Ground turkey is a versatile protein that is often used as a healthy alternative to ground beef in a variety of dishes from burgers to tacos to chili. However you use ground turkey, it is important to understand how to store it safely so you can have it available when you need it.
Ground turkey is a lean, versatile meat that can be used in everything from burgers to chili to meatloaf. Freezing ground turkey allows you to buy in bulk when it’s on sale and always have some on hand for quick weeknight dinners. But how long does frozen ground turkey actually last?
This guide will cover everything you need to know about maximizing frozen ground turkey’s shelf life and recognizing when it may be past its prime.
How Long Does Ground Turkey Last in the Freezer?
When stored properly in airtight packaging at 0°F or below, frozen ground turkey can safely last for 3 to 4 months in the freezer before the quality starts to degrade
For best quality and flavor, it’s recommended to use frozen ground turkey within 2 to 3 months. Ground turkey that’s been frozen longer than 4 months may take on freezer burn or develop an off-flavor, although it’s still safe to eat.
To maximize frozen ground turkey’s shelf life:
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Store in air-tight packaging like freezer bags or containers with as much air removed as possible.
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Maintain a constant freezer temperature of 0°F or below.
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Avoid overstuffing the freezer, which can raise the temperature.
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Label packages with the freeze date and use within 2 to 3 months.
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Once thawed, cook within 1 to 2 days.
Following proper freezing procedures allows you to safely store ground turkey for several months. But how do you know if frozen ground turkey has been in the freezer too long?
Signs Frozen Ground Turkey Has Gone Bad
It’s important to check frozen ground turkey for signs of spoilage before cooking. Here’s what to look for:
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Unusual odor – discarded turkey gives off a sour, ammonia-like smell
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Change in color – grayish tones or unnatural hues indicate spoilage
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Texture changes – dried out, flaky, or mushy meat
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Ice crystals or freezer burn – dry, brownish patches on the surface
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Slime formation – slimy texture or film on the meat
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Weird marks – unnatural spots, streaks, or discoloration
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Mold growth – any fuzzy or soft patches on the meat
If you notice any of these red flags upon thawing and inspecting the ground turkey, it’s best to play it safe and discard the meat. Don’t risk eating turkey that may be spoiled.
Thawing Frozen Ground Turkey Safely
Always thaw frozen ground turkey in the refrigerator, not at room temperature. This slow thawing in the fridge over 24 to 48 hours reduces bacteria growth.
You can also submerge sealed ground turkey in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed. Or use the microwave, taking care to cook immediately after thawing.
Once thawed, ground turkey will keep for 1 to 2 days in the fridge. For longer storage, it must be cooked and refrozen.
Can You Refreeze Thawed Ground Turkey?
Previously frozen ground turkey that has thawed in the fridge can be safely refrozen provided it was thawed for no longer than 1 to 2 days.
Any raw ground turkey thawed for longer than 2 days should not be refrozen and should be cooked fully instead. Then the cooked turkey can be frozen.
For optimal quality, it’s best to avoid refreezing raw ground turkey more than once. But refrigerated 1 to 2 days then refrozen, ground turkey will remain safe to eat.
Storing Cooked Ground Turkey in the Freezer
Cooked ground turkey freezes well for 3 to 4 months at 0°F when stored properly in airtight containers. Allow cooked turkey to cool fully before freezing in portioned containers.
For best quality, use frozen cooked ground turkey within 2 months. Reheat fully to 165°F until steaming when ready to eat.
Freezing Ground Turkey Safely
To safely freeze fresh or cooked ground turkey:
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Chill meat thoroughly before freezing.
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Package in freezer bags, plastic wrap, foil, or containers, removing air.
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Portion into usable amounts so you only thaw what’s needed.
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Label with contents and freeze date.
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Freeze immediately at 0°F or below.
Following proper freezing guidelines will preserve ground turkey’s quality and prevent freezer burn.
Tips for Using Frozen Ground Turkey
Frozen ground turkey is endlessly versatile. Here are tips for seamlessly substituting it into recipes:
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Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
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Add a little extra oil when sautéing to prevent sticking.
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Season as desired, adjusting salt to account for freezing.
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Use in any recipe calling for fresh ground turkey like chili, meatballs, burgers, etc.
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Mix with fresh herbs and spices for extra flavor.
With proper storage, handling, and thawing, frozen ground turkey can be enjoyed for 2 to 3 months safely. Follow these tips and your frozen ground turkey will feel as fresh as the day you bought it.
How to Thaw Frozen Ground Turkey?
The three recommended ways for thawing raw turkey are in the refrigerator, submerging in cold water, and in the microwave.
If you have the time, thawing in fridge is my favorite way to thaw raw turkey. I like this method because you don’t lose any quality and all you have to do is place in the fridge and leave it until thawed. Once thawed, it is good in the fridge for 1-2 days.
I usually leave the turkey in the fridge overnight and it is ready to use the next day. However, if you have more than a couple pounds of turkey that you are trying to thaw, I would go by the below USDA guidelines:
- 4 to 12 pounds — 1 to 3 days
- 12 to 16 pounds — 3 to 4 days
- 16 to 20 pounds — 4 to 5 days
- 20 to 24 pounds —5 to 6 days
If you are shorter on time, submerging the turkey in cold water will also get the job done without hurting the quality of your turkey. However, you need to make sure the turkey is tightly wrapped while in the water. While quicker than putting in fridge, it does require a little more work as you need to replace the water every 30 minutes or so until thawed. It also needs to be cooked immediately after thawing. Typically, it takes 30 minutes or so for each pound of turkey. The USDA chart below shows the guidelines for thawing raw turkey in submerged water:
- 4 to 12 pounds — 2 to 6 hours
- 12 to 16 pounds — 6 to 8 hours
- 16 to 20 pounds — 8 to 10 hours
- 20 to 24 pounds — 10 to 12 hours
Microwaving is my least favorite method to thaw turkey because it can make the texture rubbery if not done properly. However, it is the quickest method. Microwaves have a defrost function where you enter the weight and it will automatically set the time required to defrost, asking you to flip halfway through the process. Once defrosted, cook immediately to avoid any bacteria growth.
How Long Does Ground Turkey Last in the Freezer?
While cooked turkey can safely be stored in the freezer indefinitely, it is recommended that you leave it in the freezer no longer than 3 or 4 months as it will begin to lose moisture and flavor after that time.
Raw turkey will also safely keep in the freezer indefinitely. However, I would use within a year to avoid freezer burn.
How long can food stay in your freezer?
FAQ
Does ground turkey go bad if frozen?
Ground turkey can be safely frozen for up to 3 to 4 months while maintaining its best quality. While it may still be safe to eat beyond this time frame, the texture and flavor may deteriorate. To ensure the best quality, it’s best to use airtight packaging or freezer bags to minimize air exposure.
Is 2 year old frozen ground turkey still good?
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Safety first:Freezing at a proper temperature effectively stops bacterial growth, making frozen food safe to eat indefinitely.
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Quality decline:While safe, the quality of the meat may deteriorate over time, leading to a less desirable texture and flavor.
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Check for signs of spoilage:Before cooking, always inspect the meat for discoloration, ice crystals, or unusual smells.
Is a frozen turkey still good after 2 years in the freezer?
It is safe to eat a turkey that has been kept in the freezer for a year – or even for several years. As the US Department of Agriculture points out, foods that are kept constantly frozen at 0°F or lower will keep safe indefinitely.
Is meat still good after 2 years in the freezer?
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Safety:Frozen meat is considered safe to eat even after a long period in the freezer as long as the temperature remains consistently at 0°F or below.
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Quality:While safe, the quality of the meat may deteriorate over time, causing it to become tougher or develop freezer burn, impacting its texture and taste.
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Check before eating:When thawing meat that has been frozen for a long time, inspect it carefully for signs of freezer burn or spoilage before cooking.
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 long will canned pumpkin remain good if it is frozen and then thawed in the fridge?
Pumpkin can stay up to 3 days in the fridge after thawing. The ideal thing is to always use the pumpkin as soon as possible after thawing and avoid storing it in the fridge as you run the risk of microbial contamination and intestinal infection after consuming these foods.
How long can you eat frozen ground turkey?
While ground turkey that has been properly frozen and stored at 0°F (-18°C) or below will remain safe to eat indefinitely, it is recommended to use it within three months for the best quality and taste. Can you freeze ground turkey in its original packaging?
How long does cooked ground turkey last?
Cooked ground turkey will usually stay good for 3 to 4 days in the fridge and 4 months in the freezer. How to tell if raw ground turkey is bad? How long can you eat frozen ground turkey?
Can ground turkey be frozen?
* Place the packages of ground turkey in the freezer as soon as possible after they are cooked. This will help to preserve the quality of the meat. How Long to Freeze Ground Turkey Ground turkey can be frozen for up to 3 months. After 3 months, the quality of the meat will start to deteriorate. How to Thaw Frozen Ground Turkey
How long can you keep cooked ground turkey in the fridge?
Second, cook the ground turkey to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Third, store the cooked ground turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy delicious and nutritious ground turkey dishes all year long.