Freezing meat is something Ree Drummond loves to do (she lives way out on the ranch, after all!). Buying chicken, steak, or ground beef in bulk and freezing it can save you so much money, plus extra trips to the grocery store. But it has happened to the best of us: You thawed some steak you intended to use for a delicious steak dinner recipe, then you didnt get a chance to cook it and now youre wondering: Can you refreeze meat? Is it OK to just pop it back in the freezer for another time?
Just like freezing cheese, the answer is a little complicated and depends on a few factors. Keep reading to find out if you can refreeze meat and the best ways to do it. Also, a quick tip: Its a good idea to check your freezer temperature—it should be at 0˚ or below for safe freezing.
Ground turkey is a healthy, versatile meat that can be used in everything from burgers and meatballs to tacos and chili. It’s an affordable alternative to ground beef and is often purchased in bulk when it goes on sale. But what if you can’t use all of the ground turkey before it expires? Is it safe to refreeze ground turkey?
The short answer is yes, you can safely refreeze ground turkey if it has been handled properly However, there are some important guidelines to follow. In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about refreezing ground turkey, including
- Can You Refreeze Ground Turkey?
- How to Freeze Ground Turkey
- Thawing Ground Turkey Safely
- How Long Does Ground Turkey Last in the Freezer?
- What Happens When You Refreeze Ground Turkey?
- Tips for Refreezing Ground Turkey
- Recipes for Leftover Ground Turkey
Can You Refreeze Ground Turkey?
Yes it is safe to refreeze raw ground turkey as long as it was thawed properly in the refrigerator. Ground turkey that was thawed at room temperature or in cold water should not be refrozen.
Here are some other ground turkey refreezing guidelines:
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Refreeze turkey within 1-2 days of thawing in the refrigerator. The sooner it is refrozen, the better.
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Do not refreeze turkey that was left out at room temperature unrefrigerated for more than 2 hours
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Do not refreeze cooked ground turkey. Cooked turkey has a higher risk of bacterial growth.
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Only refreeze turkey once. The texture and moisture will degrade after multiple freezings.
As long as ground turkey was thawed slowly and properly in the fridge, refreezing it within a couple days is perfectly safe.
How to Freeze Ground Turkey
To freeze ground turkey safely:
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Make sure turkey is fresh. Turkey that is about to expire should be cooked first before freezing.
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Separate turkey into portions. Divide into sizes that you will realistically use. 1lb batches are ideal.
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Use freezer bags or airtight containers. Remove as much air as possible before sealing.
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Label bags with contents, amount, and freeze date. Turkey will last 3-4 months in the freezer.
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Spread flat in a single layer until completely frozen if freezing loose turkey. This prevents a solid chunk from forming.
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Place bags flat in freezer. This helps the turkey thaw faster when needed.
Freezing in proper portions and packaging prevents freezer burn. It also makes for much easier thawing and cooking later on.
Thawing Ground Turkey Safely
Always thaw frozen ground turkey safely in the refrigerator. Microwaving frozen turkey can create uneven hot spots while thawing on the counter promotes bacterial growth.
Here are guidelines for properly thawing turkey:
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Place frozen turkey on a plate or pan to catch drips.
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Thaw in the refrigerator, allowing 24 hours for every 1 pound. A 3lb package will need 3 days to thaw.
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Once thawed, use within 1-2 days. Cook immediately if not using right away.
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Do not refreeze turkey after it has thawed completely. It must be cooked.
As long as ground turkey is thawed in the fridge, it is safe to refreeze within a couple days. Just make sure thawed meat is used quickly.
How Long Does Ground Turkey Last in the Freezer?
Properly stored frozen ground turkey will maintain quality and safety for 3-4 months in the freezer. Poultry kept constantly frozen at 0°F or below is safe indefinitely, however the quality does deteriorate over time.
Here are some signs frozen ground turkey may be expired:
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Ice crystals or freezer burn on meat
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Dull or grayish coloration
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Strange or off odors
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Dry, tough texture
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Unusually sticky or slimy feel
If the turkey displays any odd qualities after freezing for over 4 months, it is best to throw it out. Always inspect the turkey thoroughly before thawing.
What Happens When You Refreeze Ground Turkey?
Refreezing ground turkey does affect the taste, texture, and moisture content of the meat. Here’s what happens:
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Each time meat is frozen, ice crystals form which can damage the cell structure. This leads to mushier, drier turkey.
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More moisture is lost during the second thawing process, making the turkey dry out faster when cooked.
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Flavors dull slightly and the texture becomes softer.
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The turkey spoils faster after thawing the second time. Use within 1-2 days.
While refreezing does sacrifice some quality, the ground turkey is still safe to eat as long as it was thawed and refrozen properly.
Tips for Refreezing Ground Turkey
Here are some useful tips to make successfully refreezing ground turkey:
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Only refreeze raw turkey thawed in the refrigerator once. Do not attempt to refreeze turkey thawed on the counter or in water.
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Refreeze the turkey immediately after thawing, within 1-2 days at most. The quicker you refreeze, the less quality is lost.
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Make sure all packages are well sealed with no air pockets if refreezing turkey pieces. This prevents freezer burn.
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Use refrozen ground turkey within 2-3 months for best flavor, texture, and juiciness.
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Label the package with the new freeze date so you know how old it is.
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If using previously frozen turkey, cook thoroughly to 165°F internal temperature.
Following these simple guidelines allows you to safely extend the shelf life of your ground turkey.
Recipes for Leftover Ground Turkey
Refreezing works best for raw turkey. For cooked ground turkey leftovers, use them up quickly in casseroles, soups, salads, and more. Here are some tasty ideas:
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Turkey Veggie Soup – Sauté veggies, ground turkey, broth, and spices for a hearty, healthy soup.
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Turkey and Rice Casserole – Mix turkey, rice, mushrooms, veggies, and cheese casserole.
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Turkey Salad Wraps – Shred turkey in a bowl with mayo, celery, onion, pepper, and stuff into lettuce leaves.
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Turkey Tacos – Reheat turkey in a skillet with taco seasoning and serve in warm tortillas or taco salads.
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Turkey Stir Fry – Slice and stir fry turkey with veggies, soy sauce, spices, and rice or noodles.
With a little creativity, leftovers can be reinvented into easy new dishes. Just remember to enjoy them within 3-4 days.
The Bottom Line
Yes, ground turkey can be safely refrozen if it was thawed slowly in the fridge and has not sat at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Refreezing does slightly impact the taste and texture but it does not make the turkey unsafe. For best quality, use refrozen ground turkey within 2-3 months and only refreeze once.
With proper freezing, thawing, and storage, ground turkey can be frozen and refrozen without worry. Follow these tips for safely freezing, thawing, and refreezing ground turkey.
Can you refreeze meat after thawing?
According to the USDA, meat should be thawed in the refrigerator and never at room temperature. If you didnt thaw your meat in the fridge, you should toss it and not refreeze it. If you did thaw it in the fridge, then you can refreeze the meat as long as it hasnt been sitting in the fridge for too long after it thawed (the longer the thawed meat sits, the longer bacteria has to form on it). If the meat has thawed and has been sitting in your fridge longer than 36 hours, we dont recommend refreezing it.
Why is it bad to freeze meat twice?
If the meat is raw, then follow the guidelines above. If the meat is already cooked, you will lose a lot of the texture and flavor if you thaw and refreeze it again, so we do not recommend refreezing cooked meat. You should also not freeze (or refreeze) any meats that have been sitting at room temperature for longer than 2 hours or at a 90˚ or higher for more than 1 hour.
What happens if you refreeze a thawed turkey?
FAQ
Can I refreeze thawed ground turkey?
Can you refreeze ground meat after thawing?
How many times can you refreeze turkey?
What foods cannot be refrozen after thawing?
Can You refreeze ground turkey?
Yes, you can refreeze ground turkey as long as it has been thawed in the refrigerator and has not been left out at room temperature for more than two hours. However, it is important to note that the quality of the ground turkey will deteriorate each time it is frozen and thawed. How to properly freeze ground turkey
Can thaw ground turkey be refrigerated?
However, it is important to note that the quality of the ground turkey will deteriorate each time it is thawed and refrozen. For best results, thaw ground turkey in the refrigerator and cook it within two days. How do I thaw ground turkey? There are three safe ways to thaw ground turkey:
Can you freeze cooked turkey?
When freezing turkey, or any other type of meat, try to get it in the freezer as quickly as you can after cooking it. Although it is safe to store cooked turkey in the refrigerator for 3 days, doing so might dry it out, which is something you wouldn’t want. Therefore, for best results, freeze it as soon as it is cool enough. 2. Freeze As A Dish
How do you Thaw a frozen turkey?
One of the best ways to defrost ground turkey is by using the refrigerator method. To do this, place the frozen ground turkey in a bowl on the bottom shelf of your fridge. Allow the turkey to thaw for 12 to 24 hours, and be sure to use it within 48 hours of thawing. How to thaw and use frozen ground turkey correctly?