Ground turkey is a highly versatile and healthy meat that can be used in many delicious recipes. If you’ve recently bought a couple packs from your local butcher, you need to know how long does ground turkey last in the fridge? Or should you just pop it into the freezer?
It typically lasts in the fridge for two to three days. If it’s already cooked, it can last up to four days.
Frozen ground turkey remains safe to eat indefinitely if it’s stored the right way. However, it’s recommended to thaw and cook it within four months of freezing.
Ground turkey is a healthy versatile meat that’s great for quick dinners and meals prepping. But like any raw meat proper storage is crucial for food safety. Understanding how long ground turkey lasts after the use by date can help reduce waste while avoiding foodborne illness.
When refrigerated properly ground turkey will stay fresh for 1-2 days past the printed use by date. Frozen ground turkey keeps 3-4 months if stored at 0°F. Follow these tips to safely maximize ground turkey’s shelf life.
What Does the Use By Date Mean?
The use by date indicates the last date recommended for peak quality and freshness. It’s not an absolute expiration date but a general guideline for optimal flavor and texture.
Ground turkey may still be edible for a short period if stored correctly. But its quality declines over time, so it’s best to cook or freeze ground turkey by the use by date.
How Long After the Use By Date is Ground Turkey Good?
You can safely use refrigerated ground turkey:
- 1-2 days past the use by date
- Provided it’s kept at 40°F or below
- And there are no signs of spoilage
Frozen ground turkey keeps 3-4 months past its use by date if properly stored at 0°F. Cook within 1-2 days after thawing for best quality.
Discard ground turkey that is discolored, slimy, or smells unpleasant regardless of the date. Don’t take chances with spoiled meat.
Proper Refrigeration and Freezing
To safely extend ground turkey’s shelf life:
-
Refrigerate in original packaging or airtight containers at 40°F or below. Use within 1-2 days of the use by date.
-
Freeze at 0°F or below for up to 4 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
-
Divide large packages into smaller portions before freezing.
-
Don’t thaw on the counter – bacteria multiply rapidly at room temperature.
Signs Ground Turkey Has Spoiled
Rely on your senses to determine if ground turkey is bad:
-
Unpleasant sour odor
-
Gray or green discoloration – should be pink or light brown
-
Slimy, sticky texture – should not be slippery
-
Past use by date
-
Improperly stored – temperature changes accelerate spoilage
When in doubt, throw it out. Don’t risk eating spoiled meat.
Cooking Ground Turkey After the Use By Date
It’s unsafe to eat ground turkey beyond 1-2 days past the use by date, even if it looks and smells normal. Bacteria like salmonella and E. coli can be present and their toxins persist after cooking. Don’t rely solely on appearance or odor.
Freezing Ground Turkey Near Its Use By Date
Ground turkey that’s been continually refrigerated can be frozen up to 2 days past its use by date. Freeze in airtight packaging.
Previously frozen ground turkey can be refrozen if it hasn’t spoiled and has been kept cold. Cook within 1-2 days after thawing for best freshness. But do not refreeze turkey that’s been fully thawed.
Using Up Ground Turkey Before It Spoils
-
Cook within 1-2 days after the use by date. Refrigerate leftovers for 3-4 days.
-
Cook turkey for freezer meals like chili, meatballs, burgers.
-
Brown ground turkey and freeze for later recipes. Remember to thaw in the fridge before cooking.
Always label packages with contents and dates before freezing. Follow good food safety practices when preparing turkey.
The Takeaway
With proper refrigeration and freezing, ground turkey can safely be eaten 1-2 days past its printed use by date. But if there are any signs of spoilage, discard it. Using ground turkey promptly optimizes its freshness, quality, and safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you tell if thawed ground turkey is bad?
Signs that previously frozen ground turkey has spoiled include a foul odor, slimy texture, and unnatural coloration. Discard if questionable.
What temperature should frozen ground turkey be stored at?
Store frozen ground turkey at 0°F or below to maintain quality for 3-4 months past its use by date.
Can you eat ground turkey 5 days after use by date?
It’s not recommended to eat refrigerated ground turkey more than 1-2 days past its use by date, even if properly stored. The risk of foodborne illness increases over time.
Does cooking kill bacteria in spoiled ground turkey?
While thorough cooking kills bacteria, toxins left by bacteria can’t be destroyed by heat. Eating spoiled turkey can still cause food poisoning.
Can I make turkey burgers the day after thawing ground turkey?
For food safety, it’s best to cook thawed ground turkey within 1-2 days. Make patties then refrigerate immediately until cooking. Discard used marinade.
Properly storing and freezing ground turkey allows it to be safely enjoyed past its use by date while retaining quality. Follow these guidelines to maximize shelf life and reduce waste!
How Long Does It Last In The Fridge?
Raw ground turkey typically lasts in the fridge for 2 to 3 days past its use-by date. Always look and smell your meat when you open the packaging to make sure all of the clues still point that it’s safe to eat.
It can sometimes be safe to eat after 4 days if it’s tightly sealed and refrigerated, but make sure its still good before using it.
How Long Does It Last In The Freezer?
If you’ve bought a large amount of ground turkey, you’re probably not going to use all of it within the recommended three days. So, your best and safest storage option is to freeze it.
Storing it in the freezer correctly extends its useful life almost indefinitely; however, you’ll get the best results if you use it within four months of its freezing date if you want it to have the same taste, texture, and freshness as the day you bought it.