This recipe for ground turkey cooked in the slow cooker is full of flavor and protein, with just the right amount of carbohydrates. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving or even a weeknight family meal.
My favourite way to eat turkey has got to be hands down in its ground form.
I understand that a lot of people may disagree with me, and that’s okay, but you won’t go back after trying this recipe for ground turkey cooked in a slow cooker.
I am referring to thin slices of heavily spiced minced turkey that are slow-cooked for multiple hours along with some sweet potatoes and veggies.
Absolutely, you can cook ground turkey in a crock pot! In fact, it’s one of the easiest and most convenient ways to prepare this versatile protein. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a hearty dish to feed a crowd, a crock pot can be your secret weapon.
But before you get started, let’s answer some frequently asked questions about cooking ground turkey in a crock pot:
How long does it take to cook ground turkey in a crock pot?
The cooking time for ground turkey in a crock pot will depend on the heat setting you use. On low heat, it will take about 4-6 hours to cook through On high heat, it will take about 2-3 hours.
What temperature should I cook ground turkey in a crock pot?
The ideal temperature to cook ground turkey in a crock pot is 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey to make sure it’s cooked through.
What is the best way to brown ground turkey before cooking it in a crock pot?
While browning the ground turkey before adding it to the crock pot is not essential, it can help to improve the flavor and texture of the finished dish. To brown the turkey, simply heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground turkey. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until it is no longer pink.
What can I cook with ground turkey in a crock pot?
There are endless possibilities when it comes to cooking ground turkey in a crock pot. You can use it to make chili, soups, stews, casseroles, and even tacos.
How do I make sure that ground turkey is cooked all the way through in a crock pot?
To make sure that ground turkey is cooked all the way through in a crock pot, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The internal temperature of ground turkey should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Here are some additional tips for cooking ground turkey in a crock pot:
- Use a lean ground turkey.
- Season the ground turkey with your favorite spices and herbs.
- Add liquid to the crock pot, such as broth, water, or wine.
- Serve the ground turkey with your favorite sides, such as rice, vegetables, or salad.
Now that you know the basics of cooking ground turkey in a crock pot, let’s get started with some delicious recipes:
Slow Cooker Ground Turkey Chili
This hearty and flavorful chili is perfect for a cold winter day. It’s packed with protein, vegetables, and beans, making it a healthy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup water
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper.
- In a slow cooker, combine the ground turkey mixture, black beans, corn, tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and water.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or until the meat is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Serve with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips.
Slow Cooker Ground Turkey Soup
This comforting and flavorful soup is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. It’s packed with vegetables and protein, making it a healthy and satisfying option.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced potatoes, drained
- 1 (10 ounce) can green beans, drained
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, onion, carrot, and celery.
- In a slow cooker, combine the ground turkey mixture, diced tomatoes, diced potatoes, green beans, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or until the meat is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Serve with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions.
Slow Cooker Ground Turkey Tacos
These flavorful and easy tacos are perfect for a fun and casual meal. They’re packed with protein and flavor, making them a crowd-pleasing option.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 12 taco shells
- Your favorite taco toppings, such as shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, onion, green bell pepper, black beans, diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In a slow cooker, spread the ground turkey mixture evenly across the bottom.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or until the meat is cooked through.
- Shred the turkey with two forks and serve in taco shells with your favorite toppings.
These are just a few ideas for cooking ground turkey in a crock pot. With a little creativity, you can create endless possibilities for delicious and easy meals. So next time you’re looking for a convenient and flavorful way to prepare ground turkey, give your crock pot a try!
Additional Resources:
Ground turkey for thanksgiving
Lets face it, thanksgiving can be stressful especially when catering to guests and/or a large family.
Furthermore, given the expense of living and the high cost of a whole turkey, some people are unable to purchase a large bird.
For that reason, in addition to making these Caribbean Turkey Steaks Recipe (which you will thank me for later),
The ideal Thanksgiving substitute would be ground turkey because it’s less expensive than purchasing its counterpart and offers a unique idea that your family and dinner guests are sure to enjoy.
Ways to use ground turkey
Many people confuse ground beef with ground turkey, but when comparing the same lean to fat content, both have comparable nutritional value. e 5% fat plus 95% lean turkey vs 5% fat plus 95% lean beef.
Both contain amino acids, which enable muscles to grow (great for gym goers).
Similar cholesterol, protein, iron, B vitamins, zinc, saturated fats and so fourth. This article here explains in full in much more details.
- Start by melting the coconut oil on medium heat.
- Continue to sauté the garlic and onion until they are transparent and soft.
- Add the chopped yellow bell peppers and cook until soft.
- It should take several minutes to achieve the desired color change in the meat, which should be pink or red at first, to brown or grey. Add the ground turkey and seal it.
- After the meat has browned, season it with cumin, paprika, oregano, parsley, and black pepper. Stir.
- Add the red pepper, green pepper, and coconut aminos to the blender and blend until smooth.
- After folding in all of the veggies, add the warm water, pink salt, and lime juice.
- Put everything in a crockpot (I use mys for both stewing and searing, so I can do both at once).
- Turn on the crockpot and program it to slow cook on high for four hours.
Crock Pot Ground Turkey Sandwiches – Ground Turkey Crock Pot Recipes
FAQ
Can you throw raw ground turkey in crock pot?
Can you cook ground meat in a crock pot?
Do you need to brown ground turkey before crockpot?
Is cooking a turkey in a slow cooker safe?
How do you cook ground turkey in a crock pot?
Start by melting the coconut oil on medium heat. Proceed to saute the onion and garlic until soft and translucent. Add the chopped yellow bell peppers and cook until soft. Add the ground turkey and seal and brown the meat (the meat should change from pink/red to a brown/greyish hue) this should take several minutes to achieve.
What are the health benefits of ground turkey?
Ground turkey has multiple benefits. It is a good source of minerals, and B vitamins, rich in proteins, low in fat and it is lower in calories than common turkey.
Can you cook ground turkey in a crock pot without browning?
Yes, you can cook ground turkey directly in the crock pot without browning it first. However, browning the ground turkey before adding it to the crock pot can enhance the flavor and texture of the final dish. How long does it take to cook ground turkey in a crock pot?
How to cook ground turkey in a slow cooker?
Place your ground turkey in the slow cooker, and sprinkle it with salt and pepper.. Add the dried parsley, garlic powder and dried oregano. Cover the slow cooker tightly with the lid, cook it on low heat for three to four hours. Take the lid off the slow cooker, and gently stir the ground turkey to break it up into bite-sized pieces.