Ground turkey is a healthy alternative to ground beef that can be used in a lot of different dishes, like burgers, tacos, and chili. No matter how you like to use ground turkey, you should know how to store it safely so you can have it when you need it.
Ground turkey is a healthy and versatile ingredient that can be used in everything from burgers to chili. But like any raw meat, it requires proper storage to maximize freshness and avoid food safety issues. Below, we’ll discuss how long ground turkey lasts in the refrigerator.
Raw Ground Turkey Refrigerator Time
According to the USDA, raw ground turkey can be kept refrigerated for 1 to 2 days after purchase.
It’s important to store ground turkey properly during this window
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Keep it in the coldest part of the fridge, 40°F or below.
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Place the ground turkey on a plate or in a container to catch any leaks.
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Don’t overstuff the fridge, as this reduces air circulation and cooling.
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Divide into smaller portions to expedite freezing/thawing if you won’t use it all in 1-2 days.
Cooked Ground Turkey Refrigerator Time
Once cooked, ground turkey has a fridge life of 3 to 4 days. Follow these guidelines:
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Let cooked ground turkey cool completely before refrigerating.
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Store in airtight, shallow containers to allow rapid cooling.
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Consume within 3 days for peak quality and safety.
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Discard if you notice an off smell, texture, or color.
Freezer Time for Ground Turkey
For longer term storage, ground turkey also freezes well.
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Raw ground turkey keeps 3 to 4 months in the freezer.
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Cooked ground turkey keeps 2 to 3 months frozen.
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Use freezer bags, plastic wrap, or airtight containers. Remove as much air as possible.
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Portion into recipe-ready amounts before freezing.
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Defrost in the refrigerator, not at room temp on the counter.
Safety Tips
To keep your ground turkey safe:
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Follow “use-by” dates and the above guidelines. Discard if in doubt.
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Cook thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F. Color is not an indicator of doneness.
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Prevent cross-contamination by washing hands, utensils, surfaces after contact.
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When thawing, place on a plate to catch drips. Don’t refreeze raw meat after thawing.
Properly stored, ground turkey can be a healthy and tasty addition to meals. Follow these fridge and freezer times, and rely on your senses along with USDA guidance to determine if your ground turkey is still fresh.
How to Tell if Ground Turkey is Bad?
When turkey or other poultry starts to go bad, it can grow bacteria that are bad for you, like salmonella. 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 smell bad, so if you smell something bad, it’s probably gone bad.
If the texture of your ground turkey feels off, get rid of it. Most likely, your turkey has gone bad if you notice that it is slimy, unusually dry, or sticky.
If you don’t notice anything strange about the way something looks, smells, or feels, but it doesn’t taste right when you start to eat it, stop 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.
Thawing Cooked Ground Turkey
My favorite way to thaw ground turkey is in the oven. Take a frozen turkey and wrap it in foil. Then, put it on a cookie sheet or casserole dish and heat the oven to 300 degrees. I would check every 20 minutes or so depending on how much you have.
How long is raw ground turkey good for in the fridge?
FAQ
Is ground turkey good after 5 days in the fridge?
Is ground turkey ok 4 days after use by date?
Can I leave raw turkey in fridge for 3 days?
Is raw ground beef good after 7 days in the fridge?
How long does a cooked ground turkey last in the fridge?
Once cooked, ground turkey has a longer shelf life in the refrigerator. Properly stored cooked ground turkey can last for 3-4 days. To maximize this time, refrigerate the turkey within two hours of cooking. Place it in shallow containers to allow for quick cooling, which is crucial to limit the time it spends in the danger zone.
How do you store ground turkey in the fridge?
Store in airtight packaging: Place ground turkey in a sealed container or re-wrap in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to block oxygen exposure. Place on a low shelf: The bottom shelf of the fridge is coldest, so store ground turkey there. Keep at 40°F or below: Verify your fridge temperature to ensure an optimal environment.
Can you freeze cooked ground turkey?
To extend the shelf life of uncooked ground turkey, you can freeze it. Frozen ground turkey will last for up to 3-4 months. When you are ready to use the frozen ground turkey, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave on the defrost setting. Cooked Ground Turkey Cooked Ground Turkey can last in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
How long should a ground turkey sit out before cooking?
When you are ready to cook the ground turkey, defrost it in the fridge overnight or using cold water. Whether it is frozen, cooked, or raw turkey, it should not sit out at room temperature for more than two hours. This timeline shortens to 1 hour if the room’s temperature is at or above 90°F.
How long can you keep ground turkey at room temperature?
Leaving ground turkey at room temperature for an extended period can promote bacterial growth, which may lead to foodborne illness. It is best to discard any perishable food left out for more than 2 hours. 11. Can ground turkey be stored in the refrigerator longer if it is vacuum-sealed?
Does ground turkey need to be refrigerated?
Ground turkey should be stored in airtight packaging to prevent the growth of bacteria. Airtight packaging can be achieved by using a sealed plastic bag, a vacuum-sealed bag, or a covered container. * Refrigerate ground turkey as soon as possible after purchase. Ground turkey should be refrigerated within two hours of purchase.