Ground turkey is a lean, versatile meat that can be used in many delicious recipes From turkey burgers to meatballs, tacos, chili, and more, the options are endless! But what if you end up with leftover cooked ground turkey and want to save it? Can you freeze cooked ground turkey?
The short answer is yes, you absolutely can freeze cooked ground turkey to extend its shelf life Properly frozen, ground turkey will keep for 3-4 months in the freezer before quality starts to decline. With the right freezing, thawing and reheating techniques, frozen ground turkey can taste just as fresh as the day it was cooked
This complete guide covers everything you need to know about successfully freezing cooked ground turkey.
How Long Does Cooked Ground Turkey Last in the Freezer?
Cooked ground turkey that is continuously frozen at 0°F or below can safely be stored in the freezer almost indefinitely without going bad. However, the quality will start to deteriorate after about 3-4 months.
For best flavor and texture, it’s best to eat frozen cooked ground turkey within 4 months. After that point, the meat may become drier and lose some juiciness.
Follow proper freezing procedures, and your ground turkey can maintain top quality for up to 4 months frozen.
Proper Ways to Freeze Cooked Ground Turkey
Freezing cooked ground turkey is simple to do, but there are some important steps to follow for high quality results:
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Let the cooked turkey cool completely – chill in the refrigerator until the internal temperature is 40°F or less before freezing.
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Portion the turkey into meal-sized amounts based on planned recipes and uses.
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Package the portions in airtight bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.
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Label packages clearly with contents, quantity, and freeze date.
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Arrange packages in a single layer in the freezer until solidly frozen, at least 24 hours.
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Once frozen, turkey portions can be stacked together in freezer. Store similar items grouped together.
Suitable Freezer Containers for Ground Turkey
Choosing suitable packaging is important to protect your turkey from freezer burn. Look for freezer-safe containers that have tight sealing lids. Recommended options include:
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Heavy duty freezer bags – Press out air and seal tightly.
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Airtight plastic containers – Look for durable, high-quality plastic.
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Aluminum foil – Double wrap for extra protection.
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Freezer paper – Moisture resistant with barrier against odors.
No matter which type you use, always label packages clearly with contents and freeze date.
Handy Tips for Freezing Ground Turkey
Follow these helpful tips when freezing cooked ground turkey:
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Double wrap or vacuum seal for extra protection against freezer burn.
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Chill in the refrigerator before freezing to prevent large ice crystals from forming.
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Portion into recipe-ready amounts to make thawing easier.
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Remove as much air as possible and seal airtight to retain moisture and flavor.
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Organize similar items together and label packages clearly for easy identification.
Thawing Frozen Ground Turkey Safely
Always thaw frozen ground turkey gradually in the refrigerator or with cold water – never at room temperature where bacteria can multiply. Here are some safe thawing methods:
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Refrigerator – Place on a plate to catch drips. Allow 24 hours per 5 lbs.
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Cold water – Submerge sealed turkey in cold tap water, changing water every 30 minutes. About 30 minutes per lb.
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Microwave – Use the defrost setting to thaw just until soft enough to separate, then finish in fridge.
Cook or refreeze thawed ground turkey within 1-2 days. Inspect for any signs of spoilage and discard if odors, sliminess or discoloration are present.
How to Reheat Cooked Ground Turkey from Frozen
Once properly thawed, cooked ground turkey can be reheated on the stove, in the oven or microwave until heated through to 165°F.
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Stovetop – Cook over medium-low heat, adding small amounts of broth/water to prevent sticking.
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Oven – Bake covered at 350°F in a casserole dish or foil tent until hot, 20 min per lb.
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Microwave – Partially cover and reheat at 50% power in 30 second intervals, stirring between.
Bring any sauces or gravy to a full boil when reheating. Only reheat fully thawed turkey, not still frozen.
Avoid These Common Freezing Mistakes
While freezing cooked ground turkey is simple, avoid these common mistakes:
✗ Forgetting to label frozen packages clearly
✗ Leaving air pockets in bags instead of sealing tightly
✗ Freezing in one giant lump vs. meal-sized portions
✗ Thawing at room temperature instead of in the refrigerator
✗ Refreezing thawed turkey more than once
✗ Microwaving frozen turkey to thaw – this partially cooks it
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about freezing cooked ground turkey? Here are some common FAQs:
How many times can you freeze cooked ground turkey?
Previously frozen cooked ground turkey can be safely refrozen, but ideally only once. The texture may become mushier with repeated freezes.
Can you freeze raw ground turkey?
Yes, raw ground turkey can be frozen for 4-6 months until the use-by date. It helps to repackage it into usable portions first.
Is it safe to cook frozen ground turkey?
Frozen raw ground turkey can be safely cooked from frozen by increasing oven temp 25°F or cooking time. But it’s better to thaw first in the refrigerator for even cooking.
What happens if cooked ground turkey is left at room temperature?
Cooked ground turkey should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Toss turkey if left out beyond this time to avoid potential bacterial growth.
How can you tell if frozen ground turkey is bad?
Signs of spoiled frozen ground turkey include an off smell, unusual coloration, sliminess or sticky texture. If in doubt, it’s best to discard.
The Bottom Line
Yes, you can absolutely freeze cooked ground turkey with great results! Follow proper freezing, thawing and reheating methods to enjoy it just like fresh for up to 4 months.
Portion into meal sizes, use airtight packaging, and thaw in the refrigerator for food safety and quality. With these handy tips, you can freeze your leftover cooked ground turkey to enjoy later.
Can you freeze cooked turkey?
Yes, it’s easy to freeze cooked turkey. Simply remove the bones and skin. Then, cut the meat into thin slices or chunks (no more than 3 inches (7.6 cm)). Place the turkey in a plastic freezer bag and write today’s date on the bag. Store it in your freezer for up to 9 months.
Thawing the Turkey
- 1 Place the turkey in the fridge to thaw for 24-48 hours. The best way to thaw your turkey is by putting it in the refrigerator to thaw slowly at a constant cold temperature. Depending on how large your turkey is, if you place it in the fridge overnight, it’ll likely be thawed the next day.[7]
- It usually takes 4 hours for 1 pound (450 g) of turkey to thaw.
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2 Thaw the turkey in cold water to defrost it faster. Fill a basin or plug your sink to fill it with cold water. Use enough water to cover the package of turkey, making sure there’s water on all sides. Change the water every 30 minutes and keep an eye on the turkey to ensure you remove it from the water as soon as it’s thawed.[8]
- Check that the plastic bag or container is sealed tightly before placing it in the water so there aren’t any leaks.
- 3 Avoid placing the turkey on the counter to thaw it. Setting your turkey out to thaw at room temperature isn’t safe as bacteria can start to quickly multiply once the turkey reaches a certain temperature. Always thaw your turkey by placing it in the fridge or in cold water to ensure it doesn’t spoil.[9]
- Even though most of the bacteria is killed off when you reheat the turkey in the oven or microwave, some types of bacteria still linger even after going through heat.
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