How Many Hours to Cook a 13 lb Stuffed Turkey for a Perfectly Roasted Feast

Cooking a stuffed turkey for holidays and special occasions can seem daunting, especially when it comes to figuring out the right cooking time. With a 13 lb turkey on your hands, you want to make sure you roast it long enough so it’s cooked through, but not so long that it dries out. I’ll walk through exactly how many hours you need to cook a 13 lb stuffed turkey in the oven to get a juicy, delicious result.

Time Per Pound Guidelines

As a general rule of thumb, you should calculate roasting time for a stuffed turkey at 15 minutes per pound at 350°F. This means for a 13 lb turkey, the estimated roasting time would be about 3 hours and 45 minutes. However, there are a few additional factors that can affect cooking time:

• Turkey shape: Turkeys can vary in shape, which impacts how quickly and evenly they cook. More rounded or “plump” turkeys may take a bit longer per pound.

• Degree of stuffing: A turkey stuffed to the max will require more time to cook through than one that’s lightly stuffed. The extra insulating stuffing slows down the cooking.

• Oven accuracy: Ovens may run hot or cold, so your 350°F could be a bit off. Always use an oven thermometer to verify temperature.

Because of these potential variances, I recommend verifying doneness by temperature rather than time.

Use a Meat Thermometer for Accuracy

While time guidelines provide a ballpark estimate, the only way to definitively know when your stuffed turkey is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Here are the target internal temperatures:

• 165°F in the stuffing Since stuffing is stuffed into the cavity, it takes longer to heat through

• 170°F in the breast The breast cooks more quickly than the thighs and legs

• 175°F in the thighs/legs The dark meat needs to reach the highest temperature

For a 13 lb turkey, I’d recommend starting checking temperature after about 3 hours, then checking every 30 minutes until it hits the targets. The turkey should stand for at least 15 minutes before carving to allow juices to settle.

Keep in mind that the temperature will rise about 5°F while it rests, so you can pull it when it’s 5 degrees below the target temperature.

Add 30 Minutes If Fully Stuffed

If you really packed the stuffing into every nook and cranny of the turkey, add about 30 minutes onto the total roasting time. With a fully stuffed 13 lb turkey, plan on around 4 hours 15 minutes of roasting time. The densely packed stuffing will act as insulation, slowing the cooking process.

Monitor the temperature closely, and if the stuffing and breast have hit 165°F but the thighs are lagging behind, tent foil over the breast area only to prevent overcooking while you wait for the thighs to finish.

my recommendation

For a 13 lb stuffed turkey, for best results I recommend:

• Calculate 15 minutes per pound = 3 hrs 45 minutes total time.

• Check temperature starting at 3 hour mark.

• Cook until stuffing is 165°F, breast 170°F, and thighs 175°F.

• Allow to rest at least 15 minutes before carving.

• Add 30 minutes to time if tightly stuffed (so around 4 hours 15 minutes).

• Use a meat thermometer for most accurate doneness.

• Tent breast at end if needed to prevent overcooking.

Following these tips will help ensure your 13 lb bird is cooked through without drying out. Let the turkey rest before serving so juices have time to redistribute throughout the meat. Now relax and enjoy your perfect stuffed turkey!

FAQs About Cooking a 13 lb Stuffed Turkey

Should I cook stuffing separately?

Cooking stuffing inside the turkey adds great flavor. Just make sure to check its temperature separately from the turkey meat, as it takes longer to cook through.

Can I speed up cooking time?

Cooking at a higher temperature like 375°F can decrease cooking time slightly, but may result in drier, overcooked meat. Slow roasting at 325°F is ideal for keeping the turkey extra moist and tender.

When should I start my 13 lb turkey?

I recommend roasting your stuffed turkey for about 1 hour at 350°F per 2 lbs of weight. So for a 13 lb turkey, start it about 6 1/2 hours before you want to eat. Then you’ll have time for it to rest before carving and serving.

Should I tent with foil at the start or end?

Tenting at the beginning helps retain moisture. Tenting just the breast later in cooking prevents overcooking. Do both for best results!

Can I make turkey ahead of time?

Absolutely! Cook it, let cool completely, carve, and refrigerate in shallow containers up to 4 days ahead. Reheat gently in oven or microwave before serving.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover turkey?

Slices of cooked turkey can be reheated in the microwave, wrapped in foil in a low oven, or added to soups, salads, and casseroles. Take care not to overcook already-cooked meat.

The Takeaway on Cooking a 13 lb Stuffed Turkey

Allow about 4-4 1/2 hours of roasting time for a 13 lb stuffed turkey cooked at 350°F. But don’t rely solely on time – always check internal temperature in multiple spots to determine doneness. For optimal flavor, moisture, and food safety, let your turkey rest before carving. Follow these tips and you’ll have a perfectly cooked stuffed turkey ready for an amazing holiday meal.