for thawing raw turkey are in the refrigerator, submerging in cold water, and in the microwave.
If you have the time, thawing in fridge is my favorite way to thaw raw turkey. I like this method because you don’t lose any quality and all you have to do is place in the fridge and leave it until thawed. Once thawed, it is good in the fridge for 1-2 days.
I usually leave the turkey in the fridge overnight and it is ready to use the next day. However, if you have more than a couple pounds of turkey that you are trying to thaw, I would go by the below USDA guidelines:
- 4 to 12 pounds — 1 to 3 days
- 12 to 16 pounds — 3 to 4 days
- 16 to 20 pounds — 4 to 5 days
- 20 to 24 pounds —5 to 6 days
If you are shorter on time, submerging the turkey in cold water will also get the job done without hurting the quality of your turkey. However, you need to make sure the turkey is tightly wrapped while in the water. While quicker than putting in fridge, it does require a little more work as you need to replace the water every 30 minutes or so until thawed. It also needs to be cooked immediately after thawing. Typically, it takes 30 minutes or so for each pound of turkey. The USDA chart below shows the guidelines for thawing raw turkey in submerged water:
- 4 to 12 pounds — 2 to 6 hours
- 12 to 16 pounds — 6 to 8 hours
- 16 to 20 pounds — 8 to 10 hours
- 20 to 24 pounds — 10 to 12 hours
Microwaving is my least favorite method to thaw turkey because it can make the texture rubbery if not done properly. However, it is the quickest method. Microwaves have a defrost function where you enter the weight and it will automatically set the time required to defrost, asking you to flip halfway through the process. Once defrosted, cook immediately to avoid any bacteria growth.
How Long Does Ground Turkey Last in the Freezer?
While cooked turkey can safely be stored in the freezer indefinitely, it is recommended that you leave it in the freezer no longer than 3 or 4 months as it will begin to lose moisture and flavor after that time.
Raw turkey will also safely keep in the freezer indefinitely. However, I would use within a year to avoid freezer burn.
How long can food stay in your freezer?
FAQ
Does ground turkey go bad in the freezer?
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Safety:As long as it remains frozen at a proper temperature, ground turkey is safe to eat even if it’s been in the freezer for a long time.
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Quality decline:While safe, the texture and flavor of frozen ground turkey may deteriorate over extended periods in the freezer.
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Check for signs of spoilage:Before cooking, always inspect frozen ground turkey for any signs of discoloration, unusual smells, or freezer burn.
Is frozen ground turkey good after 2 years?
Turkey pieces are best consumed within nine months. Ground turkey can be stored for up to three to four months.Oct 4, 2024
When should you throw out frozen ground turkey?
Frozen ground turkey can maintain its best quality for about 3 to 4 months when stored at 0°F (-18°C) or lower. While it may still be safe to eat beyond this time frame if kept frozen continuously, the quality in terms of flavor and texture may decline.
Is a 2 year frozen turkey safe to eat?
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Food safety:Freezing essentially stops bacterial growth, so a properly frozen turkey can be safe to eat even after several years.
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Quality decline:While safe, the longer a turkey is frozen, the more its texture and flavor can deteriorate due to freezer burn.
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Consider taste:Most experts recommend consuming a turkey within a year for the best quality.
How long is ground turkey good in the freezer?
3-4 months for optimal freshness. Frozen ground turkey is safe for up to 1 year in a freezer but may decrease quality and taste over time. For the freshest taste, it’s best to use within 4 months.
How do you store a frozen ground turkey?
Place the ground turkey in freezer bags or airtight containers. Be sure to leave enough space for the ground turkey to expand as it freezes. 3. Label the bags or containers with the date and type of meat. This will help you keep track of how long the ground turkey has been frozen.
Can you freeze ground turkey?
Yes, you can freeze ground turkey in its original packaging, but for best results, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag to minimize the risk of freezer burn and extend its shelf life. 2. How can I thaw frozen ground turkey safely? How long should you keep meat in the fridge or freezer? – YouTube
How long can you eat frozen ground turkey?
While ground turkey that has been properly frozen and stored at 0°F (-18°C) or below will remain safe to eat indefinitely, it is recommended to use it within three months for the best quality and taste. Can you freeze ground turkey in its original packaging?
How long does cooked ground turkey last?
Cooked ground turkey will usually stay good for 3 to 4 days in the fridge and 4 months in the freezer. How to tell if raw ground turkey is bad? How long can you eat frozen ground turkey?