Ground turkey is a versatile and lean protein that works wonderfully in crock pot recipes. Whether you’re craving a hearty chili, a comforting meatball dish, or a lighter version of your favorite comfort foods, using ground turkey in your slow cooker makes it easy to enjoy a delicious meal without all the fuss. Plus, cooking with ground turkey in the crock pot allows the flavors to meld beautifully, ensuring a savory dish every time.
In this article, we’ll explore the best ground turkey crock pot recipes that are both healthy and satisfying. From turkey chili to turkey meatballs, we’ve got you covered with ground turkey slow cooker meals perfect for busy nights and meal prep.
For a delicious take on a comforting dish, try the Mississippi Pot Roast Instant Pot Recipe. You can also check out this guide on why your Instant Pot pot roast isn’t tender for tips on perfecting your slow-cooked meals.
10 Best Ground Turkey Crock Pot Recipes for Quick and Easy Meals
1. Healthy Turkey Chili Crock Pot Recipe
This turkey chili is the perfect blend of hearty, comforting, and healthy. Packed with beans, tomatoes, and tender ground turkey, it’s an ideal meal for cold nights.
- Ingredients:
- Ground turkey
- Kidney beans, black beans
- Diced tomatoes
- Chili seasoning, onion, bell pepper
- Cooking Time: 6-8 hours on low
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, or cornbread on the side.
Want more chili ideas? Check out why your pot roast might not be tender for tips on slow cooking different meats.
2. Slow Cooker Turkey Sloppy Joes Recipe
This recipe is a healthier twist on the classic sloppy joes, using ground turkey instead of beef. It’s a perfect, quick dinner for busy families.
- Ingredients:
- Ground turkey
- Tomato sauce, onions, bell peppers
- Worcestershire sauce and spices
- Cooking Time: 4-6 hours on low
- Serving Suggestion: Serve on whole wheat buns with a side salad.
3. Autumn Pumpkin Chili Crock Pot Recipe
For a fall-inspired dish, this pumpkin chili combines ground turkey with pumpkin puree for a warm, savory flavor. It’s the ultimate comfort food with a twist.
- Ingredients:
- Ground turkey
- Pumpkin puree, black beans, diced tomatoes
- Chili spices
- Cooking Time: 6 hours on low
- Serving Suggestion: Top with chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream.
For more comfort foods, take a look at the ultimate guide to making the perfect crispy burger.
4. Slow-Cooker Ground Turkey Lasagna Recipe
This slow-cooker turkey lasagna is a lighter version of the classic Italian dish, using ground turkey as the main protein. The slow cooker ensures all the flavors blend together perfectly.
- Ingredients:
- Ground turkey
- Ricotta cheese, lasagna noodles
- Marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese
- Cooking Time: 5-6 hours on low
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with garlic bread and a green salad.
5. Taco Pasta with Ground Turkey in the Crock Pot
If you love both tacos and pasta, this taco pasta recipe is for you. It combines taco seasoning, ground turkey, and pasta into a creamy, flavorful dish that’s great for family dinners.
- Ingredients:
- Ground turkey
- Pasta, taco seasoning
- Diced tomatoes, cheese
- Cooking Time: 3-4 hours on low
- Serving Suggestion: Top with guacamole, sour cream, and jalapeños.
6. Crock Pot Turkey Meatballs in Sauce
Turkey meatballs cooked in marinara sauce are a simple yet satisfying meal. The slow cooking method ensures the meatballs stay juicy and absorb all the flavors of the sauce.
- Ingredients:
- Ground turkey
- Breadcrumbs, egg, marinara sauce
- Italian seasoning
- Cooking Time: 6 hours on low
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with spaghetti or as a sandwich in a sub roll.
7. Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe
This sweet potato chili is an excellent option for anyone who wants to combine healthy vegetables with their ground turkey. It’s hearty, flavorful, and packed with nutrients.
- Ingredients:
- Ground turkey
- Sweet potatoes, black beans
- Diced tomatoes, chili spices
- Cooking Time: 6-8 hours on low
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with cornbread or a side salad.
Tips for Slow Cooking Ground Turkey
- Prevent Dryness in Ground Turkey Crock Pot Recipes: Ground turkey can sometimes become dry in the slow cooker. To avoid this, sauté the turkey before adding it to the crock pot, and always add some liquid (such as broth or tomatoes) to maintain moisture.
- Customize Your Ground Turkey Crock Pot Meals: Feel free to adjust the spices, veggies, and seasonings in your recipes. Add extra ingredients like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for a more personalized dish.
- Use Lean Ground Turkey for Healthier Crock Pot Dishes: For the healthiest meals, opt for lean ground turkey (93% lean or higher). This keeps the dish low in fat without sacrificing flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ground Turkey Crock Pot Recipes
What Are the Best Ground Turkey Crock Pot Recipes for Beginners?
If you’re new to using the slow cooker, try simple recipes like turkey chili or turkey sloppy joes. These dishes are easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients and minimal preparation.
Can I Freeze Ground Turkey Crock Pot Recipes?
Yes! Ground turkey dishes freeze well. Simply let them cool completely and store in airtight containers or freezer bags. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
How Do I Know When Ground Turkey Is Fully Cooked in the Slow Cooker?
Ground turkey is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Conclusion: Why Ground Turkey is Perfect for Crock Pot Recipes
Ground turkey is a fantastic, healthy protein that works beautifully in crock pot recipes. Whether you’re making turkey chili, meatballs, or lasagna, the slow cooker ensures that the turkey stays moist and absorbs all the flavors you add. These ground turkey crock pot recipes are perfect for busy nights, meal prep, or comforting meals the whole family will enjoy.
For more delicious turkey recipes, check out our healthy ground turkey and rice recipe.