9 Easy Ground Turkey Crockpot Recipes For Cozy Dinners

Q: Do you have to brown ground meat before putting it in a crockpot?

While you can safely cook raw ground turkey in a slow cooker, browning it first is highly recommended. This step creates a caramelized surface on the meat, adding a deep, savory flavor and better color to your final dish. It also allows you to drain off excess fat.

Q: Can you put raw ground meat in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can safely cook raw ground meat, including turkey, in a slow cooker. The appliance will reach a high enough temperature to kill any harmful bacteria. However, without browning, the meat may clump together and have a softer texture.

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

To give ground turkey a richer, more 'beefy' flavor, add savory, umami-rich ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or a dash of beef bouillon. Sautéing the turkey with finely chopped mushrooms and onions also enhances its savory taste.

Tired of the same old weeknight dinners? The scramble to get a healthy, satisfying meal on the table after a long day can feel exhausting. It’s so easy to fall into a rut, rotating through the same handful of meals or reaching for less-than-healthy takeout options out of sheer desperation.

The challenge is real: you want something delicious and comforting, but you don’t have the time or energy for a complicated recipe with a mountain of dishes. You’re looking for that magical combination of easy, healthy, and family-approved.

As a busy home cook, I know the struggle is real. That’s why I’ve relied on my slow cooker and these go-to ground turkey recipes for years. They’re my secret to a stress-free, delicious dinner. Using a slow cooker with ground turkey is the key to effortless, healthy meals that are packed with cozy, comforting flavor. It allows you to create rich, flavorful dishes like chili, bolognese, and taco soup with minimal prep time, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights and meal prepping.

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Why Ground Turkey is a Slow Cooker Superstar

Ground turkey is perfect for the slow cooker because the low, moist heat keeps the lean meat incredibly tender and juicy. It’s a healthy, budget-friendly protein that excels at absorbing the deep flavors of sauces and spices over a long cooking time, making it a true kitchen hero.

Here’s why this combination works so well:

Healthier Choice: Ground turkey is significantly leaner than most ground beef, allowing you to create lighter versions of your favorite comfort foods without sacrificing an ounce of flavor.
Incredibly Moist: One of the biggest challenges with lean protein is preventing it from drying out. The slow cooker’s gentle, moist cooking environment is the perfect antidote, ensuring your ground turkey stays succulent and tender every time.
Maximum Flavor Infusion: The “low-and-slow” cooking method gives the turkey hours to soak up every bit of seasoning, broth, and sauce. This results in dishes with an incredible depth of flavor that you simply can’t achieve with quick cooking.
Budget-Friendly Meals: Ground turkey is often more cost-effective than other proteins, making it an excellent choice for feeding a family or stretching your grocery budget while still creating hearty, satisfying meals.

9 Easy Ground Turkey Crockpot Recipes For Cozy Dinners (Updated for 2025)

Ready to transform your dinner routine? Here are 9 foolproof and family-tested ground turkey crockpot recipes that deliver maximum flavor with minimum effort. This curated list ranges from timeless comfort food classics to exciting new ideas that will have everyone asking for seconds. Each recipe features simple, step-by-step instructions and my personal tips to guarantee perfect results every time.

Our top easy ground turkey crockpot recipes include: 1. Classic Turkey Chili, 2. Moist Turkey Meatloaf, 3. Tangy Turkey Sloppy Joes, 4. Hearty Turkey Taco Soup, 5. Turkey and Sweet Potato Stew, 6. Rich Turkey Bolognese, 7. Deconstructed Turkey Stuffed Peppers, 8. Turkey Meatball Sub Filling, and 9. Creamy Turkey and Wild Rice Soup.

1. The Best Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

Ingredients:
* 1 lb ground turkey
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
* 3 tbsp chili powder
* 1 tbsp cumin
* 1 tsp cocoa powder (optional)
* 1 cup chicken broth
* Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, brown the ground turkey with the chopped onion and garlic until the turkey is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
2. Transfer the turkey mixture to your slow cooker.
3. Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, chili powder, cumin, cocoa powder, and chicken broth. 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 to taste before serving. Serve with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or avocado.

Pro-Tip: “Don’t skip browning the meat first! It creates a caramelized surface that adds a huge depth of flavor to the finished chili. The touch of cocoa powder is my secret for a richer, more complex taste.”

Pin this cozy chili recipe for your next game day!

2. Hands-Off Crockpot Turkey Meatloaf

Ingredients:
* 1.5 lbs ground turkey
* 1 cup breadcrumbs
* 1 large egg, beaten
* 1/2 cup diced onion
* 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
* 2 tbsp ketchup, plus more for topping
* 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
* 1 tsp dried parsley
* Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, gently mix together the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, bell pepper, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, salt, and pepper. Do not overmix.
2. Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in the center of your slow cooker.
3. Spread a thin layer of additional ketchup over the top of the loaf.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours, or until the meatloaf is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).

Lesson Learned: “The key to a tender turkey meatloaf is not to overwork the meat when mixing. Combine the ingredients until they are just incorporated to keep it from becoming tough.”

Save this hands-off meatloaf recipe for a classic comfort dinner!

3. Crowd-Pleasing Turkey Sloppy Joes

Ingredients:
* 1 lb ground turkey
* 1 onion, chopped
* 1 green bell pepper, chopped
* 1 cup ketchup
* 2 tbsp brown sugar
* 1 tbsp yellow mustard
* 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
* Hamburger buns for serving

Instructions:
1. In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground turkey, onion, and bell pepper until the turkey is browned. Drain fat.
2. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour over the turkey mixture and stir to combine.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours to let the flavors meld.
5. Serve hot on toasted hamburger buns.

Pro-Tip: “For an extra tangy kick, add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the sauce. Toasting the buns before serving is a small step that makes a big difference—it keeps them from getting soggy!”

Your weeknight dinner hero is here! Pin this recipe now.

4. Hearty Crockpot Turkey Taco Soup

Ingredients:
* 1 lb ground turkey, browned and drained
* 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
* 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Ro-Tel)
* 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
* 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
* 4 cups chicken broth

Instructions:
1. Place the browned ground turkey into the slow cooker.
2. Add the corn, black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, taco seasoning, and chicken broth.
3. Stir everything together until well combined.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with crushed tortilla chips, shredded cheese, and sour cream.

Pro-Tip: “To control the sodium, use a low-sodium taco seasoning and low-sodium chicken broth. For a creamier soup, stir in 4 oz of cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking until it’s fully melted.”

Pin this Taco Tuesday game-changer!

5. Nourishing Turkey and Sweet Potato Stew

Ingredients:
* 1 lb ground turkey
* 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 1 onion, chopped
* 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
* 1 tsp dried thyme
* 1 tsp dried rosemary
* Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
1. Brown the ground turkey in a skillet and drain the fat. Transfer to the slow cooker.
2. Add the cubed sweet potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion to the slow cooker.
3. Pour in the broth and sprinkle with thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender.

Lesson Learned: “Cut your sweet potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes. This ensures they cook evenly and don’t turn to mush before the other vegetables are tender. This stew is even better the next day!”

Perfect for a cool evening. Save this healthy stew recipe!

6. Rich & Savory Slow Cooker Turkey Bolognese

Ingredients:
* 1.5 lbs ground turkey
* 1 onion, finely chopped
* 2 carrots, finely chopped
* 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
* 2 tbsp tomato paste
* 1/2 cup dry red wine or chicken broth
* 1 tsp dried oregano
* Pinch of nutmeg
* Salt and pepper
* Cooked pasta, for serving

Instructions:
1. Brown the ground turkey in a large skillet. Drain and transfer to the slow cooker.
2. In the same skillet, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened (about 5-7 minutes). Add the garlic and cook for one more minute. Transfer to the slow cooker.
3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine (or broth), oregano, and nutmeg.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours. The sauce should be thick and flavorful.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Serve over your favorite pasta with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Pro-Tip: “The secret to a truly great bolognese is time. Letting it simmer on low all day in the crockpot develops an incredible depth of flavor that you can’t rush. The finely chopped veggies will melt into the sauce, making it rich and thick.”

Pin this for a Sunday sauce that cooks itself!

7. Deconstructed Turkey Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients:
* 1 lb ground turkey
* 2 bell peppers (any color), chopped
* 1 onion, chopped
* 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
* 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
* 1 tsp Italian seasoning
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese

Instructions:
1. Brown the ground turkey with the onion in a skillet. Drain any fat.
2. Transfer the turkey mixture to the slow cooker.
3. Add the chopped bell peppers, tomato sauce, cooked rice, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours, or until the peppers are tender.
5. Sprinkle the cheese over the top, cover, and cook for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Lesson Learned: “Using pre-cooked rice is a major time-saver here. I often use leftover rice from another meal. This dish is essentially a one-pot casserole and is fantastic for meal prep.”

All the flavor, none of the fuss! Save this easy recipe.

8. Slow Cooker Turkey Meatball Sub Filling

Ingredients:
* 1 lb ground turkey
* 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 egg
* 1 tsp Italian seasoning
* 1 (24 oz) jar of your favorite marinara sauce
* Sub rolls
* Provolone or mozzarella cheese slices

Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, and Italian seasoning. Mix gently and form into 1-inch meatballs.
2. (Optional but recommended) Brown the meatballs in a skillet with a little olive oil. This helps them hold their shape.
3. Pour half the marinara sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange the meatballs on top. Pour the remaining sauce over the meatballs.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours.
5. To serve, toast sub rolls, fill with meatballs and sauce, and top with cheese. Broil for a minute to melt the cheese if desired.

Pro-Tip: “For the most tender meatballs, use a 50/50 mix of breadcrumbs and panko. And don’t overcrowd the slow cooker; give the meatballs some room to simmer in the sauce.”

Your family will ask for this again and again. Pin it now!

9. Creamy Turkey and Wild Rice Soup

Ingredients:
* 1 lb ground turkey, browned and drained
* 1 cup wild rice blend, uncooked
* 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 6 cups chicken broth
* 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
* 1 tsp poultry seasoning

Instructions:
1. Combine the browned turkey, wild rice blend, mushrooms, onion, carrots, celery, chicken broth, and poultry seasoning in the slow cooker.
2. Stir, cover, and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the rice is fully cooked and tender.
3. During the last 15 minutes of cooking, stir in the heavy cream. Let it heat through but do not let it boil.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Lesson Learned: “Always add the cream at the very end of the cooking process. If you add it at the beginning, it can curdle over the long cooking time. Waiting until the end ensures a smooth, creamy finish.”

The ultimate cozy night in starts here. Pin this creamy soup recipe!

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to Ground Turkey Crockpot Recipes

Here’s a quick summary of the most important tips for getting the best results with your ground turkey crockpot recipes:

Always Brown First: For the best flavor and texture, brown your ground turkey with onions and garlic before adding it to the slow cooker. This single step adds incredible depth.
Embrace Versatility: Ground turkey is a fantastic lean base for a wide range of cozy meals, including chilis, soups, bolognese, and even meatloaf. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
Low and Slow is Key: The slow cooker’s gentle heat is your secret weapon. It keeps lean turkey moist and tender while developing deep, rich flavors that can’t be rushed.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Most of these recipes are freezer-friendly and taste even better the next day, making them ideal for weekly meal planning and easy lunches.
Don’t Forget Toppings: Elevate your finished dish with fresh toppings. A sprinkle of cheese, a dollop of sour cream, fresh avocado, chopped herbs, or crushed tortilla chips can add the perfect finishing touch.

Final Thoughts

Your slow cooker is your best friend for turning healthy ground turkey into unforgettable cozy dinners. With these 9 easy recipes, you’re all set to conquer busy weeknights with meals that are both nourishing and incredibly delicious.

What’s your favorite way to use ground turkey in the slow cooker? Share your ideas in the comments below

9 Easy Ground Turkey Crockpot Recipes For Cozy Dinners

Why Ground Turkey is a Slow Cooker Superstar