Buying bird in bulk is cost-effective and helps healthier meals happen for your household. Turkey is a tasty base for many meals—from meatballs and burgers to tacos and tetrazzini—the options are endless. But how long is ground turkey good in the freezer? Learn when to toss the turkey and how to keep it fresh for longer.
Ground turkey is a versatile and healthy meat option that works great in everything from weeknight tacos to weekend chili. But like any ground meat, it’s important to store it properly to maintain safety and quality. This guide will cover how long you can keep ground turkey in both the refrigerator and freezer.
Key Ground Turkey Storage Tips
Follow these best practices when storing raw or cooked ground turkey
-
Store it sealed in its original airtight packaging, or rewrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil Air exposure causes freezer burn
-
Place ground turkey on a lower shelf in the fridge or freezer, where temperatures are coldest.
-
Cook raw ground turkey within 1-2 days of purchasing for peak freshness. Freezing buys you more time.
-
Portion ground turkey into recipe-sized amounts before freezing to make weeknight cooking easier.
-
Label and date any ground turkey you freeze so you know how long it’s been stored.
-
Don’t let frozen ground turkey thaw on the counter Thaw in the fridge overnight instead
-
Use thawed ground turkey within 1-2 days for best quality. Don’t refreeze previously frozen raw meat.
Following proper storage methods will help ground turkey stay fresher longer.
Shelf Life of Raw Ground Turkey in the Fridge
The USDA recommends using or freezing raw ground turkey within 1-2 days of purchase for maximum freshness and shelf life.
However, as long as it has been continuously refrigerated, uncooked ground turkey can safely be used within 5 days of the sell-by date on the package.
Make sure your refrigerator is set to 40°F or below. Ground turkey may develop off-odors, colors, or a sticky texture if stored too long in the fridge. For longer storage, turn to the freezer.
Raw Ground Turkey Shelf Life in the Freezer
Freezing is ideal for storing raw ground turkey for extended time periods.
According to the USDA and FDA, uncooked ground turkey that is consistently frozen at 0°F can safely be stored in the freezer for 3-4 months.
For best quality, the USDA recommends using frozen raw ground turkey within 4 months of freezing. Portioning it into recipe-sized bags helps prevent waste.
At the 4 month mark, frozen ground turkey will still be safe to eat, but the texture and moisture content may start decline.
Cooked Ground Turkey Shelf Life
Once cooked, ground turkey has a shorter shelf life but can still be stored safely for meal prep and leftovers.
The FDA says cooked ground turkey can be refrigerated 3-4 days after cooking. Freeze any leftovers you won’t eat within that timeframe.
In the freezer, cooked ground turkey maintains best quality for 4-6 months. It remains safe to eat while frozen for longer, but the taste and texture will progressively diminish over time.
For long term freezer storage beyond 6 months, try turning cooked ground turkey into a freezer meal like turkey tetrazzini or turkey chili.
What To Look Out For
Watch for these signs that it may be time to throw away ground turkey:
- Unusual odor, sticky or tacky consistency
- Grayish color or dark liquid in packaged raw turkey
- Mold growth anywhere on raw or cooked turkey
- Freezer burn or ice crystals on previously frozen turkey
When in doubt, remember the old adage: “When in doubt, throw it out.” Don’t risk getting sick from spoiled meat.
Bottom Line
By following the recommended fridge and freezer storage times for ground turkey, you can safely enjoy it for months while maintaining quality.
Keep raw ground turkey just 1-2 days in the fridge, or 3-4 months in the freezer. For cooked ground turkey, aim for 3-4 days chilled or 4-6 months frozen.
With proper handling, ground turkey is a healthy, versatile meat option perfect for weeknight meals, meal prep, and leftovers alike. Just store it correctly and you’ll have it ready when you need it!
How to Store Ground Turkey in the Freezer
Before you freeze raw, ground turkey, look for the sell-by date. It’s best to freeze your ground turkey within 2 days of purchasing it, and no longer than 2 days after the sell-by date.
How long is ground turkey good in the freezer? 3-4 months for optimal freshness.
Frozen ground turkey is safe for up to 1 year in a freezer but may decrease quality and taste over time. For the freshest taste, it’s best to use within 4 months.
Pro-Tip: You can keep ground turkey in its original packaging. Wrap tightly in aluminum foil and place in a freezer-specific plastic bag. Don’t forget to write the date on the bag.
How Long is Hamburger Meat Good for in the Freezer?
Hamburger meat, AKA ground beef, should be treated similarly to ground turkey. For the best results, freeze it within 2 days of purchase. It will last in your freezer for up to a year, but it’s best if used within 4 months.
Prepare ground beef for the freezer in the same way you would ground turkey (see above).
Always defrost all ground meat in the refrigerator—this prevents dangerous bacteria from growing.
How long can food stay in your freezer?
FAQ
Can frozen ground turkey go bad?
Can you freeze ground turkey for 6 months?
Is a 2 year frozen turkey safe to eat?
How long is ground turkey good in the freezer USDA?
|
Food
|
Type
|
Freezer [0°F (-18°C) or below]
|
|
Hamburger, ground meats and ground poultry
|
Hamburger, ground beef, turkey, chicken, other poultry, veal, pork, lamb, and mixtures of them
|
3 to 4 months
|
|
Fresh beef, veal, lamb, and pork
|
Steaks
|
4 to 12 months
|
|
|
Chops
|
4 to 12 months
|
|
|
Roasts
|
4 to 12 months
|
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.
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 do you store a frozen ground turkey?
Place the ground turkey in freezer bags or airtight containers. Be sure to leave enough space for the ground turkey to expand as it freezes. 3. Label the bags or containers with the date and type of meat. This will help you keep track of how long the ground turkey has been frozen.
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?