How Long Can Frozen Ground Turkey Last?

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 healthier alternative to ground beef and a staple ingredient in many kitchens. Its versatility allows it to be easily incorporated into various dishes like chili, pasta sauce, burgers, meatballs, and more. If you buy ground turkey in bulk when it’s on sale or have leftovers, freezing is a great way to extend its shelf life But how long does frozen ground turkey actually last?

Overview of Ground Turkey’s Shelf Life

In general fresh ground turkey will last 1-2 days beyond the sell by date if kept refrigerated. To maximize freshness and quality, it’s best to freeze ground turkey within 1-2 days of purchasing it.

Once frozen, ground turkey can safely last in the freezer for 3-4 months for optimal quality. Frozen ground turkey remains safe to eat for up to 1 year but the taste texture, and moisture content will deteriorate over time.

Signs of Spoilage in Frozen Ground Turkey

It’s important to check your frozen ground turkey periodically for any signs of spoilage. Here are some tips for identifying if your frozen ground turkey has gone bad:

Unpleasant odors, sliminess, or stickiness when thawing or cooking. Good ground turkey should not have a strong, offensive odor.
Change in color from pink to grey, green, or brown. This indicates microbial growth.
Presence of ice crystals or freezer burn. This affects quality but not safety.
Mold growth on the surface. This is a clear sign to discard the ground turkey.

If you notice any of these changes, it’s best to throw away the frozen ground turkey rather than risk eating spoiled meat. When in doubt, remember the old adage – if it smells bad, it is bad!

Proper Storage for Maximum Freshness

Proper storage is key to maintaining the quality and extending the shelf life of frozen ground turkey. Follow these tips:

Package ground turkey in airtight freezer bags or containers with as little air inside as possible. This prevents freezer burn which can degrade texture.
Label packages with the date and contents. Tracking freeze dates allows you to use the oldest turkey first.
Freeze ground turkey flat and evenly spread out to allow it to freeze faster. This minimizes ice crystal formation.
Don’t overfill your freezer. Air needs to circulate freely to keep proper temperature.
Avoid temperature fluctuations. The freezer should stay consistently at 0°F or below.
Once thawed, do not refreeze ground turkey. Cook it immediately or within 1-2 days.

Following ideal storage conditions maximizes the freshness and shelf life of frozen ground turkey.

Safest Thawing Methods

Properly thawing frozen ground turkey is also essential for safety and quality. Here are some recommended thawing methods:

Refrigerator thawing: For slower thawing, leave ground turkey sealed and place on a plate to catch drips. Allow about 1 day per pound.
Cold water thawing: Submerge sealed ground turkey in cold tap water, changing water every 30 minutes. About 30 minutes per pound.
Microwave thawing: Use the defrost setting based on turkey’s weight, stopping to drain liquid periodically.
Cooked frozen: Cook frozen ground turkey immediately by increasing cook time about 50 percent. Use in soups, chili, sauces.

Avoid leaving ground turkey out at room temperature or thawing in hot water to prevent bacterial growth. Cook or refreeze thawed ground turkey within 1-2 days.

Creative Ways to Use Frozen Ground Turkey

The light flavor and lean protein of ground turkey lends itself to an endless array of dishes:

Ground turkey chili: Brown turkey with spices, beans, tomatoes, peppers. Simmer until thickened.
Turkey meatballs: Mix ground turkey with breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings. Bake until browned and cooked through.
Turkey burgers: Shape seasoned ground turkey into patties. Grill to at least 165°F internal temperature.
Turkey Bolognese: Cook ground turkey in a tomato sauce with veggies and serve over pasta.
Turkey taco filling: Brown spiced ground turkey. Stuff into taco shells with desired toppings.
Turkey hash: Saute frozen ground turkey, potatoes, onions, peppers. Top with eggs.
Turkey stuffed peppers: Fill peppers with ground turkey, rice, veggies. Bake until peppers are tender.
Turkey banana bread: Substitute 1:1 for ground beef in banana bread recipes.

Frozen ground turkey can be used in any recipe calling for fresh ground turkey. Just account for slightly longer cook times.

Ground turkey can be frozen for 3-4 months while retaining optimal quality and taste. With proper freezer storage and careful thawing, frozen ground turkey remains safe for up to 1 year. Follow freeze-by dates, check for spoilage, and use suggested thawing techniques to get the most out of your frozen ground turkey. Its versatility makes it perfect for chili, meatballs, burgers, and more.

how long can frozen ground turkey last

How to Thaw Frozen Ground Turkey?

how long can frozen ground turkey last

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.

How Long Can Ground Turkey Sit Out on the Counter?

Per the US Department of Agriculture, or the USDA, raw turkey should not be left out for more than 2 hours (one hour if at a temperature more than 90 degrees). However, I would leave in the fridge until you are ready to use to be safe.

Like raw ground turkey, cooked ground turkey should not be left on the counter at room temperature longer than 2 hours as well.

How long can food stay in your freezer?

FAQ

Does ground turkey go bad if frozen?

For optimal quality, the USDA recommends stowing uncooked ground turkey in the freezer for a maximum of four months. On the other hand, leftover ground turkey will keep well in the fridge for three to four days once cooked, or two to six months if you’re going the freezer route.

Is a 2 year old frozen turkey still good?

Turkey can be safely stored in the freezer indefinitely, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). However, the flavor and texture tend to decline the longer it sits in the freezer.

How to tell if ground turkey has gone bad?

The Bottom Line If the meat won’t be used within a day or two, store it in the freezer and enjoy it within three to four months. If at any point, you notice discoloration, a foul smell or a slimy or tacky appearance to the ground turkey, do not consume it and throw it out.

Is 2 year old frozen ground beef still good?

Ground beef can be frozen indefinitely, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. However, it is recommended to use ground beef within 3 to 4 months of freezing, as the quality of the meat will begin to deteriorate over time. Ground beef that has been frozen for too long may not be as flavorful.

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 will canned pumpkin remain good if it is frozen and then thawed in the fridge?

Pumpkin can stay up to 3 days in the fridge after thawing. The ideal thing is to always use the pumpkin as soon as possible after thawing and avoid storing it in the fridge as you run the risk of microbial contamination and intestinal infection after consuming these foods.

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?

How long does cooked ground turkey last?

Cooked ground turkey will usually stay good for 3 to 4 days in the fridge and 4 months in the freezer. How to tell if raw ground turkey is bad?