Cooking Ground Turkey in a Crock Pot: The Complete Guide

Ground turkey is a lean and versatile protein that can be used in many delicious recipes. Its mild flavor makes it an ideal choice for dishes like chili, pasta sauce, soups, and more. One of the best ways to cook ground turkey is in a crock pot or slow cooker. The moist, low heat environment of the crock pot keeps the turkey tender and moist, while also allowing the flavors to meld together. In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about cooking ground turkey in a crock pot, including preparation tips, cook times, recipe ideas, and troubleshooting advice.

Benefits of Cooking Ground Turkey in a Crock Pot

There are several advantages to using a crock pot for cooking ground turkey:

• Moist and tender meat The slow cooking process keeps the turkey moist and helps break down the proteins, resulting in very tender meat

• Infused flavor Ground turkey can soak up the flavors of aromatics, spices broths and sauces during the prolonged cooking time.

• Easy prep: Simply brown the turkey if desired, add to the crock pot with other ingredients, and let it cook. Minimal hands-on time required.

• Safety: The sustained high heat kills any bacteria present in the meat. As long as the turkey reaches 165°F, it is safe to eat.

• Versatility: Ground turkey can be used in endless crock pot recipes, from hearty chilis to comforting casseroles.

Selecting and Preparing the Ground Turkey

When cooking with ground turkey in the crock pot, start with high-quality meat:

• Choose ground turkey that has a fat content between 10-15%. Too little fat can dry out the meat, while too much fat can make the dish greasy.

• Look for turkey that is 85-93% lean. This provides a good balance of fat and moisture.

• Make sure the turkey is fresh and has not passed its expiration date.

Before adding ground turkey to the crock pot, it helps to prepare it:

• If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Do not thaw at room temperature.

• Break up any large chunks so the turkey cooks evenly.

• Season with salt, pepper, herbs, and spices. Browning is optional but adds flavor.

• Drain any excess fat after browning the turkey.

Cook Times for Ground Turkey in a Crock Pot

Crock pot cook times can vary based on quantity and other ingredients, but here are general guidelines:

• Low setting (200°F): Cook for 7-9 hours

• High setting (300°F): Cook for 4-5 hours

• Quantity: For every pound of ground turkey, add 30-60 minutes to the cook time.

• Frozen turkey: Add 1-2 hours to the cook time if starting with frozen meat.

Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the turkey reaches 165°F. If undercooked, continue cooking until it reaches the proper internal temperature.

How to Cook Ground Turkey in a Crock Pot

Follow these simple steps for foolproof crock pot turkey:

1. Prepare the ground turkey as desired (seasoning, browning, etc.)

2. Layer any vegetables, beans, sauce or seasonings in the crock pot liner.

3. Add the prepared ground turkey, breaking up any large clumps.

4. Pour over any broth, tomatoes, or additional liquid called for.

5. Cook on low for 7-9 hours or high for 4-5 hours.

6. Use a meat thermometer to confirm 165°F temperature.

7. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve.

Flavorful Additions and Ingredients

One benefit of crock pot cooking is that it allows the flavors to permeate the turkey. Consider adding:

• Aromatic veggies: Onion, garlic, peppers, celery

• Fresh or dried herbs: Oregano, basil, cilantro, thyme

• Spices: Chili powder, cumin, paprika, curry powder

• Broths/stocks: Chicken, turkey, vegetable broth

• Sauces: Barbecue sauce, salsa, tomato sauce, teriyaki

• Beans, lentils, or rice

Common Problems and Solutions

Even when following the proper techniques, you may encounter some issues when cooking ground turkey in the crock pot:

Problem: Turkey is undercooked

Solution: Increase cook time and use a meat thermometer to verify doneness. Cook until 165°F.

Problem: Turkey is dried out or overcooked

Solution: Add broth/stock and cook for less time. Turkey should not cook for more than 10 hours.

Problem: Dish is watery or brothy

Solution: Use a slotted spoon to remove turkey, reduce excess liquid on stovetop, and return turkey to crock pot.

Problem: Turkey is bland

Solution: Season to taste at the end of cooking once excess liquid is reduced.

Tips for the Best Ground Turkey

Follow these tips for moist, flavorsome ground turkey every time:

• Brown or sauté the turkey before adding to the crock pot for deeper flavor.

• Combine light and dark ground turkey for more fat and moisture.

• Add liquid gradually and add more as needed to prevent dryness.

• Cut turkey into smaller pieces so it cooks evenly.

• Let turkey rest 10 minutes before serving for juicier meat.

• Add acidic ingredients like tomatoes, wine, and citrus at the end to prevent bitterness.

Creative Crock Pot Turkey Recipes to Try

The possibilities are endless when it comes to cooking ground turkey in the crock pot. Here are just a few recipe ideas to inspire you:

• Turkey Chili: Tomato sauce, beans, onions, chili powder

• Turkey Tacos: Seasoned turkey, peppers, onions, shredded cheese

• Turkey Meatballs: Homemade meatballs in marinara sauce

• Turkey & Stuffing Casserole: Turkey, stuffing mix, broth, veggies

• Turkey Sloppy Joes: Sweet & tangy sauce, peppers, onion

• Turkey Bolognese: Hearty meat sauce over pasta

• Turkey & Sweet Potato Stew: Carrots, kale, broth, herbs

Cooking ground turkey in the crock pot consistently delivers tender, flavorful meat when you follow the proper techniques. With the right cook times, vegetables, seasonings, and liquids, you can create amazing turkey chili, casseroles, pasta sauces, and more. Monitor temperature carefully, adjust seasoning at the end, and add flavorful ingredients for the best results. In no time, you’ll become a pro at cooking moist and delicious ground turkey in the crock pot.