Ground Turkey Crock Pot Recipes: 7 Simple & Flavorful Ideas

As a busy parent, finding quick, healthy meals can be tough. That’s why I’m excited to share ground turkey crock pot recipes. They’re easy, delicious, and perfect for your family. Discover how lean ground turkey and slow cooking can make your life easier.

Crock pots are great for making meals that are both healthy and easy. They let you make a variety of dishes with ground turkey. From chilis to casseroles, these recipes are nutritious and simple to make. They’re ideal for busy weeknights.

Introduction to Ground Turkey in the Crock Pot

Ground turkey is a versatile and nutritious protein that can be transformed into a variety of delectable dishes when slow-cooked in a crock pot. It’s a leaner alternative to ground beef, offering health benefits for cooks. The slow cooking in a crock pot brings out the flavors, making meals tender and perfect for any day.

Benefits of Using Ground Turkey

Ground turkey is a lean protein, making it a healthier choice than traditional ground beef. It’s lower in saturated fat and calories but still filling. Plus, it absorbs flavors well, making it great for crock pot recipes.

Advantages of Slow Cooking

The slow cooking method of a crock pot is perfect for ground turkey. It makes the meat tender and flavorful. This method is also budget-friendly and time-saving, ideal for meal prepping or feeding a crowd. The crock pot’s low heat keeps the turkey moist and juicy.

Recipe 1: Savory Turkey Chili

Craving a hearty, comforting meal? This turkey chili recipe is perfect for your crock pot. It’s made with ground turkey, beans, tomatoes, and spices. This dish is full of flavor that will make your taste buds happy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato paste
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground turkey until browned and crumbled, 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
2. Transfer the cooked turkey to a slow cooker. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Stir to combine.
3. Pour in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, and chicken broth. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, and dried oregano.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the flavors have melded and the chili has thickened to your desired consistency.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Suggested Toppings

Elevate your turkey chili crock pot experience by topping it with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro, and a sprinkle of diced green onions.

Recipe 2: Turkey and Vegetable Stew

Enjoy a hearty turkey and vegetable stew on chilly evenings. It’s a mix of lean ground turkey and fresh veggies. This stew is both ground turkey crock pot stew and healthy ground turkey crock pot meals.

Key Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large slow cooker, mix the ground turkey, chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic.
2. Add the diced tomatoes, thyme, oregano, and season with salt and pepper.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 2.5 to 3 hours. Wait until the veggies are tender and the flavors blend.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Serve the turkey and vegetable stew hot. Enjoy it over rice, quinoa, or with crusty bread for a full meal.

This recipe makes 4 servings. It’s a great choice for a ground turkey crock pot stew or a healthy ground turkey crock pot meals. The slow cooking keeps the veggies’ nutrients while making them tender and flavorful. This stew is perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week.

Recipe 3: Spicy Turkey Tacos

Elevate your taco night with these delectable spicy turkey tacos. The secret to their mouthwatering flavor lies in the slow-cooked ground turkey. It’s simmered to perfection with zesty spices, tomatoes, and peppers. Serve the savory filling in crisp taco shells or warm tortillas, then top it off with your favorite taco toppings for a truly satisfying Tex-Mex experience.

Essential Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground turkey (93/7 blend recommended)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• Taco shells or tortillas
• Toppings: lettuce, shredded cheese, salsa, sour cream, guacamole (optional)

Cooking Method

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent. Then, crumble in the ground turkey and cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned and cooked through, about 10 minutes.

Stir in the taco seasoning, tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the spicy turkey taco filling in crisp taco shells or warm tortillas. Top with your favorite taco toppings, such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, and guacamole. For a heartier meal, consider serving the turkey taco filling over a bed of rice or quinoa. This recipe also works well as a base for a taco salad or nachos. Enjoy your delicious and easy-to-make crock pot turkey taco soup or easy ground turkey crock pot recipes!

Recipe 4: Creamy Turkey and Rice Casserole

Looking for a tasty way to use leftover ground turkey? This creamy turkey and rice casserole is perfect for busy nights. It’s a hearty dish that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients List

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup chopped mushrooms
• 1 cup frozen cauliflower florets
• 1 diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Steps

1. Cook the ground turkey in a skillet until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
2. Add rice, mushrooms, cauliflower, onion, and garlic to the skillet. Stir well.
3. Mix cream of mushroom soup with 1/2 cup water. Pour over the turkey mixture and stir.
4. Transfer to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
5. Cover and cook on low in the crock pot for 4-6 hours. The cheese should melt and veggies tender.

This ground turkey crock pot casserole is perfect for using up leftover ground turkey. It’s a quick and easy ground turkey crock pot recipe for a stress-free dinner. Serve with a salad or bread for a full meal. Enjoy!

Recipe 5: Mediterranean Turkey Quinoa Bowl

Take your healthy ground turkey crock pot meals to the next level with this Mediterranean Turkey Quinoa Bowl. Slow cooking the ground turkey brings out a rich flavor. It pairs perfectly with quinoa, veggies, and Mediterranean spices.

Key Ingredients

• 1 lb. 99% lean ground turkey
• 1 cup dry quinoa, cooked according to package instructions
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup kalamata olives, sliced
• 2 tsp. dried oregano
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

In your crock pot, cook the ground turkey on low for 3-4 hours. Break it up with a fork as it cooks. After it’s done, drain any extra liquid.

Fluff the cooked quinoa and add it to the crock pot. Mix in the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, feta, olives, oregano, and garlic powder. Stir until everything is well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Garnishing Tips

Top the Mediterranean Turkey Quinoa Bowl with fresh parsley or mint for a burst of freshness. Serve it with tzatziki sauce or hummus for dipping. This dish is not only healthy but also full of flavor. It’s perfect for those looking for a ground turkey crock pot recipe with a global twist.

Recipe 6: Ground Turkey Bolognese

Make your Italian dinner special with this tasty ground turkey Bolognese sauce. It’s a lighter take on the classic, using lean ground turkey, tomatoes, and herbs. Let it simmer in your crock pot for the best flavor.

What You’ll Need

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 1 celery stalk with leaves, diced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed fire-roasted tomatoes
• 1 (4 oz) can tomato paste
• 1/2 cup Marsala wine
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 3 cups cooked pappardelle pasta

How to Prepare

Start by browning the ground crock pot turkey spaghetti sauce in a skillet. Cook it over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and cook for 3-5 more minutes until they’re soft.

Move the turkey and veggie mix to your slow cooker. Mix in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Marsala wine, and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper.

Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours. This lets the flavors blend well. Serve it over cooked pappardelle pasta. Enjoy!

Serving Recommendations

This Bolognese sauce goes great with many pasta shapes, like spaghetti or zucchini noodles. For a low-carb choice, try it with roasted spaghetti squash or zucchini spirals. It’s also a great base for lasagna or other Italian baked dishes.

Recipe 7: Turkey and Bean Soup

Warm up on a chilly day with this hearty Turkey and Bean Soup. It’s made by simmering ground turkey, beans, and veggies in a tasty broth. This recipe is not only delicious but also healthy, full of protein, fiber, and nutrients.

Ingredients Overview

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless turkey breast, ground
• 8 cups turkey or chicken broth
• 2 cans (15 oz each) great northern beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Directions

1. In a large slow cooker, combine the ground turkey, broth, great northern beans, kidney beans, and black beans.
2. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Stir to combine.
3. Season the soup with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper to taste.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 5-6 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the turkey is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
5. Ladle the Turkey and Bean Soup into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy with crusty bread or your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped fresh parsley.

This ground turkey crock pot recipe is a great way to add healthy ground turkey crock pot meals to your diet. The slow cooker method blends the flavors beautifully, making a comforting soup perfect for a cold day.

Tips for Perfecting Your Crock Pot Turkey Recipes

To get the best results with your ground turkey crock pot recipes, watch the cooking times and temperatures closely. Cooking on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours is usually good. This lets the flavors mix well and the turkey stay tender and juicy.

Cooking Times and Temperature

For easy ground turkey crock pot recipes, avoid overcooking to prevent dry meat. Make sure the turkey reaches 165°F for it to be fully cooked. If you have a small turkey breast, it might cook faster, in 4-5 hours on low.

Storing Leftovers Properly

It’s important to store leftover ground turkey crock pot recipes right to keep them fresh and tasty. Put leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months if you want to keep them longer.

Experimenting with Spices and Flavors

Feel free to try out different spices, herbs, and flavors in your ground turkey crock pot recipes. This is a great way to make dishes that you’ll love. You can use everything from strong seasonings to gentle herbs to make your slow-cooked turkey dishes even better.