Asking Google “how-to freeze turkey” this holiday season? Katie Workman, the creator behind The Mom 100, created a guide to prepping your extra turkey for the freezer. Use it over the holidays or any time of year when turkey is on the menu and leftovers are on the to-do list.
Ground turkey is a healthy, versatile meat that can be used in everything from pasta sauce to burgers. Buying it in bulk can save money. But with its short shelf life, many home cooks wonder: can you freeze ground turkey?
The answer is yes! Freezing is an easy way to extend the shelf life of ground turkey for several months Follow these simple steps for freezing and thawing ground turkey safely
How Long Does Raw Ground Turkey Last?
First, let’s review how long ground turkey keeps when properly stored:
- Raw ground turkey in the fridge: 1 to 2 days
- Cooked ground turkey in the fridge: 3 to 4 days
- Raw ground turkey in the freezer: 4 to 6 months for best quality
- Cooked ground turkey in the freezer: 2 to 3 months
As you can see, freezing gives ground turkey way more shelf life compared to refrigeration alone.
Step 1: Prepare the Ground Turkey
Before freezing ground turkey, divide it into meal-sized portions. This makes defrosting easier later.
For raw ground turkey, form it into patties, meatballs, or 1 pound portions For cooked ground turkey, portion into recipe-ready amounts like
- 1 cup crumbles for tacos
- 2 cups for casseroles
- 4 burger patties
Place each portion in a labeled freezer bag or airtight container. This prevents freezer burn.
Step 2: Freeze Promptly
Freeze raw ground turkey within 1-2 days of purchasing for best freshness. Cooked ground turkey should go straight from the stovetop to the freezer within 2 hours of cooking.
Quick freezing prevents moisture loss and quality deterioration. Place packages in the back of the freezer where temperature is most constant.
Step 3: Maximize Shelf Life
For best quality, use frozen ground turkey within:
- Raw: 4 months
- Cooked: 2-3 months
Label bags with the freeze date and use oldest turkey first. Frozen ground turkey keeps indefinitely past these times but the taste and texture decline.
Thawing Frozen Ground Turkey
Always thaw frozen ground turkey in the fridge, cold water, or microwave. Never thaw on the counter.
Safe thawing methods:
- Fridge: Place on a plate to thaw overnight, up to 2 days
- Cold water: Submerge bag in water, changing every 30 mins. About 30 mins per pound.
- Microwave: Microwave at 50% power for 2 mins per pound, flipping halfway.
Ensure turkey is fully thawed before cooking to 165°F.
Delicious Ways to Use Frozen Ground Turkey
Frozen ground turkey lends itself to many easy, family-friendly meals:
- Healthy turkey burger patties
- Turkey & black bean tacos
- Zucchini turkey meatloaf
- Turkey veggie lasagna
- Chili with ground turkey
- Turkey tetrazzini
- Hearty turkey bolognese sauce
Get creative with spices, sauces and produce to give frozen ground turkey new life!
Storing Other Meats in the Freezer
Ground beef and other meats can also be frozen for extended use. Follow similar guidelines:
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Freeze ground beef within 2 days of purchase for up to 4 months quality.
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Portion pork, chicken, lamb, etc.Freeze meats in airtight packaging to prevent freezer burn.
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Defrost slowly in the refrigerator until completely thawed.
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Cook meats thoroughly to safe internal temperatures. Ground meats should reach 160°F.
Answering Common Freezer Meat Questions
Get answers to some frequently asked questions about freezing ground meats:
How long does ground turkey last in the freezer?
Raw ground turkey maintains best quality for 4-6 months in the freezer but remains safe for up to 1 year frozen. Cooked ground turkey keeps for 2-3 months frozen.
Can you freeze ground turkey in its original packaging?
Yes, but for long-term freezing, it’s best to overwrap the original packaging with freezer-safe plastic wrap or foil. This prevents freezer burn.
Why is my frozen ground turkey turning brown?
Color changes can occur in frozen meats but the meat remains safe to eat. Pale or brown colors may be due to lack of oxygen, freezer burn, or long storage times.
How do I thaw ground turkey safely?
Thaw frozen ground meats slowly in the refrigerator, cold water, or microwave. Never thaw at room temperature. Cook thawed ground turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Can you refreeze thawed ground turkey?
Previously frozen raw ground turkey can be safely refrozen if it was thawed in the refrigerator and has not been left at room temperature longer than 2 hours. Cooked, thawed turkey should not be refrozen.
The Takeaway
Freezing ground turkey within 1-2 days of purchase and storing in airtight packaging extends its shelf life for 4-6 months while maintaining quality. Thaw frozen ground turkey slowly in the fridge, cold water or microwave. Cook thawed or frozen ground turkey thoroughly to 165°F before consuming. Follow similar guidelines for freezing ground beef, pork or other meats.
Best Way to Store Leftover Turkey
First, when possible, slice the meat from the bone, and use the bones to make stock. This will allow you to pack your leftover turkey more compactly and reduce the amount of air inside the container. If you want to freeze leftover whole turkey pieces, see below. Any turkey that is not eaten at the original meal should be sealed up and refrigerated within two hours of serving. If your turkey has sat out for significantly longer, it won’t keep as well and may not be food safe.
How Long Can You Freeze Leftover Turkey?
Leftover turkey freezes well for up to six months if properly handled, packed and frozen within three days of the original preparation. However, I like to try and use it within three months for best flavor and texture, and to avoid the possibility of freezer burn.
HOW TO COOK AND FREEZE GROUND BEEF/TURKEY
FAQ
Does ground turkey freeze well?
- You can freeze ground turkey in its original packaging or portion it into smaller amounts.
- Label the package with the date you froze it.
- For longer storage, wrap the original packaging in foil or plastic wrap.
- Freezing inactivates microbes like bacteria, yeasts, and molds.
Can you freeze ground turkey in an original package?
- While it’s safe to freeze meat in its original packaging, the packaging is permeable to air.
- Overwrapping with airtight packaging helps maintain quality and prevent freezer burn.
- If the packaging accidentally tears or opens, you can rewrap it.
- You can also use a vacuum packer to remove air from the bag and reduce the risk of freezer burn.
How do you store raw ground turkey in the freezer?
Fresh, uncooked ground turkey should be frozen within one to two days of purchase, the USDA says. Note that your freezer should be kept at or near -18°C (0° F) to retain your food’s vitamin content, colour, flavour, and texture.
Can you eat 2 year old frozen ground turkey?
Surprisingly, ground turkey will stay fresh in the freezer indefinitely. (At a proper freezer temperature of 0°F, bacteria can’t flourish and spoilage can’t happen.)
Can you freeze a ground turkey?
* Use a freezer-safe container or bag. This will help to prevent the ground turkey from freezer burn. * Label the container or bag with the date. This will help you to keep track of how long the ground turkey has been in the freezer. * Flatten the ground turkey before freezing. This will help to save space in the freezer.
What is the best ground turkey for freezing?
The best ground turkey for freezing is ground turkey that is 93% lean or higher. This will help to ensure that the meat is not too watery and that it will freeze evenly. 2. Form the ground turkey into patties or logs. This will help to prevent the meat from clumping together during freezing.
How long does ground turkey last in the freezer?
Do you like this article? When properly stored in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, ground turkey can last in the freezer for up to 3-4 months. However, for optimal quality, it’s best to use frozen ground turkey within 2-3 months.
How do you store ground turkey in the freezer?
Place each portion in a labeled freezer bag or airtight container. This prevents freezer burn which can make the meat dry out. Next, quickly move the ground turkey from the fridge into the freezer. I like to place it in the back where the temperature is most constant.
Can you eat frozen ground turkey?
As long as frozen ground turkey has been stored properly and has not shown any signs of spoilage, it is safe to eat even if it has been frozen for an extended period. However, its quality may deteriorate over time. 10. Can I freeze ground turkey in individual portions?
Can you freeze ground turkey patties?
To freeze ground turkey in individual portions: 1. Divide the ground turkey into 1- or 2-pound portions. 2. Press each portion into a 1-inch thick patty. 3. Place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. 4. Freeze the patties for at least 2 hours, or until solid.