Ground turkey is a lean and healthy alternative to ground beef It’s lower in fat and calories while still providing plenty of protein Ground turkey is extremely versatile and can be used in many classic comfort food dishes. One of the easiest ways to cook ground turkey is in a crockpot or slow cooker. The slow, low heat helps keep ground turkey deliciously moist and tender. Here are 21 amazing ground turkey crockpot recipes you need to try!
Why Cook Ground Turkey in a Crockpot?
There are several benefits to using a crockpot or slow cooker with ground turkey
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Keeps ground turkey moist – The slow cooking and liquid in a crockpot prevents the turkey from drying out. Ground turkey can dry out very easily if overcooked.
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Adds flavor – Long cooking times allow spices, sauces, and aromatics to fully permeate the turkey, adding maximum flavor.
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Minimal prep/clean up – Simply brown the turkey if desired, add all ingredients to the crockpot in the morning, and dinner is ready when you get home from work. Minimal prep and clean up required.
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Budget-friendly – Ground turkey is an affordable lean protein. Making it in bulk in the crockpot stretches your dollars even further.
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Nutritious – Cooking turkey with lots of vegetables boosts nutrition in a tasty way.
21 Best Ground Turkey Crockpot Recipes
From comforting casseroles and chili to hearty pasta bakes, here are 21 flavorful, easy ground turkey crockpot meals:
1. Crockpot Sloppy Joes
Kids and adults alike love sloppy joes. This classic is easy to make in the crockpot with ground turkey, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and brown sugar. Top with cheese if desired.
2. Turkey and Black Bean Chili
Chili is one of the most popular crockpot meals. This version is loaded with protein from the ground turkey and black beans. Diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, and oregano add Tex-Mex flavor. Top with avocado, cheese, or sour cream.
3. Thai Turkey Lettuce Wraps
These Asian-inspired lettuce wraps are bursting with flavor. Cook ground turkey in the crockpot with peanut sauce, ginger, garlic, chili sauce, and lime juice. Scoop into lettuce leaves.
4. Turkey Pumpkin Chili
This seasonal chili combines two fall favorites – pumpkin and turkey. The sweet pumpkin balances the spicy chili flavors. White beans add protein and fiber.
5. Turkey Taco Pasta
This family-friendly pasta dish tastes like tacos in pasta form. Cook turkey with taco seasoning, tomato sauce, and pasta in the crockpot. Finish with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream.
6. Turkey Meatball Vegetable Soup
Turkey meatballs cooked in broth with carrots, tomatoes, spinach, and herbs make a hearty and healthy soup. Serve with crusty bread.
7. Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Turkey stuffed peppers are so cozy. Cook turkey mixed with rice, tomatoes, and cheese in bell pepper halves until tender. The pepper shells get perfectly soft.
8. Turkey Cabbage Rolls
Savory turkey cabbage rolls are comforting on chilly nights. Wrap turkey and rice in cabbage leaves and nestle in tomato sauce in the crockpot.
9. Turkey Lasagna
Lasagna is perfect for feeding a crowd. Layer turkey, noodles, tomatoes, spinach, cheese, and creamy sauce in the crockpot for an easy baked pasta dish.
10. Enchilada Casserole
All the flavors of enchiladas baked into a hearty casserole. Cook ground turkey with beans, corn, enchilada sauce, and cheese until hot and bubbly.
11. Turkey Chili Mac
Family and kid-friendly chili mac is so quick to throw together. Cook elbow macaroni, ground turkey, tomatoes, beans, and chili seasoning until tender.
12. BBQ Turkey Meatloaf
Turkey meatloaf dressed up with tangy BBQ sauce, onions, cheddar cheese, parsley, Worcestershire, mustard, and breadcrumbs. Serve with mashed potatoes.
13. Turkey Marinara
Simmer turkey in marinara sauce with garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed tomatoes, spinach, and parmesan. Toss with cooked pasta for a fast Bolognese.
14. Buffalo Turkey Sliders
Game day favorite buffalo turkey sliders can easily be made in the crockpot. Shredded turkey is cooked in hot sauce and served on rolls with blue cheese dressing.
15. Turkey Broccoli Alfredo
Protein-packed turkey broccoli alfredo is so creamy and satisfying. Cook turkey and broccoli in alfredo sauce and serve over pasta or zoodles.
16. Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s pie gets a healthier makeover with turkey, carrots, peas, and corn topped with fluffy mashed potatoes.
17. Green Chili Turkey Casserole
This southwestern turkey casserole features bold green chili flavor. Layer corn tortillas, turkey chili verde, beans, and cheese for an amazing meal.
18. Turkey Spinach Rigatoni
Lean ground turkey and spinach make this pasta bake extra healthy. Toss rigatoni with turkey, tomatoes, spinach, and parmesan for an easy weeknight dinner.
19. Turkey Sweet Potato Chili
Healthy sweet potato takes center stage in this chili along with lean turkey, beans, fire roasted tomatoes, and zesty spices.
20. Turkey Zucchini Boats
Hollowed out zucchini boats are filled with savory turkey and cheese mixture. Easy to customize with your favorite seasonings and toppings.
21. Slow Cooker Turkey Gyros
Mediterranean turkey gyro meat simmers in a zesty lemon yogurt sauce. Stuff into warmed pitas with toppings like tomato, red onion, feta, and tzatziki sauce.
Tips for Crockpot Ground Turkey Success
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Always use lean or extra lean ground turkey. Regular ground turkey is too greasy for the crockpot.
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If desired, brown the ground turkey before adding to the crockpot for extra flavor.
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Cut any vegetables and potatoes added to the crockpot into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
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Add enough liquid like broth, crushed tomatoes, juice, or soup to keep the dish moist.
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Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until turkey is fully cooked through and tender.
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Stir in dairy like cream, cheese, or yogurt at the end to prevent curdling from the heat.
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Let cool at least 5 minutes before serving.
With so many easy, delicious options, ground turkey crockpot meals will become weekly staples in your home. Enjoy convenience, nutrition, and most importantly – fantastic flavor!
TURKEY CHILI | Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe | Dump And Go CROCKPOT Meals
FAQ
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