If you are wondering what to do with leftover ground turkey, keep reading, and we’ll give you some excellent ideas on how to freeze it.
Ground turkey is a healthy ingredient to obtain all the protein you need for your body.
It is versatile meat that you can use in many recipes like meatloaf, hamburgers, chili, pasta, and more.
In addition to being a good source of protein, turkey contains vitamins, particularly the B source.
Turkey also contains selenium, zinc, phosphorus, and some magnesium and potassium.
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All about ground turkey
Turkey is a large poultry bird native to North America.
Its consumption worldwide has recently increased, especially among people concerned about their health.
The high nutritious value of turkey makes it an excellent choice to include in low-fat diets.
You can purchase turkey whole, by parts, or ground.
Depending on the type of meat you buy, its nutritional value may vary.
For example, white meat, like turkey breast, is higher in protein, and dark meat from thighs has a little more fat.
Ground turkey is an excellent choice to replace ground beef or ground pork if you intend to reduce your fat intake, and you can always freeze it.
Read our post How to Tell When Ground Turkey is Done.
Ground turkey nutrition facts and health benefits
Turkey meat is a low-fat, high-protein alternative to ground beef.
It provides niacin, vitamin B6, phosphorus, and selenium.
Looking at the ground turkey nutrition facts, we can see that it is very lean meat with very little fat content.
It is also a good source of protein and contains essential vitamins and minerals.
So, what are the health benefits of ground turkey?
Firstly, because it is so lean, ground turkey is an excellent choice for those watching their fat intake.
It is also very low in calories, making it a good option for those trying to lose weight.
Secondly, the protein in ground turkey helps to build and repair muscles.
This makes it perfect for athletes or anyone who is working out regularly.
So, there you have it! It is not only a delicious and healthy option for meals, but it also has some great health benefits.
Why not try it next time you look for a lean protein source?
Here you can find more nutritional information about turkey meat.
Can you freeze ground turkey?
Ground turkey can be frozen and maintained for up to 3-4 months, but a few tricks are involved in the freezing process.
You must freeze the turkey quickly after purchase and store it properly to preserve its quality.
If you find fresh ground turkey on sale at grocery stores because of its sell-by date, take advantage of its price, bring it home, and freeze it.
How to freeze it
If you decide to freeze ground turkey, keep in mind that you must do it at least two days before the expiration date.
The best way to freeze turkey is to remove it from its original package to avoid problems.
Store packaging is not often freezer-proof.
Therefore, freezer burn is a possibility.
In addition to freeze-burning, your ground turkey may pick odors from other products stored in your freezer.
For best results, follow these instructions:
- Remove the ground turkey from its original packaging
- If you are not going to use the turkey all at once, distribute the meat in portions as you may need them
- Wrap each portion individually with plastic freezer wrap for an extra layer of protection
- Introduce the individual packages in a freezer-safe bag
- Label each bag with its contents and the freezing date
- Place your bags in the freezer side by side
- Once the bags have been in the freezer for a few hours, you can then stack them one on top of the other to save space
How to thaw the ground turkey
It is of utmost importance to thaw ground turkey properly.
The safest way to thaw the ground turkey is to place the bag on a dish and leave it in the refrigerator overnight.
Thaw ground turkey by placing it on your countertop at room temperature is not a good idea since this may provoke harmful bacteria growth and food poisoning.
Once you thaw the ground turkey, you will have to use it within the next two days.
Remember that it is not recommended to freeze your ground turkey again once it has been defrosted.
What do you need to freeze ground turkey?
To freeze ground turkey, you will need plastic wrap, plastic heavy-duty freezer bags, and a label marker.
How to use frozen ground turkey
You can prepare many delicious meals with this ground meat.
One of the most common ways to use frozen turkey is in tacos.
Thaw the meat and cook it in a skillet with some taco seasoning.
Or, for a healthier option, you can use ground turkey to make turkey burgers.
Mix the ground turkey with bread crumbs, an egg, and your favorite seasonings.
Then, form into patties and cook on the grill or in a skillet.
Ground turkey is also great in pasta dishes, casseroles, and soups.
So, check your freezer for ground turkey next time you’re looking for a lean protein option.
Read our posts: How to Cook Store Bought Smoked Turkey Legs and Can You Recook Undercooked Turkey?
FAQs
Frozen ground turkey will last for up to four months in the freezer.
To thaw ground turkey, place it in the refrigerator overnight.
You can also thaw it in a bowl of cold water, but be sure to cook it immediately after thawing.
You can freeze uncooked ground turkey.
When freezing raw turkey, it is essential to use an airtight container.
Be sure to label the container with the date and contents.
Raw ground turkey will last in the freezer for up to four months.
Yes, you can freeze the cooked ground turkey. When freezing cooked ground turkey, don’t forget to use freezer-safe containers.
Yes, you can cook ground turkey from frozen. However, it is best to thaw it first to cook evenly.
Ground turkey stored in the freezer for an extended storage period may spoil.
Look for signs of spoilage, such as strong odor, discoloration, or slimy texture. If you see any of these signs, do not eat the turkey and discard it.
Now that you know how to freeze and thaw the ground turkey and some of the best ways to use it, why not give it a try?
You may be surprised at how versatile and delicious this lean protein can be!
