21 Delicious Ground Turkey Crockpot Recipes to Make Tonight

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

  • 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.

  • Adds flavor – Long cooking times allow spices, sauces, and aromatics to fully permeate the turkey, adding maximum flavor.

  • 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.

  • Budget-friendly – Ground turkey is an affordable lean protein. Making it in bulk in the crockpot stretches your dollars even further.

  • 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

  • Always use lean or extra lean ground turkey. Regular ground turkey is too greasy for the crockpot.

  • If desired, brown the ground turkey before adding to the crockpot for extra flavor.

  • Cut any vegetables and potatoes added to the crockpot into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

  • Add enough liquid like broth, crushed tomatoes, juice, or soup to keep the dish moist.

  • Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until turkey is fully cooked through and tender.

  • Stir in dairy like cream, cheese, or yogurt at the end to prevent curdling from the heat.

  • 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!

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TURKEY CHILI | Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe | Dump And Go CROCKPOT Meals

FAQ

How do I make ground turkey more flavorful?

How do you add flavor to ground turkey? Turkey meat can be flavored with easy ingredients like kosher salt and pepper, bell peppers, garlic powder, and olive oil. If you’re cooking meat, specifically turkey taco meat, hot sauce and enchilada sauce are your best mates.

When not to cook ground turkey?

Look & Color. Raw turkey meat should be light pink or beige, depending on the type of meat and its fat content. The meat color becomes dull as time passes, which is normal. However, if the meat has a brown, gray or yellow or green hue, you will want to part ways with it.

Why is ground turkey healthier than beef?

Ground turkey contains less saturated fat than ground beef, giving it a more beneficial fat profile,” says Beaver. “In its place, ground turkey instead contains more polyunsaturated fat, which is a protective, healthier type of fat.”

Does ground turkey cook differently than ground beef?

Ground turkey cooks differently than ground beef Though both are ground meats, that doesn’t mean they cook the same way. Compared to ground beef, there isn’t much room for error when cooking ground turkey, because it can easily dry out fast, lose flavor, and be reduced to a crumbly mess.

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