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 everything from tacos to chili to burgers. However, like any raw meat, it’s important to store ground turkey properly in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage and food borne illness.
Knowing exactly how long ground turkey lasts in the fridge can give you confidence that the meat you are cooking is fresh and safe to eat. Below you’ll find a detailed guide to ground turkey refrigerator shelf life, proper storage methods, signs of spoilage, and more.
How Long Does Raw Ground Turkey Last in the Fridge?
Raw ground turkey that has been refrigerated can maintain best quality for 1 to 2 days after the sell-by date printed on the package
The sell-by date is simply the last date by which the manufacturer recommends using the turkey for peak freshness. It does not necessarily mean the meat will spoil immediately after that date.
If stored properly, raw ground turkey can be refrigerated for 1 to 2 days past the sell-by date before cooking.
It’s always best to use ground turkey within this recommended timeframe for optimal freshness and flavor. Ground meats in particular tend to develop off odors flavors and textures if kept too long.
Proper Storage of Raw Ground Turkey
To help ground turkey last as long as possible, it’s important to store it correctly in the refrigerator:
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Keep ground turkey in its original packaging or wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil until ready to use.
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Place the wrapped raw turkey on a plate or tray to catch any leaks and keep refrigerated below 40°F.
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Do not store raw turkey near cooked foods or ready-to-eat items to prevent cross contamination.
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Place ground turkey on a shelf higher up in the refrigerator rather than in the door where the temperature fluctuates.
Following proper cold storage guidelines keeps ground turkey fresh and safe for the recommended 1 to 2 days past the sell-by date.
How Long Does Cooked Ground Turkey Last?
Cooked ground turkey that has been stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container will keep for 3 to 4 days.
It’s best to eat any leftovers within this timeframe. Do not keep cooked ground turkey longer than 4 days.
To maximize freshness, store cooked ground turkey in shallow, covered containers to allow for rapid cooling in the refrigerator. Reheating cooked turkey thoroughly before serving again can help extend its shelf life.
Can You Freeze Ground Turkey?
Freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of ground turkey beyond the recommended refrigeration times.
Raw turkey frozen at 0°F or below maintains best quality for 3 to 4 months, but remains safe indefinitely according to food safety standards.
Cooked turkey keeps longest when frozen, staying at top quality for 2 to 3 months. It remains safe longer.
To freeze ground turkey:
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Package raw turkey in freezer bags, parchment paper, or freezer-safe plastic wrap. Squeeze out excess air and seal.
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Divide cooked turkey into shallow containers before freezing for quick thawing. Allow to fully cool in refrigerator first.
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Label packages with contents and freeze-by date. Use frozen ground turkey within recommended timeframe.
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Thaw frozen turkey in the refrigerator when ready to use, allowing 1-2 days for raw turkey.
Signs Your Ground Turkey Has Gone Bad
Despite proper refrigerator storage, raw turkey can still go bad. Rely on your senses to determine if your ground turkey is past its prime:
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Smell – Raw turkey has a very mild odor. A sour, ammonia, or very unpleasant smell means toss it.
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Color – Raw turkey should be pink with flecks of white fat. Gray, green or yellow coloring is a bad sign.
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Texture – The texture should be moist and slightly sticky. If very slimy and sticky or feels unusually dry, don’t use it.
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Mold – Any mold on raw turkey automatically means you should discard it.
When cooked turkey starts going bad, you may notice an off smell, unusual dryness, or mold growth. If in doubt, throw it out!
Ground Turkey Refrigerator FAQs
Got turkey fridge questions? Here are some common queries:
How long can raw ground turkey sit out?
Raw ground turkey should not sit out at room temperature for longer than 2 hours before cooking or refrigerating (1 hour when temperatures are above 90°F). Leaving it out too long increases the risk of bacterial growth on the meat.
Can you refreeze thawed ground turkey?
Previously frozen raw ground turkey can be refrozen if still in good condition and has been kept refrigerated no more than 1 to 2 days after thawing. However, the texture may suffer a bit upon refreezing. It’s best to cook thawed raw turkey immediately.
Never refreeze cooked ground turkey after it has thawed. Cook it immediately instead.
Can you freeze and thaw ground turkey multiple times?
It’s recommended to freeze turkey only once for best quality. Thawing and refreezing ground turkey more than once can diminish flavor and make the texture dry. Only refreeze if absolutely necessary.
The Takeaway on Ground Turkey Fridge Life
Knowing how quickly raw ground turkey spoils is key to avoiding illness and serving your family quality meat. Raw ground turkey keeps 1 to 2 days past the sell-by date when properly refrigerated. Raw turkey also freezes well for 3 to 4 months. Cooked ground turkey lasts for 3 to 4 days in the fridge.
Always rely on your eyes, nose, and common sense to gauge whether refrigerated ground turkey is still fresh and safe to eat. When in doubt, remember it’s better to be safe than sorry and throw it out. With proper storage, you can enjoy the great taste, nutrition, and convenience of ground turkey for your favorite meals.
How to Tell if Ground Turkey is Bad?
Turkey, like other forms of poultry, can grow some dangerous bacteria, such as salmonella, when it begins to go bad. Luckily, your senses will help you when determining whether ground turkey has gone bad.
Ground turkey should have a light pink color with specks of white fat. If it starts to turn a darker color or a yellow color, it is going bad. Also, if you notice any mold or visible change in texture I would also throw it out.
If there is any unpleasant oder to you ground turkey, throw it out. Ground turkey shouldn’t have much of a smell so if you notice anything foul, it has probably gone bad.
If the texture of your ground turkey feels off, get rid of it. In particular, if you notice that your turkey is slimy, unusually dry, or sticky, it has probably gone bad.
Hopefully it doesn’t come to this, but if you don’t notice any unusual appearance, smell or texture but you start eating and it just doesn’t taste right, stop eating and throw it away. The risks of food poisoning are certainly not worth taking a chance. As I always say, when in doubt, throw it out.
How Long Does Ground Turkey Last in the Freezer?
While cooked turkey can safely be stored in the freezer indefinitely, it is recommended that you leave it in the freezer no longer than 3 or 4 months as it will begin to lose moisture and flavor after that time.
Raw turkey will also safely keep in the freezer indefinitely. However, I would use within a year to avoid freezer burn.