Can You Cook Ground Turkey in a Crockpot?

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! Cooking ground turkey in a crockpot is a convenient and flavorful way to prepare this versatile protein. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a delicious Thanksgiving alternative, a crockpot can do the trick.

Why Use a Crockpot for Ground Turkey?

While stovetop cooking is the most common method for ground turkey, a crockpot offers several advantages:

Convenience: Simply add your ingredients to the crockpot and let it do its magic. No need to babysit the pot or worry about splattering grease.
Time-Saving: Crockpots allow you to cook ground turkey in bulk, saving you precious time during busy schedules.
Flavorful Results: Crockpot cooking allows the flavors to meld and develop over time, resulting in a more flavorful and tender dish.
Less Cleanup: No need to scrub a greasy pan afterwards. Just toss the liner or give the crockpot a quick wipe.

How to Cook Ground Turkey in a Crockpot

Here’s a basic guide to cooking ground turkey in a crockpot:

Choose your ground turkey: Opt for a lean-to-fat ratio that suits your preference. 5% fat is a good balance between flavor and health.
Brown the turkey (optional): While not essential, browning the turkey beforehand adds depth of flavor. Use a skillet or the sear function on your crockpot.
Add ingredients: Combine the browned turkey with your desired vegetables, seasonings, and liquid in the crockpot. This could be anything from a simple broth-based recipe to a more complex sauce-heavy dish.
Cook on low or high: Depending on your recipe and the amount of time you have, cook on low for 3-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
Drain excess fat: After cooking, use a slotted spoon or fine-mesh strainer to remove any excess fat that has accumulated.
Serve and enjoy: Enjoy your delicious crockpot ground turkey over rice, pasta, or in a variety of other dishes.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some additional tips and tricks for crockpot ground turkey:

Use a slow cooker liner: This makes cleanup even easier.
Don’t overcook: Overcooked ground turkey can become dry and tough.
Add frozen vegetables towards the end of cooking: This prevents them from becoming mushy.
Season generously: Crockpot cooking can sometimes mute flavors, so don’t be afraid to add a little extra seasoning.
Get creative: There are endless possibilities for crockpot ground turkey recipes. Experiment with different flavors and ingredients to find your favorites.

Delicious Crockpot Ground Turkey Recipes

Looking for some inspiration? Here are a few delicious crockpot ground turkey recipes to try:

Slow Cooker Ground Turkey Chili: A classic comfort food that’s perfect for a chilly day.
Crockpot Ground Turkey Tacos: A quick and easy weeknight meal that’s sure to please everyone.
Slow Cooker Ground Turkey Meatballs: A healthy and flavorful alternative to traditional meatballs.
Crockpot Ground Turkey Shepherd’s Pie: A hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a family meal.
Crockpot Ground Turkey Bolognese: A rich and flavorful sauce that’s perfect for pasta night.

With its convenience, versatility, and delicious results, the crockpot is a great tool for cooking ground turkey. So next time you’re looking for a quick and easy meal, give it a try!

Can I freeze this slow cooker recipe?

Yes, just distribute the recipe, ideally in equal portions, into a bowl that can be frozen for up to a month.

What is ground turkey?

To put it briefly, ground turkey is a finely chopped mixture of dark and light meats, primarily thighs and drumsticks with skin and some residual fat.

The lean-to-fat ratio fluctuates between 5% and 2012%. Personally, I’ve never witnessed anything exceeding 2012% in terms of fat content.

Always choose ground turkey that is labeled with the lowest fat percentage, which is light and leaner meat, if you are concerned about the saturated fat content.

Do keep in mind that leaner the meat is much more expensive.

I usually purchase meat that is 5 percent fat because, even though the meat is extremely lean, it still has a healthy amount of fat content that neither makes the meat too dry nor compromises its flavor.

Actually, the small amount of fat content helps to enhance the flavour naturally.

Slow Cooker Turkey EASY | Tender & Juicy Turkey! #cooking

FAQ

Can you put raw ground turkey in the crockpot?

Yes, you can cook ground turkey directly in the crock pot without browning it first.

Is cooking a turkey in a slow cooker safe?

Many slow cookers cannot accommodate large turkeys, so USDA recommended cutting-up a whole turkey into smaller pieces, or using store bought turkey parts. The parts should always be thawed before placing them into a slow cooker. DON’T start cooking foods from the frozen state.

Can you cook frozen ground turkey in a slow cooker?

It is best to thaw meat or poultry before putting it into a slow cooker. Frozen pieces will take longer to reach a safe internal temperature and could possibly result in foodborne illness.

Does ground turkey take longer to cook than ground beef?

However, it is important to note that ground turkey has a leaner meat content than ground beef, which means that it may cook faster and could be drier than ground beef. Additionally, ground turkey has a milder flavor than ground beef, so you may need to add more seasoning to achieve the desired flavor.