How Long is Ground Turkey Good After Thawed?

Ground turkey is a versatile and healthy meat that can be used in everything from turkey burgers to meatballs, tacos chili, and more. It’s a leaner alternative to ground beef and is a great way to reduce fat and calories in favorite dishes. But like any ground meat, proper storage is essential for food safety. So how long is ground turkey good for after it’s been thawed in the refrigerator? Let’s take a closer look.

Thawing Ground Turkey

Before addressing storage times it’s important to thaw ground turkey safely. Never thaw meat at room temperature or in hot water. This allows bacteria to grow rapidly. The USDA recommends thawing ground turkey and other meats in the refrigerator. For every 5 pounds of weight, allow 1-2 days to thaw. For example a 2 pound package of ground turkey will take about 24 hours to thaw in the fridge.

You can also thaw ground turkey in a leak-proof plastic bag submerged in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until thawed. This method will take 2-3 hours for a 2 pound package. Once thawed, cook immediately and don’t refreeze.

For faster thawing ground turkey can be thawed in the microwave. Use the defrost setting if available. Otherwise microwave at 50% power, stopping to check and redistribute every few minutes. Cook immediately after microwaving.

Refrigerator Storage Times for Thawed Ground Turkey

Once properly thawed in the refrigerator, ground turkey can be stored for 1-2 additional days in the fridge before cooking. Here are some general guidelines:

• 1-2 days: Ground turkey, ground chicken, ground pork
• 3-5 days: Beef roasts, steaks, chops

The exact timeframe depends on a few factors. Meat stored for longer durations should be used sooner. And keep thawed ground turkey stored on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator at 40°F or below.

Some other tips for maximizing fridge storage include:

• Maintain a temperature of 40°F or below. Use a refrigerator thermometer to monitor.
• Place ground turkey on a plate or in a container to catch any juices. This prevents cross-contamination.
• Don’t overcrowd the refrigerator. Cold air must circulate freely.
• After cooking, store any leftovers for 3-4 days. Discard if ground turkey has an off smell, color, or slimy texture.

What About the Sell-By and Use-By Dates?

The sell-by date on ground turkey packaging indicates freshness but isn’t an expiration date. Ground turkey will retain best quality for 1-2 days after this date if continually refrigerated at 40°F or below.

The use-by date is the last date recommended for use at peak quality. So for optimum freshness and flavor, cook or freeze ground turkey by this date.

But as long as ground turkey was properly stored, it should have a shelf life of 1-2 days beyond the use-by date. Although not ideal for the best texture and taste, it’s still safe to cook.

As a general rule, don’t purchase ground turkey if use-by or sell-by dates have already passed. Timely use and freezing of fresh ground turkey soon after purchase is best.

Freezing and Thawing Best Practices

For extended storage, ground turkey can be frozen in an airtight, freezer-safe container or plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible prior to sealing to prevent freezer burn. Ground turkey can be frozen for 3-4 months at 0°F.

The best practice is to freeze before the use-by date, so ground turkey is as fresh as possible. Properly frozen, thawed, and cooked ground turkey is safe indefinitely, according to the USDA. However, quality can diminish over time.

To thaw, place frozen ground turkey on the bottom fridge shelf and allow 1-2 days for every 1-2 pounds. Or use the cold water method, replacing the water every 30 minutes. Cook immediately upon thawing.

For food safety, do not refreeze thawed raw ground turkey. Refreezing increases risks of bacterial growth. Cooked ground turkey can be safely frozen and thawed again if not kept at room temperature more than 2 hours.

Seeing Pink in Cooked Ground Turkey

It’s common to see some pink in cooked ground turkey, even when no longer pink inside. This is not necessarily a safety risk if the internal temperature has reached 165°F as measured by a meat thermometer.

The pink color can come from a reaction between the myoglobin in turkey and either acidic ingredients, temperature fluctuations, or freezing. It’s not usually indicative of undercooking.

For safety and peace of mind, continue cooking until no pink remains. But a little pink inside cooked turkey burgers or meatloaf doesn’t mean you have to throw it out if the temperature was verified at 165°F.

Signs of Spoiled Ground Turkey

Always inspect raw ground turkey before cooking and discard if any signs of spoilage:

• Slimy texture or coating
• Grayish or greenish discoloration
• Unpleasant or sour odor
• Mold growth

Thawed ground turkey that smells bad or feels tacky and sticky should also be discarded. Cooked ground turkey should be thrown away if not consumed after 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Rancid odors, bacterial slime, and molds are visible cues of spoilage and potential foodborne pathogens. When in doubt, throw it out.

Cooking and Handling Tips for Safest Results

Besides proper fridge storage times, handling and cooking ground turkey safely is also key:

• Wash hands, cooking tools, equipment, and surfaces before and after contact with raw turkey. Avoid cross-contamination.
• Cook ground turkey within 1-2 days of refrigerator thawing. Cook frozen turkey immediately after microwave thawing.
• Use a meat thermometer to verify ground turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Don’t rinse raw turkey before cooking. This spreads bacteria everywhere.
• Marinate turkey in the refrigerator, not on the counter or outdoors. Discard used marinade.
• Refrigerate cooked turkey within 2 hours, or 1 hour if outdoor temperatures exceed 90°F. Divide into shallow containers for fast chilling.

Following safe thawing, storage, cooking, and handling recommendations reduces your risks with ground turkey. But ultimately, trusting your sense is important too. If ground turkey ever smells or looks questionable, remember – when in doubt, throw it out!