Made-at-home turkey meatballs taste like your favorite meatball recipe but are lighter because they are made with ground turkey. You can’t have dry meatballs here! These are moist and juicy, made with pantry items, and go great on top of a big bowl of spaghetti. Mangia!.
Turkey meatballs are a lean, flavorful alternative to traditional beef meatballs. But like any perishable food, they require careful storage to maximize freshness So how long do turkey meatballs last in the fridge?
With proper refrigeration, turkey meatballs stay fresh for 3-4 days. However, there are steps you can take to extend their shelf life. This guide covers everything you need to know about storing turkey meatballs.
The Fridge Shelf Life
When kept at a temperature of 40°F or below, turkey meatballs stay safe to eat for 3-4 days This timeframe assumes the meatballs are cooked to a safe internal temperature and stored properly upon cooling
Raw turkey meatballs will only keep 1-2 days in the fridge. Once cooked, the shelf life extends by a few days. Always rely on your senses – if they smell or look off, toss them regardless of storage time.
Proper Storage Matters
To get those 3-4 days of freshness, turkey meatballs must be stored correctly. Leaving them uncovered or loosely wrapped accelerates spoilage.
Instead, place cooked meatballs in an airtight container. Glass or plastic work great. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. Refrigerate immediately after cooking.
You can also tightly wrap meatballs in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Just avoid any air pockets that introduce moisture or odors.
Why Turkey Meatballs Spoil
Two factors lead to turkey meatballs going bad:
- Bacterial growth – bacteria multiply rapidly on perishable foods if not refrigerated. Pathogens can cause illness.
- Oxidation – exposure to air causes degradation of fats and proteins. Meatballs dry out.
Proper storage inhibits both, keeping meatballs safe and moist.
Freezing for Long-Term Storage
While refrigeration preserves turkey meatballs for days, freezing extends shelf life for months. Frozen properly, meatballs last 4-6 months in the freezer.
To freeze:
- Cool cooked meatballs completely, then place in freezer bags or airtight containers.
- Remove as much air as possible. This prevents freezer burn.
- Label bags with contents and freeze-by date.
- Store at 0°F or colder for longest shelf life.
Thawing Frozen Meatballs
Never thaw meatballs at room temperature. Instead:
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator – safest method.
- Microwave using “defrost” setting if in a rush.
- Submerge sealed bag in cold water, changing water every 30 minutes.
Cook thawed meatballs immediately and do not refreeze.
Other Storage Questions
Can you refrigerate uncooked meatballs?
Yes, raw turkey meatballs keep 1-2 days in the fridge. Ensure they remain cold at 40°F or below.
How do you know if cooked meatballs went bad?
Signs turkey meatballs spoiled include mold, sliminess, an off smell, or an unusual color. When in doubt, throw them out.
Should meatballs be stored with sauce?
It’s best to store cooked meatballs without sauce, especially for longer storage. The high moisture content of sauces accelerates spoilage.
Can cooked meatballs be frozen?
Absolutely! Freezing cooked meatballs is recommended for long term storage.
In Summary
- Refrigerate cooked turkey meatballs for 3-4 days maximum
- Store in airtight containers with no air exposure
- Freeze for 4-6 months shelf life
- Thaw using the refrigerator or cold water method
Following proper storage allows you to safely enjoy delicious turkey meatballs without waste. Now you can meal prep and stock up worry-free!
turkey meatballs: 14
meatballs: 10
fridge: 5
cooked: 4
frozen: 4
storage: 4
containers: 3
thaw: 3
freezing: 3
refrigerate: 3
shelf: 2
spoil: 2
bacteria: 2
water: 2
ground: 1
poultry: 1
beef: 1
glass: 1
plastic: 1
wrap: 1
air: 1
pathogens: 1
degradation: 1
bags: 1
sauce: 1
mold: 1
sliminess: 1
odor: 1
color: 1
Why You’ll Love These Baked Turkey Meatballs
- Easy. That’s right, these turkey meatballs are quick to make, just like all of my 30-minute meals. That makes them a hero on busy nights. Baking makes them hands-free!.
- Juicy and Moist. Have you ever been disappointed by bland or, gasp!, dry turkey meatballs? Me too! That’s why I made sure the meat in all of my ground turkey recipes, from Turkey Burgers to Turkey Chili, is tender and moist.
- Simple Ingredients. You probably already have everything you need to make these easy turkey meatballs in your pantry once you have ground turkey and Parmesan in the fridge.
- Pure Comfort. Spaghetti and meatballs are one of the most satisfying foods ever! They always seem to hit the spot, no matter what day it is.
- Makes Plenty. The recipe makes about 20 meatballs, which is enough for a few dinners for our two-person household that likes leftovers or for a small dinner party. If you need more turkey meatballs to feed a lot of people, check out my Crock Pot Turkey Meatballs recipe.
Meal Prep Tip
Having pre-shaped, ready-to-cook meatballs in the freezer is ideal for meal prep.
- Make the meatballs the way the recipe says and put them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Once it’s firm, put it in a container or zip-top bag that won’t let air in. This can be done for up to three months.
- When ready to cook, let thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Brush with oil and bake as directed.
- Marinara Sauce. It’s hard to say no to turkey meatballs in tomato sauce. You can warm the sauce in a small pot on the stove and then serve the meatballs in the sauce, or you can do what we like and warm the sauce in a large skillet as you cook the meatballs.
- Pesto Sauce. Serve these meatballs with Basil Pesto and Pesto Pasta.
- Creamy Sauce. Feel free to use your favorite alfredo sauce instead of the creamy Penne Alla Vodka sauce.
- With Pasta. You can cook your favorite dried pasta or, for a low-carb option, add the meatballs to zucchini pasta or spaghetti squash cooked in the crock pot.
- Over Polenta. Serve meatballs with Creamy Polenta for a rustic, hearty dinner.
- On a Sandwich. Put these meatballs on a hoagie bun with cheese and roll it up like a sub!
- As an Appetizer. Use toothpicks to hold the meatballs on a plate. Serve as an appetizer with a side of sauce to dip them in.
- With Vegetables. Sautéed Zucchini Recipe, Air Fryer Broccoli, or Roasted Mushrooms go well with meatballs for a full meal.
The BEST Baked Turkey Meatballs | LOADED With of Flavor!
FAQ
Can I eat 6 day old meatballs?
How long does ground turkey last after cooked in the fridge?
How to know if meatballs have gone bad?
How to tell if turkey meatballs are off?
How long do cooked meatballs last?
Generally, cooked meatballs will last in the fridge for around 3-4 days. However, it’s important to perform a visual and scent check before consuming them. If the meatballs appear discolored, have a strange odor or texture, or have been kept in the fridge for longer than 4 days, it’s best to discard them. 1. Can cooked meatballs be frozen?
Can cooked meatballs be frozen?
Yes, cooked meatballs can be frozen. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3-4 months, but make sure to store them in an airtight container. 2. Can cooked meatballs be reheated? Yes, cooked meatballs can be reheated. You can reheat them in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop.
Do meatballs need to be refrigerated?
The precise answer to that question depends to a large extent on storage conditions – refrigerate meatballs within two hours of cooking. To maximize the shelf life of cooked meatballs for safety and quality, refrigerate the meatballs in shallow airtight containers or wrap tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
Can you freeze baked Turkey meatballs?
These baked turkey meatballs are so easy to store and freeze for a later time. I love to make a double batch and freeze the leftovers for busy weeknights. In the Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container or sealable zip lock bag. Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
How do you store cooked meatballs?
Cooling: Allow freshly cooked meatballs to cool to room temperature before storing them to prevent condensation inside the container, which can contribute to bacterial growth. Airtight Containers: Use airtight containers or resealable bags to store your meatballs.
Can you eat cooked meatballs straight out of the fridge?
Yes, you can eat cooked meatballs straight out of the fridge. However, it’s recommended to reheat them before consuming to ensure they reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). 7. Can I make a large batch of cooked meatballs and store them in the fridge for the week?