11 Cozy Ground Turkey Crockpot Recipes For Easy Dinners

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Tired of getting stuck in the same old weeknight dinner rut? You know the feeling. It’s 5 PM, everyone’s hungry, and the thought of cooking another complicated meal is completely exhausting. You want something delicious and comforting, but also healthy and easy.

The daily scramble often leads to uninspired choices or expensive takeout. You’ve probably tried using ground turkey as a healthier alternative, but maybe it turned out a bit dry or bland, leaving you underwhelmed. Finding that perfect balance between healthy, flavorful, and minimal-effort feels like an impossible task on busy days.

The solution is simpler than you think: using your slow cooker for ground turkey is the secret to tender, flavorful, and incredibly easy weeknight meals. This set-it-and-forget-it method allows the lean protein to cook low and slow, soaking up all the spices and sauces, ensuring it stays perfectly juicy and delicious. This guide, updated for 2025, is packed with foolproof ground turkey crockpot recipes designed to solve your dinner dilemma for good.

Tired of the Same Old Weeknight Dinners?

Let’s be honest, the struggle to get a wholesome and satisfying dinner on the table during the week is real. Between work, family, and everything else, time is a luxury. That’s where the magic of combining lean, versatile ground turkey with the convenience of a slow cooker comes into play. This dynamic duo is your ticket to escaping the dinner-time dread.

Imagine coming home to the incredible aroma of a fully cooked, cozy meal waiting for you. No last-minute scrambling, no sink full of pans. We’ve curated a list of the absolute best ground turkey crockpot recipes that require minimal prep but deliver maximum flavor. From hearty chilis to savory tacos, these meals prove that you don’t have to sacrifice taste for convenience.

The Secret to Perfectly Juicy & Flavorful Crockpot Ground Turkey

The key to unlocking the best possible flavor and texture from your ground turkey is all in the preparation. For the best flavor, browning ground turkey in a skillet before adding it to the crockpot is highly recommended. This one extra step makes a world of difference.

Here are our top tips for ensuring your crockpot ground turkey is a guaranteed success every time:

  • Brown for Flavor: Searing the ground turkey in a hot skillet before it goes into the slow cooker creates the Maillard reaction. This chemical process caramelizes the meat, adding a rich, savory depth and a more appealing color to your final dish.
  • Don’t Drain the Goodness (Unless Necessary): If you’re using very lean ground turkey (93/7 or leaner), you won’t have much excess fat to drain. Those browned bits and juices are pure flavor!
  • Is Browning Mandatory? No, you can absolutely put raw ground turkey directly into the crockpot, especially for “dump-and-go” recipes. It’s a great time-saver. Just be aware that you’ll miss out on that deeper, caramelized flavor, and you may need to increase the cook time by 30-60 minutes to ensure it’s fully cooked to 165°F.
  • Always Add Liquid: Lean ground turkey needs moisture to stay tender during a long cook. Make sure your recipe includes a liquid component like broth, salsa, canned tomatoes, or a sauce to prevent the meat from drying out.
  • Low and Slow is the Way to Go: Whenever possible, opt for the LOW setting on your slow cooker. Cooking the turkey gently over a longer period (6-8 hours) results in the most tender texture and allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

11 Cozy Ground Turkey Crockpot Recipes For Easy Dinners

Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner routine! We’ve gathered 11 of the most delicious, comforting, and easy-to-make ground turkey crockpot recipes. This list covers everything from classic American comfort foods like chili and sloppy joes to internationally-inspired dishes like Keema curry and Thai stew. Each recipe has been selected for its simplicity and foolproof results, making you a trustworthy source for reliable, crowd-pleasing meals. Get your slow cooker ready!

1. Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

Slow-Cooker-Turkey-Chili-Sour-Cream-Cheddar-Cilantro-Wooden-Spoon

A hearty, flavorful, and veggie-loaded turkey chili is the perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal for a chilly day. The slow cooker does all the work, melding the spices and tenderizing the turkey to perfection.

  • Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey, 1 onion (diced), 1 bell pepper (diced), 2 cans (15 oz) beans (black, kidney, or pinto, rinsed), 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained), 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste, 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp cumin, 1 tsp oregano, salt and pepper to taste.
  • Instructions:
    1. Optional: Brown the ground turkey with the onion and bell pepper in a skillet. Drain any excess fat.
    2. Transfer the turkey mixture to the slow cooker.
    3. Add the beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Stir to combine.
    4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours.
    5. Season with salt and pepper before serving with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, and cilantro.

Pro-Tip: For a subtle, smoky sweetness, use one can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes. This dish freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it perfect for meal prep.

Pin this cozy chili recipe for your next game day!

2. Slow Cooker Turkey Sloppy Joes

Slow-Cooker-Turkey-Sloppy-Joe-Brioche-Bun-Pickle-Sandwich

This healthier, homemade version of a nostalgic classic is a guaranteed family favorite. The tangy, sweet, and savory sauce cooks right with the turkey, making the meat incredibly flavorful and tender.

  • Ingredients: 1.5 lbs ground turkey, 1 onion (finely chopped), 1 bell pepper (finely chopped), 1 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tsp Dijon mustard.
  • Instructions:
    1. Brown the ground turkey with the onion and bell pepper in a large skillet. Drain fat.
    2. Place the turkey mixture in the slow cooker.
    3. In a separate bowl, whisk together ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and mustard.
    4. Pour the sauce over the turkey and stir well to combine.
    5. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours.
    6. Serve on toasted buns.

Lesson Learned: Making the sauce from scratch avoids the high fructose corn syrup found in many canned versions and allows you to control the sweetness and sodium levels perfectly.

Save this family-favorite recipe for a busy weeknight!

3. Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs

Slow-Cooker-Turkey-Meatballs-Marinara-Spaghetti-Parmesan-Basil

Making meatballs in the slow cooker is a game-changer. They simmer gently in marinara sauce, becoming incredibly tender and soaking up all that delicious Italian flavor without any risk of drying out.

  • Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free), 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, 1 egg (lightly beaten), 1 small onion (grated), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce.
  • Instructions:
    1. In a large bowl, gently mix ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, grated onion, garlic, and oregano. Do not overmix.
    2. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
    3. Pour half of the marinara sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker.
    4. Carefully place the meatballs in the sauce in a single layer.
    5. Pour the remaining sauce over the meatballs.
    6. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until meatballs are cooked through.

Pro-Tip: Grating the onion instead of dicing it ensures it incorporates seamlessly into the meatball, adding moisture and flavor without creating chunky bits.

Your Sunday dinner just got an upgrade! Pin this now.

4. Slow Cooker Turkey Bolognese Sauce

Slow-Cooker-Turkey-Bolognese-Pappardelle-Parmesan-Rosemary-Wine

A long, slow simmer is the secret to a truly great bolognese. This recipe uses the crockpot to develop a rich, deep, and complex flavor in a lighter, healthier sauce that tastes like it came from an Italian nonna’s kitchen.

  • Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey, 1 onion (diced), 2 carrots (finely chopped), 2 celery stalks (finely chopped), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 can (28 oz) crushed San Marzano tomatoes, 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional), 1 tsp dried rosemary, salt and pepper.
  • Instructions:
    1. In a large skillet, brown the ground turkey. Drain and transfer to the slow cooker.
    2. In the same skillet, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery (the mirepoix) until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
    3. If using, pour in the red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
    4. Add the vegetable mixture to the slow cooker. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
    5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours.

Pro-Tip: Don’t skip sautéing the mirepoix (carrots, celery, onion). This simple step builds a foundational layer of flavor that makes the sauce taste like it’s been simmering on a stovetop all day.

Bring a taste of Italy to your kitchen. Save this recipe!

5. Slow Cooker Turkey Tacos

Slow-Cooker-Turkey-Tacos-Taco-Bar-Avocado-Cilantro-Cheese-Lime

Elevate your taco night with this incredibly easy recipe. The slow cooker makes the turkey taco meat unbelievably moist and flavorful, perfect for loading into tortillas or building epic taco bowls.

  • Ingredients: 1.5 lbs lean ground turkey, 1 cup salsa, 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2-3 tbsp homemade), 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles, 1/2 cup chicken broth.
  • Instructions:
    1. Brown the ground turkey in a skillet and drain any fat.
    2. Transfer the cooked turkey to the slow cooker.
    3. Add the salsa, taco seasoning, green chiles, and chicken broth. Stir everything together until the turkey is well-coated.
    4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or on HIGH for 2 hours.
    5. Use a fork to shred the turkey slightly if needed. Serve in tortillas or as a taco bowl.

Lesson Learned: The combination of salsa and broth is key. The salsa provides flavor and acidity, while the broth ensures the lean turkey stays incredibly moist and tender during the slow cook.

Make your next Taco Tuesday the easiest one yet! Pin this.

READ ALSO :  7 Cozy Chowder Recipes For A Comforting Meal

6. Slow Cooker Ground Turkey Stroganoff

Slow-Cooker-Ground-Turkey-Stroganoff-Creamy-Sauce-Egg-Noodles-Parsley

Enjoy all the creamy, comforting goodness of classic stroganoff in a lighter, easier version. This recipe delivers a rich, savory mushroom sauce that coats every bite of tender ground turkey and noodles.

  • Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey, 8 oz mushrooms (sliced), 1 onion (chopped), 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup beef broth, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 cup sour cream, cooked egg noodles for serving.
  • Instructions:
    1. Brown ground turkey with onion in a skillet. Drain fat and transfer to the slow cooker.
    2. Add sliced mushrooms, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.
    3. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours.
    4. Just before serving, stir in the sour cream until well combined and heated through. Do not let it boil.
    5. Serve immediately over hot egg noodles.

Pro-Tip: For the best texture, stir the sour cream in at the very end of cooking. Adding it too early can cause it to curdle from the prolonged heat.

Save this ultimate comfort food recipe for a chilly evening!

7. Slow Cooker Turkey Keema Curry

Slow-Cooker-Turkey-Keema-Curry-Basmati-Rice-Naan-Cilantro

Keema is a classic Indian dish of spiced minced meat. This slow cooker version is incredibly easy and builds deep, aromatic, and complex curry flavors that are both healthy and satisfying.

  • Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey, 1 onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 inch ginger (grated), 1 tbsp curry powder, 1 tsp turmeric, 1 can (14.5 oz) chopped tomatoes, 1 cup frozen peas, 2 cups fresh spinach.
  • Instructions:
    1. Brown the ground turkey with the onion in a skillet. Drain and transfer to the slow cooker.
    2. Stir in the garlic, ginger, curry powder, and turmeric, and cook for one minute until fragrant.
    3. Add the chopped tomatoes to the slow cooker and stir everything together.
    4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours.
    5. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas and fresh spinach until the spinach has wilted.
    6. Serve with rice or naan bread.

Pro-Tip: “Blooming” the spices (cooking them briefly in the skillet with the aromatics) before adding liquids awakens their essential oils and creates a much deeper, more complex curry flavor.

Add some spice to your week! Pin this flavorful curry recipe.

8. Slow Cooker Southwest Turkey & Butternut Squash Stew

Slow-Cooker-Southwest-Turkey-Butternut-Squash-Stew

This is a true one-pot wonder, packed with protein, fiber, and vegetables. The sweet butternut squash pairs perfectly with the savory ground turkey and smoky Southwest spices for a hearty, healthy, all-in-one meal.

  • Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey, 1 small butternut squash (peeled and cubed), 1 can (15 oz) black beans (rinsed), 1 cup frozen corn, 1 onion (chopped), 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, 2 tsp cumin, 1 tsp coriander, 1 tsp chili powder.
  • Instructions:
    1. Brown the ground turkey with the onion in a skillet. Drain and add to the slow cooker.
    2. Add the cubed butternut squash, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes to the pot.
    3. Sprinkle with cumin, coriander, and chili powder, then stir to combine everything well.
    4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the squash is tender.

Lesson Learned: The slow cooker is the perfect vessel for cooking butternut squash. It becomes incredibly tender and absorbs all the savory, spicy juices from the stew without turning to mush.

Pin this one-pot wonder for a nutritious and filling meal!

9. Slow Cooker Turkey Pasta Sauce

Slow-Cooker-Turkey-Pasta-Sauce-Homemade-Canning-Jars

Make a big batch of this healthy, meaty pasta sauce to use now and freeze for later. A long simmer in the crockpot creates a sauce with incredible depth of flavor that will rival any store-bought jar.

  • Ingredients: 2 lbs ground turkey, 2 onions (chopped), 4 cloves garlic (minced), 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce, 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste, 2 tsp dried basil, 1 tsp dried oregano.
  • Instructions:
    1. Brown the ground turkey with the onions in a large skillet. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Drain fat.
    2. Transfer the turkey mixture to the slow cooker.
    3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, basil, and oregano.
    4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours. The sauce will thicken and the flavors will deepen.
    5. Serve over your favorite pasta.

Pro-Tip: This recipe is perfect for batch cooking. Let the sauce cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. It will last for up to 3 months and is a lifesaver on busy nights.

Stock your freezer with this amazing sauce! Save the recipe.

10. Slow Cooker Thai-Inspired Turkey Stew

Slow-Cooker-Thai-Inspired-Turkey-Stew-Coconut-Sweet-Potato-Cilantro

Step outside the box with this unique and vibrant stew. It features a creamy, rich coconut milk broth infused with sweet, spicy, and savory Thai flavors that pairs beautifully with ground turkey and sweet potatoes.

  • Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey, 1 large sweet potato (peeled and cubed), 1 red bell pepper (chopped), 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp chili garlic sauce, 1 tbsp grated ginger, 3 cloves garlic (minced).
  • Instructions:
    1. Brown the ground turkey in a skillet and drain. Transfer to the slow cooker.
    2. Add the cubed sweet potato and chopped red bell pepper.
    3. In a bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, ginger, and garlic.
    4. Pour the sauce mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker and stir to combine.
    5. Cover and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or on LOW for 4-5 hours, until sweet potatoes are tender.

Lesson Learned: Using full-fat coconut milk is essential for creating a rich, creamy sauce that balances the spice from the chili garlic sauce. Light coconut milk will result in a much thinner consistency.

Ready for a flavor adventure? Pin this unique stew now!

11. Slow Cooker Ground Turkey Veggie & Potato Bowl

Slow-Cooker-Ground-Turkey-Veggie-Potato-Bowl-Rustic-Wholesome

This is the ultimate “clean out the fridge” recipe. It’s a hearty, adaptable, and complete one-pot meal combining ground turkey, potatoes, and your favorite vegetables for a no-fuss dinner.

  • Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey, 1.5 lbs potatoes (cubed), 1 onion (chopped), 2 carrots (sliced), 1 zucchini (chopped), 1 cup chicken or beef broth, 1 tsp dried thyme, salt and pepper.
  • Instructions:
    1. Brown the ground turkey with the onion in a skillet. Drain and transfer to the slow cooker.
    2. Add the potatoes, carrots, and zucchini to the slow cooker.
    3. Pour the broth over the ingredients and season with thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir gently.
    4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes and vegetables are tender.

Pro-Tip: This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to swap the vegetables with what you have on hand – mushrooms, bell peppers, or green beans all work wonderfully. You can also use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes.

The perfect one-pot meal! Save this adaptable recipe.

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to ground turkey crockpot recipes

Feeling inspired? Here’s a quick recap of the most important tips to remember as you start your slow cooker adventures with ground turkey:

  • Flavor is Key: For the richest taste, brown your ground turkey before adding it to the slow cooker. This creates a deeper, more savory flavor base.
  • Moisture Matters: Lean ground turkey needs liquid to stay tender. Always include a sauce, broth, or canned tomatoes in your recipe to prevent it from drying out.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Most of these recipes (especially chili, bolognese, and pasta sauce) are perfect for batch cooking and freeze exceptionally well for future easy dinners.
  • Low and Slow Wins: For the most tender results and well-developed flavors, cooking on the LOW setting for a longer period is almost always preferable to cooking on HIGH.

People Also Ask About ground turkey crockpot recipes

You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Here are some of the most common queries about cooking ground turkey in a slow cooker.

Can you put raw ground meat in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook raw ground turkey in a slow cooker. However, for best results in flavor and texture, it is highly recommended to brown the meat in a skillet first. Browning creates a richer, deeper flavor. If you do add it raw, ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Do you have to brown ground meat before crockpot?

While not strictly necessary, browning ground meat before adding it to the crockpot makes a significant difference. The process of browning, known as the Maillard reaction, caramelizes the meat’s surface, lending a rich, savory flavor and better color to the finished dish, especially in recipes like chili or bolognese.

How long does ground turkey take to cook in a crockpot on high?

As a general rule, most ground turkey recipes will take 2-4 hours to cook on the HIGH setting in a crockpot. The exact time depends on the other ingredients in the pot. For example, a simple taco meat may cook in 2 hours, while a stew with hard vegetables like potatoes may need closer to 4 hours.

What can I add to ground turkey to make it taste more like beef?

To give ground turkey a richer, more beef-like flavor, add savory, umami ingredients. A tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, a teaspoon of soy sauce or tamari, or a beef bouillon cube dissolved in the recipe’s liquid can add significant depth. Browning the turkey with mushrooms can also create a meatier taste.

Final Thoughts

With these 11 cozy and convenient recipes, you’re now fully equipped to make your slow cooker the hero of your weeknight dinners. Ground turkey is an amazing, healthy protein, and when paired with the low-and-slow magic of a crockpot, it becomes the foundation for countless delicious meals that your whole family will love. Say goodbye to dinner-time stress and hello to effortless, flavorful, and comforting food.

Which of these cozy crockpot recipes are you most excited to try first? Let me know in the comments below

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Richard
Richard

Richard Charpentier is the CEO of Baking Innovation, a leading provider of baking solutions. He has over 20 years of experience in the baking industry and has been a driving force behind the company's success.

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