How long to cook ground turkey in crock pot

The secret to tender, juicy turkey meat? It’s cooking it low and slow of course! Here you’ll find a collection of easy, healthy slow cooker turkey recipes, including the perfect turkey breast plus simple and delicious ground turkey recipes.

About these Turkey Recipes

Turkey is one of those ingredients that people sometimes shy away from using because it has a tendency to dry out during cooking.

But turkey is not only healthy, but also super versatile, so it’s time to discover a way to tender, juicy turkey meat.

And that’s cooking it low and slow in the crockpot, which is the perfect method to get juicy, tender meat every time, all with less effort, less mess, and less stress.

TIP: You can use ground turkey in the crock pot and get great results! Cooking the meat low & slow keeps the meat tender and moist, and lets all the flavors have time to come together.

That’s why I’m sharing the best way to cook turkey in the slow cooker!

Slow cooking works for a surprising variety of turkey dishes – like healthy soups, chilis, tacos, meatballs and even homemade healthy sloppy joe’s.

Plus, it’s a great way to cook turkey breast so it’s moist and juicy, making it a perfect option for Thanksgiving, or anytime you want a low-fuss way of cooking it.

Tip: To defrost a turkey breast, place in on a plate in the refrigerator for 1 1/2 to 2 days, or until completely thawed.

Table of Contents

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

Diced Turkey Slow Cooker Recipes (for Leftover Turkey!)

Ground Turkey Slow Cooker Recipes

These Recipes Are…

Dairy FreeGluten Free

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

5 stars (4 ratings)

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast (Easy & Juicy!)

Ingredients: boneless turkey breast, spices, butter, flour/gluten-free four.

Diced Turkey Recipes (for Leftover Turkey!)

5 stars (10 ratings)

Crockpot Turkey Soup

Made with carrots, celery, onions and potatoes, this comforting crockpot turkey soup is so easy to prepare. The perfect way to stretch leftover turkey meat into extra meals. Also has instructions for stovetop and the Instant Pot!

Ingredients: cooked turkey, chicken stock, onion, carrot, celery, potatoes, cream, garlic powder, Italian seasoning and salt

Ground Turkey Slow Cooker Recipes

5 stars (18 ratings)

Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

This easy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili is a simple, healthy chili that's super easy to prep! So delicious and crowd-pleasing, it's a sure hit as a weeknight dinner, game day spread, or cozy meal for a weekend in.

Ingredients: ground turkey, canned beans, bell peppers, onion, sweet potato, tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, lime juice, and other spices.

4.91 stars (10 ratings)

Slow Cooker Paleo Turkey Apple Chili (+ 30-Minute Stovetop Option)

Sweet, spicy, and easy to throw together, Slow Cooker Paleo Turkey Apple Chili is perfect for fall or anytime of year. With a 30-Minute stovetop option you can make this one anytime.

Ingredients: ground turkey, onion, garlic, cumin, chipotle peppers, apples, tomato sauce, lime juice, and other seasonings

4.75 stars (4 ratings)

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Paleo Chili

Hearty, warming, and simple to prepare, Slow Cooker Pumpkin Paleo Chili is a new fall classic that you’ll want to make all year round!

Ingredients: ground turkey, pumpkin puree, bell pepper, tomato paste, onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, lime juice and other spices

5 stars (8 ratings)

Easy Crockpot Turkey Meatballs

These Crockpot Turkey Meatballs combine ground turkey with fresh spinach, basil and marinara for an easy-prep gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo and whole30 friendly recipe!

Ingredients: ground turkey, marinara sauce, basil, spinach, onion, garlic powder, nutritional yeast and salt.

5 stars (4 ratings)

Buffalo Turkey Meatballs

Tender, juicy, and super delicious, buffalo turkey meatballs are a healthy appetizer or main dish, made with no breadcrumbs, and easy to prepare in the crockpot or in the oven.

Ingredients: ground turkey, grated onion, almond flour (or oat flour), nutritional yeast, granulated garlic powder, cayenne pepper sauce, butter (traditional or dairy-free) and salt

5 stars (2 ratings)

Easy Slow Cooker Turkey Tacos

These easy slow cooker turkey tacos combine ground turkey meat with tomato sauce & a few simple spices for the perfect, easy prep taco filling. Make tonight taco night!

Ingredients: ground turkey, tomato sauce, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, granulated garlic powder, paprika and salt

5 stars (4 ratings)

Slow Cooker Turkey Sloppy Joes

Made with ground turkey meat, tomato paste, ketchup, and simple spices, slow cooker turkey sloppy joes is a crowd-pleasing dinner that can also be made paleo and Whole30.

Ingredients: ground turkey, tomato paste, ketchup, mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, onions, red bell peppers, water and salt.

Turkey Soup Recipes

5 stars (10 ratings)

Crockpot Turkey Soup

Made with carrots, celery, onions and potatoes, this comforting crockpot turkey soup is so easy to prepare. The perfect way to stretch leftover turkey meat into extra meals. Also has instructions for stovetop and the Instant Pot!

Ingredients: cooked turkey, chicken stock, onion, carrot, celery, potatoes, cream, garlic powder, Italian seasoning and salt

5 stars (10 ratings)

Crockpot Mini Turkey Meatball Vegetable Soup

Crockpot Mini Turkey Meatball Vegetable Soup is hearty one-pot meal that’s packed with the good stuff. A gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, whole30 recipe your family will love.

Ingredients: ground turkey (or ground beef), onion, carrots, celery, zucchini, tomatoes, stock, spinach, Italian seasoning and other spices

5 stars (2 ratings)

Crockpot Turkey Chili

Servings: 8

Prep: 10 mins

Cook: 4 hrs

Total: 4 hrs 10 mins

Get tender, juicy turkey meat by cooking it in the slow cooker! Here you'll find a collection of easy, healthy slow cooker turkey recipes, plus as 3-bean crockpot turkey chili that's sure to be a crowd pleaser!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate this Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb 93% lean dark meat ground turkey
• 2 tsp kosher salt, divided
• 1 tsp granulated garlic powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp mild chili powder
• 1 cup diced yellow onion
• 1 cup diced yellow bell pepper
• 1 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1 cup peeled and diced sweet potato
• 1 (15-oz) can no-sugar added tomato sauce
• 1 (15-oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15-oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 2 tbsp hot sauce, optional

Optional Serving Suggestions:

• Easy Guacamole
• Chopped onion, cilantro, jalapeno, avocado, sour cream, cheese, chips

Equipment

• Slow Cooker

• Chef's Knife

• Cutting Board

Instructions 

•  In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the turkey, sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt, then stir, breaking the ground turkey apart with a wooden spoon.

• Allow the turkey to brown on one side, about 4-5 minutes, then stir to flip the turkey. Add the onion, bell pepper, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, and additional ½ teaspoon salt. Stir to combine.

• Cook an additional 3-4 minutes until the turkey is browned and the onion and pepper are softened, stirring occasionally.

• Carefully transfer the turkey, onion, and bell pepper mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the sweet potato, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, and 1 teaspoon salt. Stir until well combined.

• Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 6-7 hours.

• Uncover, stir, and add the lime juice and hot sauce if using. Taste and add additional salt or hot sauce if desired. Serve with toppings of your choice.

Notes

Without the hot sauce this chili is extremely mild. Adding the hot sauce at the end adds a much needed kick of spice and tang. I used Cholula hot sauce for this recipe.If you’re sensitive to heat skip the hot sauce and add extra lime juice and a bit more salt. You can also use 99% lean turkey. It might be slightly drier, but will still taste good.Don’t have three types of beans? Use three cans of any singular type of bean, or even just one can will work

Can I put raw ground turkey in crock pot?

How long does it take to cook ground meat in a crock pot?

How long does it take to cook ground turkey in a pot?

How long do you need to cook ground turkey?