Freezing meat is something Ree Drummond loves to do (she lives way out on the ranch, after all!). Plus, you won’t have to make as many trips to the store if you buy chicken, steak, or ground beef in bulk and freeze it. But it happens to everyone: you thawed some steak to use in a tasty steak dinner recipe, but you forgot to cook it. Now you’re wondering if you can refreeze the meat. Is it okay to just put it back in the freezer for another time?
Just like freezing cheese, the answer is a little complicated and depends on a few factors. Keep reading to find out if you can refreeze meat and the best ways to do it. Just one more thing: make sure your freezer is at 0˚ or below before putting anything in it.
Can You Refreeze Ground Turkey? The Complete Guide
Ground turkey is a healthy and versatile meat that can be used in everything from burgers to tacos It’s an affordable alternative to ground beef and often purchased in bulk when on sale But what if you can’t use all the ground turkey before it expires? Is it safe to refreeze?
The short answer is yes, you can safely refreeze raw ground turkey if it has been handled properly However, there are important guidelines to follow for optimal quality and food safety In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about refreezing ground turkey, including
- Can You Refreeze Ground Turkey?
- Proper Storage Timelines
- How to Freeze Ground Turkey
- Thawing Ground Turkey Safely
- Refreezing Thawed Ground Turkey
- Cooking Refrozen Ground Turkey
- The Effects of Refreezing on Quality
- Tips for Refreezing
- What to Do With Leftovers
Follow these tips for safely freezing, thawing, and refreezing ground turkey without worry.
Can You Refreeze Ground Turkey?
Yes it is safe to refreeze raw ground turkey as long as it was thawed properly in the refrigerator. Ground turkey thawed at room temperature or in cold water should not be refrozen.
Here are some other ground turkey refreezing guidelines:
- Refreeze turkey within 1-2 days of thawing in the refrigerator. The sooner it is refrozen, the better.
- Do not refreeze turkey left out at room temperature for over 2 hours.
- Do not refreeze cooked ground turkey. Raw meat is safer for refreezing.
- Only refreeze turkey once. The texture will degrade after multiple freezings.
As long as the raw ground turkey was thawed slowly and properly in the fridge, refreezing it quickly is perfectly safe.
Proper Storage Timelines
To maintain top quality, properly store ground turkey:
- Store fresh ground turkey for 1-2 days max in the refrigerator.
- Freeze fresh ground turkey within 1-2 days of purchasing for maximum freshness.
- Once thawed in the fridge, use ground turkey within 1-2 days.
- Cook thawed ground turkey immediately if not using right away.
- Use frozen ground turkey within 4 months for best flavor and texture.
Following these storage guidelines will help keep ground turkey safe and prevent waste.
How to Freeze Ground Turkey
To freeze ground turkey safely:
- Make sure turkey is fresh. Turkey about to expire should be cooked first before freezing.
- Separate into portions in freezer bags or airtight containers.
- Remove as much air as possible and seal bags tightly.
- Label with contents, amount, and freeze date.
- Spread in single layer on a baking sheet until firm before packaging.
- Lay packages flat in the freezer to thaw faster later.
Proper freezing keeps ground turkey fresh longer and prevents freezer burn.
Thawing Ground Turkey Safely
Always thaw frozen ground turkey in the refrigerator, not on the counter or in hot water. Here are guidelines for safe thawing:
- Place frozen ground turkey on a plate to catch drips.
- Allow 24 hours per pound to thaw turkey completely in the fridge.
- Cook immediately if not using within 1-2 days of thawing.
- Do not refreeze turkey after it has completely thawed.
Microwaving frozen ground turkey can create hot spots while room temp thawing promotes bacterial growth. Fridge thawing is best.
Refreezing Thawed Ground Turkey
Previously frozen raw ground turkey thawed in the fridge can be safely refrozen, although the quality declines slightly. Follow these tips:
- Refreeze thawed turkey within 1-2 days for best quality.
- Only refreeze turkey thawed in the refrigerator once.
- Reseal packages properly, removing excess air.
- Use refrozen ground turkey within 2-3 months.
As long as ground turkey was thawed slowly in the fridge, refreezing it quickly is safe.
Cooking Refrozen Ground Turkey
Take extra care when cooking meat that was previously frozen:
- Cook refrozen ground turkey thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Check for doneness with a food thermometer, not by color.
- Allow more time for cooking, as frozen meat takes longer.
- Defrost turkey thoroughly before cooking for even heat distribution.
- Discard turkey if it has an off smell or odd texture after thawing.
Cooking refrozen turkey thoroughly kills any bacteria that may have developed and makes it safe to eat.
The Effects of Refreezing on Quality
Refreezing ground turkey does affect the taste, texture, and moisture content:
- Multiple freezings create ice crystals that damage the cell structure.
- More moisture is lost, making the turkey dry out faster during cooking.
- The texture becomes slightly softer and mushier.
- The flavors dull a bit compared to fresh turkey.
While refreezing does sacrifice some quality, it does not make the turkey unsafe if done properly.
Tips for Refreezing
Follow these useful tips for successfully refreezing ground turkey:
- Only refreeze raw turkey thawed in the refrigerator once.
- Refreeze thawed turkey as soon as possible, within 1-2 days at most.
- Reseal packages tightly before returning to the freezer.
- Label with new freeze date so you know the age.
- Use refrozen turkey within 2-3 months for optimal freshness.
- If cooked, use refrozen turkey within 3-4 days.
What to Do With Leftovers
For cooked ground turkey leftovers, use them within 3-4 days in casseroles, soups, salads, and more. Some tasty options include:
- Turkey veggie soup
- Turkey & rice stuffed peppers
- Turkey noodle skillet bake
- Buffalo turkey lettuce wraps
- Turkey Southwest quinoa bowls
With proper handling, ground turkey can be safely frozen and refrozen multiple times. Be sure to thaw in the refrigerator, refreeze quickly, and cook thoroughly. Follow these simple guidelines for enjoying quality ground turkey from the freezer.
Can you refreeze meat after thawing?
According to the USDA, meat should be thawed in the refrigerator and never at room temperature. If you didnt thaw your meat in the fridge, you should toss it and not refreeze it. If you did thaw it in the fridge, then you can refreeze the meat as long as it hasnt been sitting in the fridge for too long after it thawed (the longer the thawed meat sits, the longer bacteria has to form on it). If the meat has thawed and has been sitting in your fridge longer than 36 hours, we dont recommend refreezing it.
Why is it bad to freeze meat twice?
If the meat is raw, then follow the guidelines above. People who have already cooked meat should not thaw and then freeze it again because they will lose a lot of the texture and flavor. Also, don’t freeze or re-freeze meats that have been at room temperature for more than two hours or at 90˚ or higher for more than one hour.
What happens if you refreeze a thawed turkey?
FAQ
Can I refreeze thawed ground turkey?
Can you refreeze ground meat after thawing?
What foods cannot be refrozen after thawing?
Why can’t you refreeze defrosted meat?
Can You refreeze ground turkey?
Yes, you can refreeze ground turkey as long as it has been thawed in the refrigerator and has not been left out at room temperature for more than two hours. However, it is important to note that the quality of the ground turkey will deteriorate each time it is frozen and thawed. How to properly freeze ground turkey
Can thaw ground turkey be refrigerated?
However, it is important to note that the quality of the ground turkey will deteriorate each time it is thawed and refrozen. For best results, thaw ground turkey in the refrigerator and cook it within two days. How do I thaw ground turkey? There are three safe ways to thaw ground turkey:
How do you Thaw a frozen turkey?
One of the best ways to defrost ground turkey is by using the refrigerator method. To do this, place the frozen ground turkey in a bowl on the bottom shelf of your fridge. Allow the turkey to thaw for 12 to 24 hours, and be sure to use it within 48 hours of thawing. How to thaw and use frozen ground turkey correctly?
Can you freeze cooked turkey?
When freezing turkey, or any other type of meat, try to get it in the freezer as quickly as you can after cooking it. Although it is safe to store cooked turkey in the refrigerator for 3 days, doing so might dry it out, which is something you wouldn’t want. Therefore, for best results, freeze it as soon as it is cool enough. 2. Freeze As A Dish
How long can ground turkey be frozen?
The ideal temperature to preserve the quality and safety of frozen ground turkey is 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-17.78 °C). Ground turkey can be stored in the freezer for up to four months before it needs to be used. To ensure that you consume the meat within this time frame, consider labeling your ground turkey packages with the freezing date.
How do you store ground turkey in a freezer?
Freezer bags: Heavy-duty freezer bags are an excellent choice as they are made to withstand freezing temperatures. Plus protect the meat from freezer burn. Original packaging: You can keep ground turkey in its original packaging but adding an extra layer of protection. Like a freezer bag or aluminum foil, is recommended.