How long to cook turkey 13 pounds?

Calculate the roasting time. The general rule of thumb is 15 minutes per pound for an unstuffed turkey, and 20 minutes per pound for a stuffed turkey. So a 13-pound unstuffed turkey would need to roast for about 3 hours and 15 minutes, while a 13-pound stuffed turkey would need to roast for about 4 hours and 20 minutes.

Prepare the turkey. Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey cavity, and rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.

Season the turkey. Rub the turkey all over with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. You can also add herb butter, olive oil, or melted butter to the turkey cavity.

Roast the turkey. Place the turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack in a roasting pan. Add about 1/2 cup of water to the bottom of the pan. Cover the turkey with foil and roast in the preheated oven for the calculated amount of time.

Baste the turkey. Every 30 minutes or so, baste the turkey with the pan juices. This will help to keep the turkey moist.

Check the turkey for doneness. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).

Let the turkey rest. Once the turkey is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the turkey, making it more tender and flavorful.