Ground turkey is a healthy alternative to ground beef that can be used in a lot of different dishes, like burgers, tacos, and chili. No matter how you like to use ground turkey, you should know how to store it safely so you can have it when you need it.
Ground turkey is a healthy and versatile meat that can be used in everything from burgers to meatballs to casseroles. But like any raw meat, it’s important to store ground turkey properly to keep it fresh and prevent foodborne illness. So how long exactly can you keep ground turkey in the refrigerator before it goes bad?
Here’s a complete guide to ground turkey refrigerator life plus storage tips to maximize freshness.
Overview of Ground Turkey Fridge Life
In general raw ground turkey that has been refrigerated
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Can be kept for 1 to 2 days after the sell-by date
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Lasts for 3 to 4 days after being cooked
These timeframes assume the ground turkey was purchased fresh and stored at 40°F or below from the start. The clock for fridge life starts as soon as the ground turkey is purchased or prepared.
Freezing is the best method for long-term storage of ground turkey. It will maintain quality for 3 to 4 months in an airtight package in the freezer.
Now let’s discuss proper storage and signs of spoilage in more detail.
How to Store Raw Ground Turkey
To help ground turkey last as long as possible:
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Refrigerate or freeze promptly after purchasing. Don’t leave it sitting out.
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Keep ground turkey in its original packaging until ready to use.
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Place the package on a plate or tray to catch any leaks or drips.
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Store on a lower shelf away from ready-to-eat foods to prevent cross-contamination.
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Follow “use-by” dates and don’t go by color or smell alone. Use within 1 to 2 days after the use-by date.
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Portion out ground turkey into freezer bags for easy thawing if freezing for longer storage. Remove as much air as possible before sealing.
Proper refrigeration at 40°F or below is critical for safety when handling any ground meat like turkey.
How to Store Cooked Ground Turkey
To maximize leftover cooked ground turkey fridge life:
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Let turkey cool completely, then refrigerate within 2 hours in shallow airtight containers. Don’t pack too tightly.
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Avoid overfilling storage containers, which could trap heat and moisture. Leave about 1 inch of space at the top.
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Use cooked ground turkey within 3 to 4 days for maximum freshness and quality.
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Freeze leftovers in dated freezer bags or airtight containers for 2 to 3 months.
Again, keeping cooked turkey refrigerated at safe temperatures is key. Consume leftovers within 3 to 4 days.
Signs Ground Turkey Has Gone Bad
Rely on your senses of sight and smell to determine if ground turkey has spoiled. Signs that ground turkey has gone bad include:
- Grey or green discoloration
- Slimy or tacky texture
- Rancid or sour odor
- Mold growth (especially for cooked turkey)
- Change in consistency, such as very soft or mushy
When in doubt, throw it out! Don’t taste ground turkey that shows signs of spoilage. Following proper fridge storage times can reduce spoilage.
Food Safety Tips for Ground Turkey
Ground poultry is more perishable than whole birds. Follow these tips for food safety:
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Cook ground turkey within 1 to 2 days of purchasing for best quality. Don’t go by the use-by date alone if it’s been in the fridge longer.
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Defrost frozen ground turkey in the refrigerator, not on the counter or in warm water.
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Use an instant-read thermometer to verify ground turkey reaches 165°F internally before eating.
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Refrigerate or freeze any leftovers within 2 hours after cooking. Toss if left out longer.
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When reheating ground turkey, heat it to 165°F again until steaming hot. Bring sauces to a full boil.
Keeping raw or cooked ground turkey at proper temperatures is crucial to prevent bacterial growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about ground turkey refrigerator shelf life:
How can you tell when ground turkey is bad?
Signs include an off smell, slimy texture, and unnatural coloration. Don’t taste meat that looks or smells questionable.
Does ground turkey expire?
Ground turkey doesn’t necessarily expire after the use-by date, but its quality and freshness will decrease. Use within 1 to 2 days past the printed date.
Can you refreeze raw ground turkey?
It’s not recommended to refreeze raw ground turkey that has thawed. Use within 1 to 2 days after defrosting in the fridge.
Is it safe to use discolored ground turkey?
No. Discoloration signals spoilage. Grounds meats should not be consumed if they are grey, green, or show other off colors.
Can you freeze already cooked ground turkey?
Yes. Refrigerate fully until cool, then store cooked ground turkey in the freezer. It will keep well for 2 to 3 months frozen.
How long can you keep ground turkey in the freezer?
Raw ground turkey maintains best quality for 3 to 4 months in the freezer. Cooked ground turkey lasts 2 to 3 months frozen.
The Takeaway on Ground Turkey Fridge Life
When stored properly in the fridge, raw ground turkey will last for 1 to 2 days past the printed use-by date, and cooked turkey keeps for 3 to 4 days. For long-term storage, freeze ground turkey.
Always rely on your senses, not the date alone, and look for signs of spoilage. Proper cooking and refrigeration are essential for ground poultry safety. Following these simple guidelines will keep ground turkey fresh longer and reduce waste.
How to Tell if Ground Turkey is Bad?
When turkey or other poultry starts to go bad, it can grow bacteria that are bad for you, like salmonella. Luckily, your senses will help you when determining whether ground turkey has gone bad.
Ground turkey should have a light pink color with specks of white fat. If it starts to turn a darker color or a yellow color, it is going bad. Also, if you notice any mold or visible change in texture I would also throw it out.
If there is any unpleasant oder to you ground turkey, throw it out. Ground turkey shouldn’t smell bad, so if you smell something bad, it’s probably gone bad.
If the texture of your ground turkey feels off, get rid of it. Most likely, your turkey has gone bad if you notice that it is slimy, unusually dry, or sticky.
If you don’t notice anything strange about the way something looks, smells, or feels, but it doesn’t taste right when you start to eat it, stop and throw it away. The risks of food poisoning are certainly not worth taking a chance. As I always say, when in doubt, throw it out.
Thawing Cooked Ground Turkey
My favorite way to thaw ground turkey is in the oven. Take a frozen turkey and wrap it in foil. Then, put it on a cookie sheet or casserole dish and heat the oven to 300 degrees. I would check every 20 minutes or so depending on how much you have.