This ground turkey recipe for the slow cooker is high in protein and low in carbs. It’s also very flavorful, so it’s great for Thanksgiving or a weeknight family dinner.
My favourite way to eat turkey has got to be hands down in its ground form.
Many people may disagree with me, and that’s okay. But if you try cooking ground turkey in a crockpot with this recipe, you’ll never go back.
Lean chunks of turkey that have been minced and seasoned well. They are slow cooked for several hours with vegetables and sweet potatoes.
Ground turkey is a healthy and versatile meat that can be used in everything from burgers to chili. Many people wonder if you can cook ground turkey in a crock pot. The answer is yes! Using a crock pot is an easy convenient way to cook moist flavorful ground turkey.
At Kitchen Tip Tricks we love using the crock pot for hands-off cooking. So we decided to provide the complete guide on cooking ground turkey in a crock pot. Keep reading to learn about
- The benefits of cooking ground turkey in a crock pot
- Tips for choosing the right ground turkey
- How to prepare the ground turkey before cooking
- Crock pot cooking times for ground turkey
- Step-by-step instructions
- Flavoring and seasoning ideas
- Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- Delicious crock pot ground turkey recipes to try
Why Cook Ground Turkey in a Crock Pot?
Cooking ground turkey in a crock pot has several advantages
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Moist and tender meat. The slow cooking and moist heat of the crock pot prevents the ground turkey from drying out. This gives you juicy, tender meat.
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Infused flavor. The ground turkey absorbs spices, herbs, and other flavorings during the long cooking time. This gives you more intense, complex flavor.
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Hands-off cooking. Once you prep and add your ingredients to the crock pot, it does the work for you. Perfect for busy weeknights!
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Safety. Ground poultry needs to reach an internal temperature of 165°F. The crock pot’s low, steady heat makes it easy to safely achieve this without overcooking.
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Convenience. You can prep the ingredients the night before and then start cooking in the morning or afternoon. Dinner will be ready when you are.
Choosing the Right Ground Turkey
When shopping for ground turkey, consider:
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Fat ratio: Ground turkey is available in different ratios of white meat to dark meat. Dark meat has more fat, which keeps the meat moist and adds flavor. We recommend 85% lean/15% fat or 93% lean/7% fat for crock pot cooking.
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Freshness: Check the sell-by date and pick the freshest ground turkey available. Don’t use turkey that’s expired.
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Ground vs. pieces: You can cook ground turkey or turkey pieces like breasts, thighs, etc. Pieces may need a shorter cooking time.
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Quantity: Plan 4-6 ounces of ground turkey per person if serving it as a main dish. Adjust amounts as needed for your recipe.
Preparing Ground Turkey for the Crock Pot
Proper prep is key for successfully cooking ground turkey in the crock pot:
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If using frozen ground turkey, thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking.
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Break up any large chunks of ground turkey so it cooks evenly.
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For the best texture and flavor, brown the ground turkey on the stovetop before slow cooking.
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Add spices, herbs, chopped onions or other aromatics when browning to boost the flavor.
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Drain any excess grease after browning then transfer the cooked turkey to the crock pot.
How Long to Cook Ground Turkey in a Crock Pot
Cooking time can vary based on the amount of ground turkey and your crock pot model. The recipe specifics also impact the time. Here are general guidelines:
- Low setting (200°F): 4-6 hours
- High setting (300°F): 2-3 hours
Use a food thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F when done. If undercooked, re-cover and cook until 165°F.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked ground turkey:
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Add 1-2 tsp oil to a skillet and heat over medium-high heat.
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Add the ground turkey. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns.
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Drain excess grease, if needed. Transfer browned turkey to the crock pot.
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Add your desired spices, herbs, vegetables, broth, etc. to the crock pot.
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Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
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Use a food thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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Fluff with a fork and serve!
Flavoring Suggestions
One benefit of crock pot cooking is infusing the turkey with flavor. Try these tasty additions:
Spices: Chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, rosemary, sage
Herbs: Basil, cilantro, parsley, thyme
Veggies: Onion, garlic, peppers, mushrooms
Liquids: Chicken or turkey broth, tomato sauce, barbeque sauce
Dairy: Grated cheese, plain Greek yogurt
Sweeteners: Honey, maple syrup
Acids: Lemon juice, lime juice, vinegar
Use your favorite seasoning blends like taco seasoning, Italian dressing mix, etc. The options are endless!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to end up with dry, bland turkey if you’re not careful. Here are some common missteps:
- Not browning the turkey first
- Cooking at too high of heat
- Not adding enough liquid
- Forgetting to stir and break up chunks
- Neglecting to season the turkey
- Overcooking past 165°F
As long as you follow the tips in this guide, your crock pot turkey should turn out perfectly moist and delicious every time.
Crock Pot Ground Turkey Recipes to Try
Ready to put your ground turkey crock pot skills to work? Here are some amazing recipes to try:
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Crock Pot Turkey Chili – A hearty, protein-packed chili.
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Turkey Meatballs – Tender, flavorful meatballs in tomato sauce.
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BBQ Turkey Sloppy Joes – A fun twist on a classic sandwich.
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Turkey Tacos – Easy shredded turkey filling for tacos.
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Turkey Stroganoff – Tender turkey in a creamy sauce.
Conclusion
Cooking ground turkey in the crock pot yields amazing results when done properly. With the right prep, cook times, and seasoning, you can end up with moist, flavorful meat for any recipe. Follow our tips to avoid dryness or bland flavor.
The crock pot does the work for you, making it an easy way to get a healthy dinner on the table. Try out some of our suggested ground turkey crock pot recipes for delicious family meals. Let us know your favorite way to cook ground turkey in the comments below!
Can I freeze this slow cooker recipe?
Yes, just divide the recipe into bowls that can be frozen, preferably in even amounts, and store them in the freezer for up to a month.
What is ground turkey?
In short, ground turkey is a mix of dark and light meats, mostly thighs and drumsticks with skin and some fat still on them that have been ground into a fine powder.
The lean-to-fat ratio ranges from 5% to 12%. I have never seen anything with a higher fat content than 12%.
If you are worried about the amount of saturated fat in ground turkey, always buy the one that says it has the lowest fat percentage. This means it is made from light and leaner meat.
Do keep in mind that leaner the meat is much more expensive.
I usually buy meat that is 5% fat because it’s very lean but has a healthy amount of fat that doesn’t make the meat too dry or bland.
Actually, the small amount of fat content helps to enhance the flavour naturally.
TURKEY CHILI | Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe | Dump And Go CROCKPOT Meals
FAQ
How long does ground turkey take to cook in a crock pot?
Can you put raw ground meat in a slow cooker?
How long does it take to cook ground turkey in a pot?
Do you have to brown ground meat before putting in a crock pot?