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 and versatile protein that can be used in many delicious recipes like chili meatballs, and more. However, raw ground turkey is perishable and has a relatively short shelf life. So how long can you safely store raw ground turkey in the fridge before it goes bad?
Overview of Raw Ground Turkey Storage Times
The shelf life for raw ground turkey depends on whether it is opened or unopened
- Unopened raw ground turkey can last 1-2 days past the sell by date in the fridge.
- Once opened, raw ground turkey can last 1-2 more days in the fridge.
So for maximum freshness and food safety, raw ground turkey should be used within 1-2 days of purchasing it. If you won’t use the ground turkey within a couple days, it should be frozen for longer term storage.
Properly stored, raw ground turkey can last 3-4 months in the freezer. Thawed ground turkey can last 3-4 more days in the fridge before cooking. And cooked ground turkey keeps 3-4 days in the fridge.
Tips for Maximizing Raw Ground Turkey Fridge Life
Here are some tips for storing raw ground turkey to extend its fridge life
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Keep ground turkey in its original packaging until ready to use. Re-wrap or seal leftovers in airtight containers or bags. This prevents premature exposure to air and bacteria.
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Place ground turkey on a plate or in a container on the bottom shelf of the fridge, which is the coldest area.
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Set your refrigerator below 40°F. Colder temperatures slow bacteria growth.
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Use ground turkey within 1-2 days of purchasing or opening. Don’t exceed the use-by dates recommended above.
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Freeze raw ground turkey if you won’t use it within 2 days. Portion it into amounts you’ll use in one recipe before freezing.
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Store cooked ground turkey only 3-4 days in the fridge, even if it was previously frozen. Don’t freeze cooked turkey more than 2-3 months.
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When thawing frozen raw turkey, keep it in the fridge 24-48 hours or under cold running water 1 hour. Cook immediately after thawing.
How to Tell if Raw Ground Turkey Has Gone Bad
Despite proper storage, raw ground turkey may still spoil. Signs that indicate ground turkey has gone bad include:
- Sliminess or stickiness
- Unpleasant sour or ammonia-like smell
- Gray, brown, or green discoloration
- Mold growth
Don’t taste meat if you suspect it has spoiled. Safety comes first. When in doubt, remember the old adage – “When in doubt, throw it out!”
Dangers of Eating Spoiled Ground Turkey
Eating spoiled raw or cooked ground turkey can cause foodborne illness. Potential symptoms include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea.
Certain high-risk groups like young children, elderly, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable to severe symptoms and complications. So it’s especially important for them to avoid spoiled meats.
To stay safe, promptly refrigerate turkey after purchasing, monitor fridge temps, follow recommended storage times, check for signs of spoilage, and discard expired meat. When unsure about the safety, it’s best to discard ground turkey. The risk of food poisoning isn’t worth taking a chance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I thaw ground turkey safely?
Thaw frozen ground turkey by placing it in the refrigerator 24-48 hours before cooking. You can also submerge sealed packages in cold water, changing water every 30 minutes until thawed. Defrost only what you’ll cook immediately.
Can I refreeze raw ground turkey after thawing?
Once thawed, raw ground turkey can be refrozen but quality may decline. It’s best to cook ground turkey instead of refreezing. Freeze cooked turkey only once; don’t thaw and refreeze multiple times.
What temperature should ground turkey be cooked to?
Cook raw ground turkey thoroughly to a safe internal temperature of 165°F. Check temperature with a food thermometer in thickest part. The meat should not have any pink color.
How do I store cooked ground turkey?
Refrigerate cooked ground turkey in shallow airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Use within 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions for easy thawing and use within 2-3 months.
Can I freeze raw ground turkey in its original packaging?
Yes, you can freeze raw ground turkey in its original sealed packaging for optimal freshness. This prevents exposure to air and freezer burn. Label packages with freeze date and use within 3-4 months.
What causes ground turkey to turn gray?
Raw ground turkey can turn gray due to oxidation when myoglobin in meat is exposed to air. This doesn’t necessarily mean the meat has spoiled but it may have an unappetizing appearance. For best color, use ground turkey soon after opening.
The Bottom Line
Raw ground turkey should be stored no more than 1-2 days in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze it. Once thawed or opened, use ground turkey within 1-2 days. Cooked ground turkey lasts 3-4 days refrigerated. Monitor for signs of spoilage and discard turkey immediately if it smells, looks, or feels bad. Following proper storage times and temps minimizes the risk of foodborne illness and helps you safely enjoy delicious ground turkey.
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.
Thawing Cooked Ground Turkey
My favorite way to thaw ground turkey is in the oven. To do this, wrap your frozen turkey in foil and place on a cookie sheet or casserole dish and put in the oven at 300 degrees. I would check every 20 minutes or so depending on how much you have.