Purchasing birds in large quantities saves money and promotes healthier eating in your home. Turkey makes a delicious foundation for a variety of dishes, including tacos, tetrazzini, and meatballs and burgers. However, what is the shelf life of ground turkey in the freezer? Find out when to throw it out and how to keep it fresher for longer.
Ground turkey is a versatile and healthy protein that can be used in a variety of dishes. But how long does it last in the freezer?
Safe Storage and Freezing Time
According to the USDA, ground turkey can be safely frozen for up to 3-4 months for optimal freshness. However, it can be frozen for up to a year, although the quality and taste may decrease over time.
Here are some tips for safely storing and freezing ground turkey:
- Freeze it within 2 days of purchase. The sooner you freeze it, the better the quality will be.
- Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-specific plastic bag. This will help to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the bag with the date. This will help you keep track of how long it has been in the freezer.
- Thaw ground turkey in the refrigerator overnight. Do not thaw it at room temperature or in the microwave.
How to Tell if Ground Turkey is Bad
Even if ground turkey has been frozen properly it can still spoil. Here are some signs that ground turkey has gone bad:
- It has a sour or off odor.
- It is discolored.
- It is slimy or sticky.
If you see any of these signs, do not eat the ground turkey Throw it away immediately.
How Long is Hamburger Meat Good in the Freezer?
Hamburger meat, also known as ground beef, should be treated similarly to ground turkey. It can be frozen for up to 3-4 months for optimal freshness and up to a year for safety. However, the quality and taste may decrease over time.
Follow the same tips for storing and freezing hamburger meat as you would for ground turkey.
Defrosting Ground Meat Safely
Always defrost ground meat in the refrigerator overnight. Do not thaw it at room temperature or in the microwave. This is because bacteria can grow rapidly at room temperature, and the microwave can create uneven thawing, which can also lead to bacterial growth.
Once the ground meat is thawed, it should be cooked immediately. Do not refreeze it.
Ground turkey is a healthy and versatile protein that can be frozen for up to 3-4 months for optimal freshness and up to a year for safety. However, it is important to store and thaw it properly to prevent spoilage and foodborne illness.
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:
- USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/freezing-food
- Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/freezing-food/faq-20058162
How to Store Ground Turkey in the Freezer
Check the sell-by date on raw, ground turkey before freezing it. It’s recommended to freeze your ground turkey no later than two days after the sell-by date and preferably within two days of purchase.
Three to four months is the ideal amount of time for ground turkey to stay fresh in the freezer.
While frozen ground turkey can be stored for up to a year, its quality and flavor may gradually deteriorate. Use within four months for best freshest taste.
Pro-Tip: You can keep ground turkey in its original packaging. Tightly wrap in aluminum foil and store in a plastic bag meant for freezing. Don’t forget to write the date on the bag.
How Long is Hamburger Meat Good for in the Freezer?
Hamburger meat, AKA ground beef, should be treated similarly to ground turkey. For the best results, freeze it within 2 days of purchase. It will last in your freezer for up to a year, but it’s best if used within 4 months.
Proceed as you would with ground turkey (see above) when preparing ground beef for freezing.
Ground meat should always be defrosted in the refrigerator to stop the growth of hazardous bacteria.
How long is leftover turkey good for in the fridge?
How long is ground turkey good in the freezer?
3-4 months for optimal freshness. Frozen ground turkey is safe for up to 1 year in a freezer but may decrease quality and taste over time. For the freshest taste, it’s best to use within 4 months.
Can cooked ground turkey be frozen?
To further extend the shelf life of cooked ground turkey, it can be frozen in covered airtight containers, heavy-duty freezer bags, or wrapped tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil or freezer wrap. While frozen cooked ground turkey will maintain its best quality for about 2 to 3 months, it will remain safe.
How long does cooked ground turkey last?
This type of storage will maximize the shelf life of cooked ground turkey, allowing it to last 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. To further extend the shelf life of cooked ground turkey, it can be frozen in covered airtight containers, heavy-duty freezer bags, or wrapped tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil or freezer wrap.
Can you put a cooked turkey in the freezer?
Be sure that your freezer is at the proper temperature and open as little as possible so it can maintain freshness longer. Cooked ground turkey can also be stored in the freezer. After cooking, allow it to cool completely then store in airtight freezer safe bags or containers in the freezer. Do not put hot turkey into the freezer.