5 Delicious Crockpot Ground Turkey Recipes

The versatility and ease of preparing ground turkey in a slow cooker make it an excellent choice for busy cooks looking for nutritious meal ideas. Here are five mouth-watering slow cooker recipes using ground turkey, perfect for weeknight dinners or relaxed weekend meals. Whether you're a health enthusiast or just looking to diversify your meal rotation, these recipes will not only meet your culinary expectations but also deliver a delightful experience through their unique flavors and simplicity.

Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

If you're looking for a comforting, satisfying, and low-maintenance meal, then this slow cooker turkey chili is your answer. Here’s what you need:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 cans of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can of crushed tomatoes
• 1 chopped onion
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the turkey in a skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
2. Transfer the turkey to your slow cooker.
3. Add all the remaining ingredients into the slow cooker.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir occasionally if possible.

🍲 Note: Top with cheese, sour cream, or avocado for added richness.

Turkey Meatballs with Marinara

These meatballs are incredibly easy to make and pair wonderfully with pasta or as an appetizer:

• 1.5 lbs ground turkey
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 jar of marinara sauce

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix ground turkey with breadcrumbs, egg, seasonings, salt, and pepper.
2. Form into meatballs and place them into your slow cooker.
3. Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs.
4. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the meatballs are fully cooked.

🍝 Note: Make them bite-sized for a great party snack.

Spaghetti Squash Turkey Bolognese

A healthier take on the classic Bolognese, using spaghetti squash:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 spaghetti squash
• 2 cans of diced tomatoes
• 1 chopped onion
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cut spaghetti squash in half, remove seeds, and cook in the oven at 400°F until tender (about 45 mins).
2. While squash cooks, brown the turkey in a skillet.
3. Transfer the turkey to the slow cooker, add onions, garlic, tomatoes, seasonings, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
5. Scrape the cooked squash into strands with a fork and serve topped with the turkey Bolognese.

🌿 Note: If you have leftover Bolognese, freeze it for a quick meal later.

Slow Cooker Turkey Taco Soup

This taco soup is a fiesta in a bowl, offering layers of flavors:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 can of corn, drained
• 1 can of black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 packet of taco seasoning
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 1 chopped onion
• 2 cups of chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Brown the turkey in a skillet.
2. Transfer to the slow cooker and add all other ingredients.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve with your favorite taco toppings.

🌮 Note: Perfect for a cozy movie night with friends or family.

Turkey and Sweet Potato Stew

This stew combines the hearty nature of sweet potatoes with the lean protein of ground turkey:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 chopped onion
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 2 cups of chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the turkey in a skillet.
2. Place turkey in slow cooker with sweet potatoes, onion, garlic, tomatoes, broth, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or until sweet potatoes are tender.
4. Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.

🥔 Note: This is a great recipe to meal prep for the week.

In summary, these five slow cooker ground turkey recipes provide a flavorful and nutritious approach to meal planning. From the comforting warmth of chili to the innovative Bolognese over spaghetti squash, each dish offers a unique taste profile. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal to share or a simple, nutritious dinner, these recipes fit the bill. Additionally, the simplicity of preparation in a slow cooker ensures that you can enjoy your time while delicious meals simmer effortlessly.

Can I use different ground meats in these recipes?

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Yes, ground beef, chicken, or pork can often be substituted for ground turkey, just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How can I thicken the soup or chili?

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Add a mixture of cornstarch and water or use a little bit of mashed potatoes to thicken the soup.

Are these recipes freezer-friendly?

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Most of these dishes freeze well. Just make sure to cool them down to room temperature before freezing in airtight containers.