Freezing meat is something Ree Drummond loves to do (she lives way out on the ranch, after all!). Bulk purchases of ground beef, steak, or chicken that are frozen can save you a ton of money and eliminate the need for additional grocery store trips. Even so, it has happened to the best of us: You thawed some steak that you were going to use for a delicious recipe for steak dinner, but you were unable to cook it. Now you’re wondering if you can simply refreeze the meat and store it in the freezer for a later 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. As a quick tip, you should check the temperature in your freezer, which should be at 0˚ or lower for safe freezing.
Ever wondered if it’s okay to refreeze ground turkey that’s been thawed? The answer is yes, but with a few important caveats to ensure safety and quality.
Here’s what you need to know:
When is it safe to refreeze ground turkey?
- Thawed in the refrigerator: If you’ve thawed ground turkey in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40°F or below, you can safely refreeze it. This is because the low temperature inhibits bacterial growth.
- Thawed under cold running water: If you’ve thawed ground turkey under cold running water, changing the water every 30 minutes, you can also safely refreeze it.
- Partially cooked: If you’ve partially cooked ground turkey, you can safely refreeze it. However, it’s important to note that the quality may be affected.
When should you avoid refreezing ground turkey?
- Thawed at room temperature: If you’ve thawed ground turkey at room temperature, it’s best not to refreeze it. This is because bacteria can multiply rapidly at room temperature, increasing the risk of foodborne illness.
- Thawed in the microwave: If you’ve thawed ground turkey in the microwave, it’s best not to refreeze it. This is because the uneven heating can lead to bacterial growth.
- Previously frozen and thawed: If you’ve already frozen and thawed ground turkey once, it’s best not to refreeze it again. Each time you freeze and thaw meat, the quality deteriorates.
Tips for safe refreezing:
- Divide the ground turkey into smaller portions: This will help it freeze and thaw more quickly, preserving its quality.
- Wrap the ground turkey tightly in freezer-safe packaging: This will prevent freezer burn and help maintain its freshness.
- Label the package with the date: This will help you keep track of how long it’s been frozen.
- Freeze the ground turkey as quickly as possible: This will help preserve its quality and prevent the formation of large ice crystals.
Additional considerations:
- Refreezing ground turkey may affect its texture and flavor: It’s important to note that refreezing ground turkey may slightly change its texture and flavor. However, it will still be safe to eat.
- Use refrozen ground turkey within a reasonable timeframe: It’s best to use refrozen ground turkey within 3-4 months for optimal quality.
Remember, food safety is paramount. Always follow proper handling and storage guidelines to ensure you’re enjoying safe and delicious ground turkey.
Why is it bad to freeze meat twice?
If the meat is raw, then follow the guidelines above. We do not advise refreezing cooked meat because doing so will cause you to lose a lot of the meat’s texture and flavor if it is already cooked. Additionally, no meat that has been at room temperature for more than two hours or at 90˚ or above for more than an hour should be frozen (or refrozen).
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.
How dangerous is it to refreeze meat that has been thawed?
FAQ
Can I refreeze thawed ground turkey?
Why can’t you refreeze thawed turkey?
Can ground meat be thawed and refrozen?
What foods Cannot be refrozen after thawing?
Can you freeze ground turkey?
By wrapping the meat tightly in a freezer-safe wrap or placing it in a freezer-safe container, you can prevent freezer burn and keep it at its best quality for the next 3 to 4 months in the freezer. It’s also a good idea to label the ground turkey with the date it was frozen, so you can easily track its storage time.
Can You refreeze a cooked turkey?
Learn all about the ins and outs of freezing turkey. Cooked or uncooked turkey can safely be refrozen, as long as you refreeze it within three days of thawing. You should only refreeze turkey if it’s been handled properly at every step along the way.
How do you defrost 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?
As knowing how to thaw and use frozen ground turkey correctly is just as important as the freezing process itself. When you’re ready to prepare a delicious meal, simply thaw the meat in a refrigerator or use the cold water method, the best option for ensuring that it remains safe for consumption.