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 healthy, versatile meat that can be used in everything from weeknight tacos to hearty casseroles. It’s convenient to keep packs of ground turkey in the freezer so you always have some on hand for recipes But how long does frozen ground turkey actually last? Know the shelf life of frozen ground meat to avoid wasting food or eating turkey that’s past its prime
How Long Does Frozen Ground Turkey Last?
Ground turkey that is continuously frozen at 0°F or below can safely be stored in the freezer and remain edible essentially indefinitely. However for optimal flavor and texture it’s best to use frozen ground turkey within the following time periods
- Raw ground turkey: 3-4 months
- Cooked ground turkey: 2-3 months
Ground turkey that is kept frozen for more than these recommended times doesn’t automatically spoil or become unsafe to eat. However, the quality does gradually decline over longer storage periods. The turkey may develop an off-flavor, unappealing odors, or surface drying called freezer burn.
Maximize Freshness When Freezing
Follow these tips to freeze ground turkey for maximum freshness and quality:
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Freeze it ASAP Ground turkey should go straight from the grocery store into the freezer at home Freeze within 1-2 days of purchasing for best results.
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Check the sell-by date: Only freeze ground turkey that is by or before the manufacturer’s sell-by date printed on the packaging.
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Portion it out: Divide ground turkey into recipe-ready portions before freezing so you can thaw only what you need.
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Use freezer bags: Place turkey portions in zip-top freezer bags, removing excess air before sealing. Freezer bags prevent freezer burn.
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Wrap it up: For extra protection, wrap freezer bags of ground turkey in an outer layer of aluminum foil.
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Label it: Mark bags with contents, amount, and freeze date so you know what’s inside and how long it’s been frozen.
Thawing Frozen Ground Turkey Safely
Always thaw frozen ground turkey properly before using it. Safe thawing methods include:
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Fridge thawing: Place frozen ground turkey on a plate to catch drips and thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
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Cold water method: Seal turkey in a bag and submerge in cold tap water, changing water every 30 minutes until thawed. Cook immediately.
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Microwave: Use the defrost setting and cook turkey immediately. Pieces may cook unevenly.
Do not thaw ground turkey on the counter at room temperature or in hot water, as this can cause bacteria to grow rapidly. Cook thawed ground turkey within 1-2 days.
How to Tell if Frozen Turkey Is Bad
Here are signs that frozen ground turkey may have spoiled and is unsafe to eat:
- Unpleasant odors, sliminess, or stickiness
- Discoloration or graying throughout the meat
- Unusual dark or greenish discoloration on surface
- Dry, whitish ice crystals on surface (excessive freezer burn)
- Mold growth anywhere on the turkey
When in doubt, throw it out. Don’t taste questionable turkey to determine if it’s okay. Discard ground turkey with any of these characteristics.
Tips for Freezing Ground Turkey
Follow these best practices when freezing ground turkey:
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Cook ground turkey before freezing for longer shelf life. Cool fully before packaging.
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Stir ground turkey as it thaws and cooks to evenly distribute ice crystals and juices.
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Once thawed, refrigerate and use ground turkey within 1-2 days for safety and quality.
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Use proper food handling practices when preparing raw turkey to avoid cross contamination.
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Wrap frozen ground turkey tightly so no part of the surface is exposed to prevent freezer burn.
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Ground turkey can be safely refrozen once, though the texture may become mushier.
Knowing how long frozen ground turkey lasts takes the guesswork out of food storage. Follow these guidelines for freezing so you always have great-tasting turkey on hand for quick dinners, without waste.
How Long Does Ground Turkey Last in the Refrigerator?
Cooked ground turkey, if stored in an air-tight container, can last 3-4 days in the fridge.
Raw ground turkey can be stored in the fridge for 1-2 days. If you buy from the store, you can go by the expiration date on the package. As long as you don’t open the package you can store in its original packaging. However, if you do open the packaging and use part of the turkey, I would store in an air-tight container.
How to Tell if Ground Turkey is Bad?
Turkey, like other forms of poultry, can grow some dangerous bacteria, such as salmonella, when it begins to go bad. Luckily, your senses will help you when determining whether ground turkey has gone bad.
Ground turkey should have a light pink color with specks of white fat. If it starts to turn a darker color or a yellow color, it is going bad. Also, if you notice any mold or visible change in texture I would also throw it out.
If there is any unpleasant oder to you ground turkey, throw it out. Ground turkey shouldn’t have much of a smell so if you notice anything foul, it has probably gone bad.
If the texture of your ground turkey feels off, get rid of it. In particular, if you notice that your turkey is slimy, unusually dry, or sticky, it has probably gone bad.
Hopefully it doesn’t come to this, but if you don’t notice any unusual appearance, smell or texture but you start eating and it just doesn’t taste right, stop eating and throw it away. The risks of food poisoning are certainly not worth taking a chance. As I always say, when in doubt, throw it out.
How long can food stay in your freezer?
FAQ
Does ground turkey go bad in the freezer?
Is a 2 year frozen turkey safe to eat?
How long is ground turkey good in the freezer USDA?
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Food
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Type
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Freezer [0°F (-18°C) or below]
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Hamburger, ground meats and ground poultry
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Hamburger, ground beef, turkey, chicken, other poultry, veal, pork, lamb, and mixtures of them
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3 to 4 months
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Fresh beef, veal, lamb, and pork
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Steaks
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4 to 12 months
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Chops
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4 to 12 months
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|
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Roasts
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4 to 12 months
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How to tell if ground turkey has gone bad?
How long can a frozen turkey last?
However, while a frozen turkey can remain safe indefinitely, its quality will deteriorate over time. For the best taste and texture, it is recommended to consume the turkey within a specific timeframe. 1. How long can I safely store a whole frozen turkey? A whole frozen turkey can be safely stored for up to one year in the freezer. 2.
What are the health benefits of ground turkey?
Ground turkey has multiple benefits. It is a good source of minerals, and B vitamins, rich in proteins, low in fat and it is lower in calories than common turkey.
How long does ground turkey last in the freezer?
Generally, ground turkey will last for up to three months in the freezer if it is properly packaged in an airtight container or freezer bag. Ground turkey that is properly frozen at 0°F (-18°C) or below will remain safe to eat indefinitely. However, for the best quality and taste, it is recommended to use frozen ground turkey within three months.
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?