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 popular, healthy meat choice, but because it is ground up, it spoils faster than turkey breasts or other whole turkey cuts. Knowing how long ground turkey lasts in the fridge can help you avoid throwing away spoiled meat or getting sick from eating bad turkey.
Overview of Ground Turkey’s Shelf Life
In general, uncooked ground turkey only stays fresh in the fridge for 1-2 days after the purchase date, according to the USDA’s FoodKeeper app. After that, it needs to be cooked or frozen for longer-term storage. The exact shelf life depends on a few factors:
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Store packaging Ground turkey you buy directly from a butcher or meat market counter will have a shorter fridge life of just 1-2 days, Turkey packed on foam trays wrapped in plastic film will last a max of 2 days Vacuum-sealed packages can extend shelf life to 3 days
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Use-by date: Fresh ground turkey from the store should have a use-by date on the label. Follow this date for maximum freshness and safety.
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Proper storage: Keep ground turkey in the coldest part of the fridge at 40°F or below. Once opened, rewrap or place in airtight containers to prevent contamination. Portion into smaller amounts for quick thawing and use.
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Freezer storage For longer storage, freeze ground turkey in airtight packaging for 3-4 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.
Why Ground Turkey Spoils Quickly
There are a few reasons why ground poultry like turkey doesn’t keep as long as whole pieces:
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Ground meat has more surface area exposed to air and bacteria. Without the skin on, ground turkey lacks protective barriers
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Mixing turkey from different birds increases contamination risks.
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Ground turkey is typically made from turkey pieces rather than whole breasts or thighs. The marrow and bone particles boost spoilage.
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The grinding process warms up the meat, kickstarting bacteria growth.
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Added moisture to ground turkey from the grinding can make it prone to spoiling.
Signs Ground Turkey Has Spoiled
Ground turkey that has gone bad will exhibit obvious signs of spoilage like:
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Change in color: Fresh ground turkey is pink, reddish pink or light brown. As it spoils, it turns gray, green or muddy brown.
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Texture changes: Bad turkey feels sticky, tacky or slimy when raw. Cooked spoiled turkey seems mushy.
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Smell: Spoiled raw turkey has a rancid, rotting or sour odor. Cooked spoiled turkey smells bad.
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Mold: You may see fuzzy mold growing on old ground turkey. Discard turkey at the first signs of mold.
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Expired date: If the sell-by date, use-by date or expiration date on the package has passed, do not consume the turkey.
If you notice any of these signs, throw away the ground turkey immediately. Do not taste or cook spoiled turkey.
Food Safety Tips for Ground Turkey
To maximize ground turkey’s shelf life and prevent foodborne illnesses, follow these turkey safety recommendations:
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Refrigerate ground turkey within 2 hours of purchasing. Never leave it at room temperature for longer than this.
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Separate raw turkey from other foods in your fridge. Store it securely wrapped on the bottom shelf.
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Avoid refreezing thawed ground turkey more than once. Refreezing greatly decreases quality and safety.
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Never defrost turkey at room temperature or in hot water. Defrost in the fridge instead.
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Cook ground turkey within 1-2 days to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F. Use a food thermometer to verify doneness.
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When reheating cooked turkey, reheat thoroughly to 165°F. Bring gravy to a full boil.
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Refrigerate cooked ground turkey within 2 hours of cooking in shallow containers at 40°F or colder. Use cooked turkey within 3-4 days.
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Thoroughly wash hands, utensils and surfaces after contact with raw turkey and its juices to avoid cross-contamination.
Following the 1-2 day rule for ground turkey’s fridge shelf life will reduce your chances of food poisoning. If you notice any spoiled characteristics or experience turkey-related illness, discard the turkey immediately. Keeping ground turkey properly chilled, cooked, stored and handled makes it a nutritious protein choice that stays fresh until you are ready to cook it.
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.
Can you Freeze Cooked Ground Turkey?
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Yes. Cooked ground turkey freezes well as long as it’s placed in freezer bags or a freezer container. I would make sure you portion it out before freezing so you can thaw only what you need. You can’t refreeze cooked turkey after it has been thawed once so you need to be sure to plan accordingly.
How long is raw ground turkey good for in the fridge?
FAQ
Is ground turkey good after 5 days in fridge?
How can you tell if ground turkey has gone bad?
Can I eat ground turkey after 7 days?
How long does uncooked turkey last in the fridge?
How long does ground turkey last in the fridge?
Ground turkey is a versatile and affordable protein that can be used in a variety of dishes. However, it is important to know how long it can last in the fridge in order to prevent foodborne illness. Ground turkey that has been properly stored in the refrigerator will last for 1-2 days. After that, it is best to freeze it for later use.
What are the health benefits of ground turkey?
Ground turkey has multiple benefits. It is a good source of minerals, and B vitamins, rich in proteins, low in fat and it is lower in calories than common turkey.
Does ground turkey need to be refrigerated?
Ground turkey should be refrigerated within two hours of purchase. This will help to slow the growth of bacteria. * Freeze ground turkey if you won’t be using it within a few days. Ground turkey can be frozen for up to three months.
How do you store ground turkey in the fridge?
Here are some tips for storing ground turkey in the fridge: * Store ground turkey in an airtight container. This will help to prevent the growth of bacteria. * Place the container in the coldest part of the fridge. This will help to slow down the growth of bacteria.