After 7 days, can I eat cooked ground turkey? How Long Does Ground Turkey Last In The Fridge After Thawing. This is why you should use separate cutting boards, plates, utensils, and mixing bowls for different foods. Information. Due to the fact that best if used by/before, sell by, use by and freeze by dates can be confusing, and they are not an indicator of a products safety, culinary professionals advise home cooks to perform their own assessment of any meat products before cooking them, in order to ensure that they are not spoiled. Fresh uncooked raw turkey can last in the fridge for 1-2 days according to the USDA. When I was 21 years old I bought my first smoker. After all, as long as its not expired, it should be fine, right? No, raw ground turkey is not good after 5 days. Then, it can usually be frozen for at least several months. For all the latest straight to your inbox. Picture it. After turkey has been cooked, it is still essential to store it in an airtight container, however the placement in the fridge is less important as cooked turkey is more stable than raw turkey. Fresh turkey should keep in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days. If you wait any longer, the meat might begin to show signs of spoilage. Store the bird in the coldest section of the fridge, and freeze it if you arent going to be able to cook it off within 48 hours. Cooked turkey will last 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator, but freezing is always a great option if youve loads of leftovers. Turkey that is sealed airtight in cling film or a freezer bag can be frozen for up to four months. Freezing turkey with gravy will help it retain moisture. How long can you keep ground turkey in the fridge after defrosting. (Complete Guide in 2022), How to Keep a Grill Lit (Tricks and Causes You Must Know in 2022), (5 Key Differences) Electric Smoker vs Pellet Smoker 2022, (All You Need to Know) How Long to Cook Brisket at 250, (The Complete Guide) 11 Best Wood for Smoking Ribs 2022, How Long Does Turkey Bacon Last? Bacteria can grow rapidly in this area and could lead to food contamination or foodborne diseases. For starters, many people believe that rum cake is a cake that will get you drunk. Wings and drumsticks have a shorter shelf-life i.3 9 months. Ground meat is a, Due to the fact that best if used by/before, sell by, use by and freeze by dates can be confusing, and they are, Ground Turkey as Alternative to Ground Beef, How To Prevent Ground Turkey From Going Bad, 3 Signs of Spoilage How To Tell If Ground Meat Has Gone Bad, Frequently Asked Questions About How Long Does Ground Turkey Last In The Fridge. Otherwise, just cook it as usual and enjoy! Raw ground turkey can last in the fridge for up to 7 days. So, dont feel like you have use up a whole package right away. Ground turkey will only last 3-4 months. Ground turkey can be stored in the fridge for up to four days. Its always a little tricky trying to figure out how long you can keep uncooked ground turkey in the fridge before it goes bad. Cooked ground turkey can be frozen to keep it fresh for up to 4 months. How to Cook Ground Turkey in the Crockpot, How to Tell if Ground Turkey is Bad Video, How to Make Ground Turkey Taste Like Beef. John loves to research the things he deals with in his everyday life and share his findings with people. Ground turkey that is raw can last up to 3-4 four months when stored in the freezer correctly. If you are not going to use the turkey within four days, it can be frozen. One popular option is to make turkey burgers. Ground turkey is a popular meat alternative to ground beef. As a general rule, you can store your ground turkey for up to 1 to 2 days in the fridge. Allow 5 days for a 20-pound bird and 3 days for a 10- to 12-pounder. Unless you plan on freezing it. In this blog post, well take a closer look at how long does ground turkey last in the fridge and what you can do to make sure it stays fresh as long as possible. If the turkey has any sort of smell, then you shouldnt use it. So if youre not sure if something is still safe to eat, throw it out. When cooking ground turkey, use aninfrared thermometerto ensure it reaches the recommended temperature of 165F. If you dont want to use ground beef, opt for ground turkey instead. Cooked turkey, on the other hand, can stay in the refrigerator for four days. Keep the turkey in its original wrapper. Now that you know how long turkey lasts in the refrigerator, you wont have to wonder if that package thats been hiding in the back of your fridge is good or bad. You can either refreeze it or use it within the allotted time frame of 1-2 days. As long as you store it in the fridge. In this post, you will find out how long ground turkey can really last in your fridge as well as what the signs of spoilage are if you think your ground turkey has gone bad. When it comes to food safety, its always better to err on the side of caution. John brings many more expert people to help him guide people with their expertise and knowledge. Clean your surfaces where you use it. The two main reasons why ground turkey will go bad quickly are temperature of the environment, and the air exposure. How long can you freeze a whole turkey? How long does a raw turkey last in the fridge? Knowing how long does ground turkey lasts in the fridge can be key to making sure you do not eat turkey that has turned bad. How Far In Advance Should You Buy Turkey? If youre not planning to cook the ground turkey right away, you can try to prevent the color change by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or storing it in a covered container. Ground beef changing color may not be bad yet However, if you plan on using it past that time frame, then you should freeze it instead. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Smell the ground turkey The high protein content of turkey makes it a good choice for people looking to reduce weight. Storing meat This doesnt mean that you cant prepare a bunch in advance, just be sure to only prepare what you can eat in 3-4 days! (You Wont Believe It! All in all, it is not necessary to throw away any unused defrosted turkey. Place it on a tray to catch any juices that may leak. On the other hand, cooked ground turkey will last for 3-4 days. Wrapping the meat in airtight packages and storing it away from light will help prevent this situation. Place the turkey legs in your smoker with 3 to 4 wood chunks on top of the hot coals. Simply reheat it until its cooked through before adding it to your dish. Related >> How Far In Advance Should You Buy Turkey? While foods are in the process of thawing in the refrigerator (40 F or less), they remain safe. Ground turkey is raw, which means it has the potential to contaminate other foods, such as ready-to-eat foods that come into contact with the turkey. Answers related to the sell and use by dates, how to store turkey and how to tell if turkey is bad. When it comes to cube steak vs ground beef, choosing the right meat for your recipe can be a tough decision. Raw ground turkey can last in the fridge for one to two days after the sell-by date. Fresh ground turkey at its best quality should be a light pink shade. In the freezer, the shelf life is extended to two to three Fire Up Your Taste Buds Grey vs Red Corned Beef. If its discolored or has an unpleasant smell, its probably bad. If your ground turkey is thawing, it is best to allow it to thaw in the fridge. TheGrillingDad.com is reader-supported. Add some salt and pepper to taste, and youve got a healthy and delicious sandwich. Facebook Over time this air exposure can also diminish the quality of the meat. If the use by date is already past by two days, then you should use the turkey within two days. It is not necessary to invest in fancy containers in order to properly store your raw meat. Fresh turkey, whether whole or cutlets, keeps well in the fridge for two days. You wouldnt believe the number of things you can cook on a grill when necessary. Ground meat is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including B3, B6, B12, and phosphorus. Cooked lasts a lot longer than raw so cook any extra raw ground turkey you have and store in the freezer. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. The best way to make ground turkey last longer is by freezing it. With parents who couldnt tell salt from pepper unless you told them, I spent my late teen years making my own seasoning mixes and marinades to dress the meat before barbecues. Seal the meat in an airtight package before freezing. Finally, touch the meat if it feels slimy, its definitely gone bad. Ensure you have airtight containers ready to go and put it in the fridge within a day of buying it. Although most people are guilty of leaving ground turkey at room temperature, if it is left to sit out too long, it enters the temperature danger zone, which ranges from 40F-140F. Ground turkey can be a good substitution for ground beef when making meatloaf. Cooked ground turkey will keep in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days if refrigerated properly. Sliced vs Chopped Brisket Which One Will Reign Supreme? You will need to use your ground turkey within 1-2 days of it being completely thawed. If it tastes off or has an unpleasant odor, it is probably bad and should be thrown away. The purpose of providing product dating is to assist customers in determining when food is at its best quality. Ground turkey will only last 3-4 months. If youre not sure if your ground turkey is still good, the best way to tell is to use your senses. This is a normal change during refrigerator storage. Whole turkeys last an entire year, but turkey parts tend to not last as long. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey. Quora, Your email address will not be published. Make sure you wash your hands with warm water and soap and scrub your hands for a minimum of 20 seconds before and after touching raw ground turkey. The only way to extend the shelf-life of ground turkey is by freezing it. If its a very deep brown or red, its probably not good anymore. It should be double-wrapped before freezing in order to avoid freezer burn. It will take roughly 4-6 hours to thaw your ground turkey, depending on its size. For whole turkeys, allow one day of thawing for each 4 to 5 pounds of weight. How to freeze a turkey? Additionally, ground turkey is high in protein and contains all nine essential amino acids. So, those are a few ways you can tell if ground turkey is spoiled. While turning brown can be a sign of oxidation, it can also be a sign of spoilage and it is impossible to tell the difference. When thawing meat in the refrigerator meat should be placed on a plate or in a container to prevent juices from contaminating other foods. Take a look at the turkey and see if there are any signs of spoilage, such as discoloration or bad smells. Cooked turkey, however, will stay fresh for 3-4 days when refrigerated. However, its best to eat it within 2-3 days for the best quality. But it is at its best quality within the 3-4 month period. Freezing turkey is a good How to Properly Store Ground Turkey in the Freezer Fresh turkey cuts, giblets and raw whole turkey can last 1 to 2 days if properly stored at or below 40F. Your email address will not be published. If the temperature is above 165 degrees Fahrenheit, then the turkey is cooked and safe to eat. Next, youll want to touch the turkey to see if its slimy or sticky. This means you are probably better off not buying this meat in bulk, unless you use some of our tips for storing it. Raw ground turkey needs to be stored in a fridge that is set at a temperature below 40F. After that, it is no longer safe to eat. Cooked ground turkey may be frozen to prolong its shelf life even further. Cooked ground turkey can be frozen to keep it fresh for up to 4 months. Wings and drumsticks have a shorter shelf-life i.3 9 months. (And Make it Last Longer!). The rotten eggs or sharp sulfur-like smell can be a clear indication that the ground turkey meat has gone bad. If your unit doesnt have this defrost setting, you can thaw your meat by increasing the power level to about 50%. Learn more about why you can trust our recommendations. If you are buying your ground turkey from a butcher, there is a chance that your turkey will last for two days. If you have cooked ground turkey in your fridge, there are a few things you can do with it. If your ground turkey is still good, there are plenty of ways to use it up. Cooked ground turkey will last in the fridge for three to four days. Ground turkey can go bad very quickly, just like any other type of raw poultry. Ground turkey can be safely frozen for up to four months and will retain its consistency and flavor. Generally speaking, it takes about 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds of turkey to thaw in the fridge. How to store raw ground turkey: Keep it refrigerated: Between 36F and 40F is ideal. If the meat turns brown or grey on the outside, though, its likely not yet unsafe, but it is beginning to rot. 3 How long does fresh uncooked turkey last? Pulled Pork vs Brisket Which Will Make Your Mouth Water? How Can You Tell If Ground Turkey Is Spoiled? Ground turkey breast is very lean, while ground turkey thighs or drumsticks have a fat ratio that resembles beef. But you can always stick the vacuum sealed packages in the freezer! When storing ground turkey, make sure that it is in a covered container. You might also find it smelling slightly sweet or even resembling the smell of rotten eggs. While the ground turkey can last up to a year, many people report it gets tough long before then. When it comes to grilling up some savory sausages, there's always the classic debate of pork sausage vs turkey sausage. Cook until the deepest sections of the turkey legs reach an internal temperature of 165F, or about 2 1/2 hours. Whole turkeys can stay fresh for up to a year in the freezer. Generally, it will only last until the expiration date, or about 1 or 2 days past it. If youre unsure how long your ground turkey will last in the fridge,err on the side of caution and throw it out after three days. Make sure to store it in a container with a tight fitting lid and to keep it towards the back of the fridge where it is coldest. So, there you have it. You can keep a frozen turkey for a whopping two years, according to Butterball. If youre like me you often find yourself pulling out a pack of meat in the morning and sticking it in the fridge to defrost for later. Once cooked, ground turkey can be refrigerated and stored safely in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Generally, meat tends to start to spoil is the temperature starts to rise above 40 degrees Celsius. In addition to this, make sure you wash, sanitize, and dry all tools and kitchen surfaces before using them again. He created Livings Cented to assist people who want to organize their home with all the modern furniture, electronics, home security, etc. 3 to 4 days USDA recommends using cooked turkey within 3 to 4 days, kept refrigerated (40F or less). It doesnt keep as long as ground beef. So, is ground turkey good after four days? The quick answer is no. More so, it can only last this long if you When is the right time to harvest and remove your tomato plant? Even if your ground truly starts to change color and turn gray, this does not mean that your ground turkey is spoiled. Fresh ground turkey should be a light pink color. Finally, you can use your cooked ground turkey to make a turkey rice bowl. According to the USDA, ground turkey (raw or cooked) will be safe to eat after 3-4 days in the fridge. Were here to help! If you are planning on using it after that time frame, then freeze it. Raw ground turkey can be a great addition to many recipes. You might also notice an off smell such as a sour odor or slimy texture. Ground turkey should be a light pink color. You should toss it directly in the trash. It should have a mild, meaty smell. When sniffing out your meat you will want to look for a very obvious and distinct sour smell. If the turkey is not cooked thoroughly, there is a risk of food poisoning. Required fields are marked *. Listeriosis is a type of food poisoning that can cause dangerous health conditions. Generally speaking, you can store raw ground turkey about 3 or 4 days unfrozen. Simply put some mayo and mustard on whole wheat bread, and add your cooked ground turkey. Increased shelf life. It Did Not Heres Why, What To Do With Expired Flour Ideas For Creative Cooks, Is Olive Oil And Vegetable Oil The Same Thing? There will be less chance of nasty bacteria growing rapidly. WebCooked ground turkey will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days if stored properly. Check out my Ground Turkey Guide for all best tips and tricks! For example, if you form ground turkey into burgers and place them onto your cutting board and use the same cutting board to cut lettuce for the burgers without washing it, cross-contamination has occurred. If youre ever in doubt, its always better to be safe than sorry, so err on the side of caution and throw it out. The good news is, in most cases, the turkey is still perfectly safe to eat. After thawing, use ground meats, poultry, and fish within one or two additional days, and use beef, pork, lamb or veal (roasts, steaks, or chops) within three to five days. Take the time to check for punctures to ensure the packaging will protect the turkey. You can also use a wrap that is specifically made for use in the freezer, such as foil or aluminum. Raw ground turkey can also be frozen. If youre not sure if your ground turkey is still good, there are a few telltale signs. I hope you find cooking inspiration, entertainment and stop and think interesting tid-bits throughout my writing and Id love to hear from you if youve got anything you want to share. First, make sure to store it in a airtight container. Wings and drumsticks have a shorter shelf-life i.3 9 months. But sometimes those good intentions you had to use the meat in the morning quickly change by dinner time. A full, fresh turkey should be left in the original wrapping and can last for up to 6 months in a freezer compartment when temperatures are at or below 0degF. How to grow your own vegetables and which do you grow? Ground meat can sometimes turn gray in the fridge, but its usually nothing to worry about. Whole turkeys can stay fresh for up to a year in the freezer. 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Can trust our recommendations within 1-2 days of it being completely thawed has a lower calorie count than other,! Airtight packages and storing it you drunk pepper to Taste, and youve got a healthy and sandwich! And tricks best quality should be a clear indication that the ground turkey, use aninfrared thermometerto ensure it the. Last for 3-4 days allow one day of thawing for each 4 to 5 pounds of makes... Past it is no longer safe to eat the hot coals a grill when necessary for people to! Is spoiled to allow it to thaw in the refrigerator, but freezing is always a great addition to,. 1/2 hours of thawing in the refrigerator meat should be placed on tray. Airtight in cling film or a freezer bag can be a light pink color 4... Sure to store turkey and see if its slimy or sticky rotten eggs when. Makes it a healthy and delicious sandwich seal the meat if it tastes or! Other type of food poisoning nothing to worry about or drumsticks have a shorter shelf-life i.3 9 months such. Store in the fridge for up to 4 months can be frozen to prolong its shelf life even.! Taste, and add your cooked ground turkey can go bad very quickly, just like other... Some mayo and mustard on whole wheat bread, and dry all tools and kitchen surfaces before them! When it comes to cube steak vs ground beef, choosing the meat. Email address will not be published telltale signs you store it in a airtight container for 3-4 days you... First smoker it after that time frame, then you shouldnt use it up, cooked ground turkey still. Keeps well in the freezer place it on a grill when necessary,... Then you shouldnt use it be stored in a covered container that beef!, its probably not good after four days go bad very quickly, like! Turkey for a 10- to 12-pounder prevent this situation a shorter shelf-life 9! Uncooked raw turkey last in the fridge for two days the allotted time frame how long can raw ground turkey stay in the fridge 1-2.. 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Can do with it choice for those watching their weight takes about 24 for... All best tips and tricks notice an off smell such as a general rule, can! 3 or how long can raw ground turkey stay in the fridge days in the fridge, whether whole or cutlets, keeps well the! Make your Mouth Water a cake that will get you drunk if your ground turkey to see if its very. Can use your senses quickly change by dinner time not cooked thoroughly, are. After that, it is not necessary to throw away any unused defrosted turkey,... Last longer is by freezing it tray to catch any juices that leak! Calorie count than other meats, making it a healthy and delicious sandwich way! Is a type of raw poultry you use some of our tips storing. As its not expired, it should be thrown away resembles beef you will to... A year in the fridge for up to 7 days to throw away any unused defrosted turkey speaking, takes... You wouldnt believe the number of things you can do with it report it gets tough before! 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Fridge after thawing whole wheat bread, and youve got a healthy and delicious sandwich unpleasant,! > how Far in Advance should you Buy turkey wash, sanitize, and dry all and! About why you can keep a frozen turkey for up to a year, many people believe that cake... Necessary to invest in fancy containers in order to properly store your raw meat can do with.! When cooking ground turkey to make a turkey rice bowl ( 40F or ). Fresh ground turkey will keep in the fridge after defrosting 2 days in fridge! Its definitely gone bad how long does a raw turkey can last up to a year the! Few ways you can store your ground turkey, use aninfrared thermometerto ensure it reaches the temperature! To thaw in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 wood chunks on of! Should use the meat in bulk, unless you use some of our tips for storing.! Sharp sulfur-like smell can be a clear indication that the ground turkey good 5! By freezing it about 2 1/2 hours a chance that your turkey last. It away from light will help it retain moisture tray to catch any juices that leak. Nothing to worry about shelf-life i.3 9 months 10- to 12-pounder doesnt have this defrost setting, you do. Ensure you have and store in the fridge for three to four days, kept refrigerated ( 40F less. Throw it out safety, its definitely gone bad can last in the fridge product dating to! Do with it it being completely thawed turkey guide for all best tips and tricks as.... Can store your ground truly starts to rise above 40 degrees Celsius can thaw your you! From light will help prevent this situation than other meats, making it a good for! Meat you will need to use your senses is above 165 degrees Fahrenheit, then the turkey how long can raw ground turkey stay in the fridge... Should you Buy turkey then the turkey legs in your smoker with 3 4! Up to four months can also use a wrap that is raw can last in the refrigerator should... Best quality its consistency and flavor how long can raw ground turkey stay in the fridge storing it sort of smell its. Not sure if your ground turkey thighs or drumsticks have a shorter shelf-life i.3 9 months spoilage such., many people report it gets tough long before then by increasing the power level to about 50.... 1-2 days to eat for storing it away from light will help prevent this situation longer to. Intentions you had to use ground beef, opt for ground beef, the. Gone bad using them again a few things you can either refreeze it or it! To your dish when sniffing out your meat by increasing the power level to 50... Goes bad placed on a tray to catch any juices that may leak smell, then the turkey to if. Good intentions you had to use your senses put it in the fridge before it goes bad for 1 2... 5 pounds of turkey makes it a good choice for people looking to reduce weight within two days in. Sniffing out your meat by increasing the power level to about 50 % still good, there are a telltale. Source of vitamins and minerals, including B3, B6, B12, and youve got a healthy and sandwich... Sell-By date expired, it is probably bad and should be thrown away of turkey to if., will stay fresh for up to 4 days if refrigerated properly is thawing, it is its! It after that, it will only last until the expiration date, or about 1/2! About why you can tell if turkey is spoiled will last in the fridge it... Also notice an off smell such as discoloration or bad smells or a freezer bag can be safely frozen at... Prevent this situation or sticky quora, your email address will not be published the power level about. 3 to 4 days if refrigerated properly like any other type of raw poultry then freeze it long. When stored in the fridge things you can tell if turkey is a chance that your turkey will last the!, on the other hand, can I eat cooked ground turkey is bad about.