Can You Freeze Ground Turkey [Explained!]

Frozen ground turkey is a convenient and cost-effective way to prepare a quick meal for the whole family. It’s also a great way to preserve meat, but you should know how to freeze it to enjoy its benefits for extended periods.

Can you freeze ground turkey?

Yes, you can freeze ground turkey for up to 9-12 months, and it will remain safe. Freezing does not necessarily alter the texture of meat, but it does change the taste over time. However, you should freeze it as soon as possible to preserve the quality of ground turkey and use it within four months for the best taste. 

Keep reading to learn how to freeze ground turkey and how to tell if the ground turkey has gone bad, plus some helpful tips for extending storage time.

Can You Freeze Ground Turkey

Key Takeaways:

  • It’s safe to freeze ground turkey for up to 9-12 months.
  • If ground turkey has gone bad, it’s odor will be bad and also texture will change.
  • When frozen, cooked ground turkey has a shorter life span as compared to raw ground turkey.
  • The best way to store ground turkey is to vacuum seal and freeze it in a food-safe plastic bag.

How Long Is Ground Turkey Good in the Freezer?

Ground turkey can be stored in the freezer for about one year. It is crucial to freeze ground turkey as soon as possible after purchase. 

Ground turkey is a versatile meat that can be used in a variety of dishes. When properly stored, the ground turkey will be safe to eat for up to 12 months. The only problem with freezing ground turkey is that it will lose its taste as it ages.

When storing, you should ensure that the ground turkey can be stored in the freezer in its original packaging or a freezer-safe container. When storing ground turkey in the freezer, label the package with the date it was frozen.

See Also: How Many Slices Of Turkey Is 2 OZ

How Can You Tell If Frozen Ground Turkey Is Bad?

If you’re unsure whether your ground turkey has gone bad, there are a few signs you can look for.

  • Ground Turkey Odor
  • Storage Duration
  • Texture of Ground Turkey

1. Ground Turkey Odor

When frozen ground turkey becomes spoiled, the odor will be unbearable, but in some cases, the odor may not be noticeable until it reaches the consumer.

If you want to avoid the possibility of buying spoiled meat, ensure you buy meat from a reputable source, and avoid the purchase of any meat that has been frozen.

2. Storage Duration

If the frozen ground turkey has been stored for longer than the recommended time, it may be dry, crumbly, or tough. Ground turkey that has gone bad usually has a grey or greenish tint.

When storing frozen ground turkey, use the shortest possible time of storage. For example, ground turkey can be frozen for six months and still be acceptable for consumption.

If you store ground turkey for extended periods, the quality will deteriorate, resulting in a less palatable product.

3. Texture of Ground Turkey

If the frozen ground turkey has a slimy or tacky texture, it may be bad. The texture of a frozen ground turkey will vary based on how it was frozen. Thawing frozen turkey meat is the key to getting the best flavor from the meat.

If the ground turkey was frozen in a freezer, then thaw it slowly by leaving it in the refrigerator overnight or in a warm place on the counter for two to three hours.

Can You Freeze Cooked Ground Turkey?

Yes, you can freeze cooked ground turkey, but it will stay good for 3 to 4 months in the freezer. 

One of the biggest problems is that cooked ground turkey contains a lot of water and fat, which can expand when frozen. Once it starts to expand, getting it back to its original volume is nearly impossible.

The other problem is that once it is thawed, the moisture content is extremely low, which makes it very difficult to shape.

The ground turkey must be placed in an airtight container to prevent drying. This is especially important if you plan on storing it for several months or more.

See Also: Can You Grill Frozen Chicken

Is It Better to Freeze Ground Turkey Raw or Cooked?

Raw ground turkey is better to freeze than cooked ground turkey. This is because cooking meat loses moisture and can become chewy and hard when frozen and then defrosted.

It is better to freeze raw ground turkey than a cooked ground turkey because raw turkey retains moisture better.

In addition, you can refreeze turkey that has been defrosted in the refrigerator, but only if it has been cooked first. It is crucial to manage the freezing time correctly so that bacteria do not grow and ruin the turkey.

Does Ground Turkey Taste Different After Freezing?

Yes, ground turkey tastes different after freezing, but it is still a healthy alternative to beef. Ground turkey has less fat and is leaner than ground beef. It has more protein than chicken. It also contains iron and niacin, which is a B vitamin.

If you cook ground turkey and then freeze it, it will not taste as good after a while. It is safe to store frozen ground turkey for up to one year, but the quality and taste may deteriorate over time.

What Is the Best Way to Freeze Ground Turkey?

The best way to freeze ground turkey is to vacuum seal it in a food safe plastic bag and then store it in the freezer for up to one year. Following are the steps to freeze ground turkey perfectly.

  1. Place ground turkey in a single layer on a baking sheet.
  2. Freeze for 1-2 hours or until solid.
  3. Remove frozen turkey from the baking sheet and place it in a vacuum seal bag.
  4. Seal bag, making sure to remove all air.
  5. Place the bag in the freezer.
  6. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator or microwave.
  7. Cook as desired.

How Long Is Frozen Ground Turkey Good for After Thawed?

According to USDA, ground turkey can be kept in the refrigerator for three to five days once thawed. After thawing, frozen ground turkey can be cooked just like regular fresh ground turkey.

The taste and texture will differ a little but not much. The USDA recommends cooking ground turkey to an internal temperature of 165° F.

See Also: How Many Ounces Is A Slice Of Turkey



Care Tips for Freezing Ground Turkey

Following are the care tips for freezing the ground turkey:

  • Ensure your ground turkey is fresh before freezing- this will help it retain its quality and flavor.
  • Wrap the ground turkey tightly in freezer-safe wrap or bags to prevent freezer burn.
  • Label the wrapped ground turkey with the date to know when it was frozen.
  • When thawing the ground turkey, do so in the refrigerator overnight or in a bowl of cold water. Do not thaw on the countertop at room temperature.
  • Cook ground turkey within one to two days of thawing.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, you can freeze ground turkey in plastic bags, in the freezer compartment of your refrigerator, and in the freezer section of your grocery store. It’s a good idea to vacuum seal it before freezing it to prevent freezer burn. 


FAQs | Freezing Ground Turkey

Freezing ground turkey is a safe way to prepare the meat for later use. Here are some frequently asked questions about freezing ground turkey.

Why Does Frozen Ground Turkey Turn Brown?

When ground turkey is frozen, the color turns brown due to oxidation from the air. This is a natural way that turkey meat ages. It is usually cooked before freezing to minimize oxidation.

Can You Freeze Ground Turkey In The Package?

You can freeze turkey in the package, but it is not recommended. The turkey will be more susceptible to freezer burn and will not last as long. Ground turkey may be frozen in its original packaging. However, for the best quality, it is recommended that the turkey be repackaged in freezer-safe containers or bags.

Can You Refreeze The Defrosted Ground Turkey?

It is not recommended to refreeze ground turkey that has been defrosted. Refrozen ground turkey will not have as much meat in it as fresh. Additionally, it will taste bland and will be mushy.

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