How Long Can Cooked Ground Turkey Sit Out?

Last Updated on November 4, 2022 by Lauren Beck

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think twice about cooking a big batch of ground turkey and storing the leftovers in the fridge. But how long can cooked ground turkey sit out before it goes bad?

The answer is not as simple as you might think. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) says that cooked ground turkey can be stored in the fridge for up to four days. However, they also say that ground turkey that has been frozen and then thawed can only be stored in the fridge for two days.

So what’s the difference? The USDA says that frozen ground turkey is safe to eat indefinitely, as long as it’s kept frozen at a temperature of 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Once it’s thawed, however, the clock starts ticking and you have only two days to use it before it needs to be cooked or frozen again.

Table of Contents

Can You Keep Ground Turkey in the Fridge?

The USDA also says that ground turkey can be stored in the freezer for up to four months. This is a great option if you’re not sure when you’ll have time to cook it. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge 24 hours before you plan to cook it, and use it within two days of thawing.

Can You Reheat Cooked Ground Turkey?

Yes, you can reheat cooked ground turkey. The USDA says that it’s best to reheat it to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit or above.

Can You Eat Cooked Ground Beef Left Out Overnight?

Cooked ground beef can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. However, if it’s been left out at room temperature for more than two hours, it should be thrown away.

How Long Can Uncooked Turkey Sit Out?

Uncooked turkey can sit out at room temperature for up to two hours. However, it’s best to cook it as soon as possible.

How Do You Know If Cooked Ground Turkey Has Gone Bad?

Cooked ground turkey can go bad if it’s not stored properly. If it’s been left out at room temperature for more than two hours, it should be thrown away. If it’s been refrigerated, it can last up to four days. Here are some signs that cooked ground turkey has gone bad:

Sour Smell: If your cooked ground turkey has a sour smell, it’s probably gone bad.
Mold: If you see mold on your cooked ground turkey, it’s best to throw it away.
Texture: If the texture of your cooked ground turkey is slimy or sticky, it’s probably gone bad.
Color: If your cooked ground turkey has changed color, it’s probably gone bad.

If you’re not sure if your cooked ground turkey is still good, it’s best to throw it away. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

What’s Dangerous about Eating Old Ground Turkey?

The main danger of eating old ground turkey is food poisoning. Cooked ground turkey can contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli. These bacteria can cause severe illness, or even death. So it’s best to be safe and throw away any cooked ground turkey that might be bad.

Why Does Ground Turkey Go Bad?

Cooked ground turkey can go bad because of improper storage. If it’s left out at room temperature for more than two hours, or if it’s not properly refrigerated, bacteria can grow and cause the ground turkey to spoil.

Is Pink Turkey Meat Safe to Eat?

Yes, pink turkey meat is safe to eat. The USDA says that it’s safe to eat ground turkey that’s still pink, as long as the internal temperature is 165 degrees Fahrenheit or above [1]. However, if the ground turkey is gray or green, it’s probably gone bad and should be thrown away.

How to Defrost a Turkey?

There are two safe ways to defrost a turkey: in the refrigerator or in cold water. Defrosting a turkey in the fridge can take anywhere from 24 hours to 5 days, depending on the size of the bird. Defrosting in cold water is much faster, but it’s important to change the water every 30 minutes to keep the turkey from getting too warm.

Here are some tips for how to defrost a turkey:

If you’re short on time, you can defrost the turkey in cold water. Just be sure to change the water every 30 minutes.
If you’re defrosting the turkey in the fridge, it’s best to put it in a pan or on a plate to catch any drips.
If you’re not sure how long it will take to defrost your turkey, it’s best to err on the side of caution and give it more time. Better safe than sorry!

Conclusion

Cooked ground turkey can sit out at room temperature for up to two hours. However, it’s best to cook it as soon as possible. If you’re not sure if your cooked ground turkey is still good, it’s best to throw it away. The main danger of eating old ground turkey is food poisoning. So it’s best to be safe and throw away any cooked ground turkey that might be bad.

Reference:

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/poultry/pink-turkey-meat-safe

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Lauren Beck

Lauren Beck is a Food Science & Technology graduate, born and raised in NYC, but lived in Japan for more than eight years. Her love forAmerican food and Japanese culture led her to create Kitsune Restaurant. She loves taking walks with her dog - an American Akita she aptly named Hachiko. Learn more about us here or you can email us contact@kitsunerestaurant.com.