If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving dinner that won’t have you slaving away in the kitchen for hours and hours, you need to give this crockpot turkey dinner recipe a shot! It’s hearty, delicious, and as easy to make as it is tasty!
Can you possibly make an entire Thanksgiving meal in your crockpot?! Well, you definitely can with this recipe!
All you need to do is gather your ingredients, toss them into your crockpot, and set it to cook! It seriously can’t get easier than this.
Trust me, with just a few minutes of prep time, you can have a hearty and wholesome meal waiting for you at the end of the day. It’s my go-to recipe for Thanksgiving!
The best part? The slow cooker does all the work for you and infuses the turkey and vegetables with rich, savory flavors! It’s so incredibly good, everyone always loves it!
This crockpot turkey recipe is a real family favorite and always a time-saver. And if you’re looking for more easy recipes, then you definitely need to also check out my healthy crockpot turkey chili!
Why Consider Making This Crockpot Turkey Dinner
If you’re reading this right now, then you’re probably trying to find a simple yet delicious and satisfying turkey dinner recipe for Thanksgiving. Trust me, this recipe is all of that and more!
This classic dish can be prepared with minimal effort, which will allow you to spend more time enjoying the company of your loved ones! And we all know how that’s so much better than slaving away in the kitchen all day!
All you need to do is gather your ingredients, toss them into your crockpot, and set it to cook! It seriously can’t get easier than this.
Thanks to the slow cooking method, the turkey will come out tender and juicy while being packed with flavors!
And the best part is that this recipe is super customizable! Feel free to add your favorite spices and herbs to make it your own.
I also love how budget-friendly it is! Who said you need to spend a fortune on a good family meal? I also love this recipe for Sunday dinners with the family.
Plus, the leftovers are SO good! I love making sandwiches with them the next day or tossing them into your favorite healthy salad recipe. You seriously need to try this recipe!
Ingredients to Make Slow-Cooker Turkey Dinner
You only need some simple pantry staples to make this delicious meal at home! Let’s look at the key ingredients you’ll need:
- Golden Potatoes: These will serve as a hearty and filling side, absorbing the flavors of the turkey and broth.
- Turkey: The star of the show! Choose a size that fits your slow cooker and your preferences. You can also use turkey breasts if you prefer.
- Onion: Chopped and added for its unique flavor and aroma, it will enhance the savory flavors in your turkey dinner.
- Stuffing: This will be the carbohydrate in your meal. You can use a boxed stuffing for convenience or go all out and make your own. I personally like the Trader Joe’s Gluten Free stuffing.
- Chicken Broth: This will keep your turkey moist and add a depth of flavor to the dish.
Check out the recipe card below for the complete ingredient list along with the exact quantities.
How to Make Crockpot Turkey Dinner
Making this crockpot turkey dinner recipe is incredibly simple and hardly takes any prep time. Here’s how to make it step by step:
Step 1: Prepare Your Crockpot
First, place your golden potatoes at the bottom of your crockpot. This will serve as a base for your turkey.
Step 2: Position the Turkey
Next, add your turkey to the crockpot. If you find it more convenient, you can use turkey breasts. Be sure to clean out a whole turkey if that’s your preference.
Step 3: Add in the Veggies
Around the turkey, place your onions, celery, and carrots. These will infuse your turkey with beautiful flavors and also serve as a delicious side dish.
Step 4: Add the Stuffing
Now, add your stuffing on top of the turkey. Regardless of whether you use boxed stuffing or make your own, just make sure you’ve evenly distributed it.
Step 5: Pour in the Broth
Cover everything with a good amount of chicken broth. This will keep your turkey and stuffing moist and add an extra kick of flavor.
Step 6: Set your Crockpot
Depending on your schedule, cook on high for 4-5 hours or on low for 8 hours. I love serving this crock pot turkey with traditional sides like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, cranberry sauce, and turkey gravy!
Crockpot Turkey Dinner
Ingredients
- 2 cups golden potatoes, quartered
- Half chopped onion
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 2 cups baby carrots
- 1 box stuffing make your own or go for store-bought stuffing. I like Trader Joe's Gluten Free stuffing for this recipe.
- 3-5 lb turkey or whatever size you prefer and fits your slow cooker.
- 2 cups chicken broth
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the crockpot. Ensure it is clean and ready for use.
- Peel and chop the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Arrange them evenly on the bottom of the crockpot, creating a solid layer.
- If you're using a whole turkey, clean it thoroughly, removing any giblets or excess fat. Place the turkey on top of the potatoes in the crockpot. Alternatively, if using turkey breasts, place them on the potatoes. Ensure they fit comfortably in the crockpot without overcrowding.
- Prepare the onions, celery, and carrots by washing them and cutting them into small pieces. These aromatic vegetables will add depth of flavor to the dish. Arrange them around the turkey or turkey breasts in the crockpot, filling any gaps.
- Next, add the stuffing mix on top of the vegetables and turkey. You can use your favorite stuffing recipe or a pre-made mix. Ensure it is evenly distributed across the crockpot.
- Pour the chicken broth over the entire contents of the crockpot. The broth will help keep the turkey moist and infuse the stuffing with flavor.
- Once all the ingredients are in the crockpot, place the lid securely on top.
- Set the crockpot to cook on high for 4 to 5 hours or on low for 8 hours. Cooking times may vary depending on your specific crockpot model and the size of your turkey or turkey breasts. Check for doneness by ensuring the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the potatoes and vegetables are tender.
- When the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the lid from the crockpot, taking care to avoid any steam. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey to ensure it's fully cooked.
- Serve the delicious turkey and stuffing straight from the crockpot, scooping out portions of potatoes, vegetables, and stuffing along with slices of tender turkey. Enjoy your hearty and flavorful meal!
Notes
- When making this crockpot turkey dinner, it’s important to choose a turkey that fits your slow cooker. A 3-5 lb turkey is recommended, but you can use turkey breasts if it’s easier. Make sure to clean out a whole turkey if you decide to use one.
- Start by placing your potatoes at the bottom of the crockpot. Then add in your turkey, onions, celery, and carrots. Finally, dump in the stuffing and cover everything with chicken broth. This layering technique will ensure even cooking and flavor throughout the dish.
- You can use a pre-made stuffing mix or make your own. I personally like the Trader Joe’s Gluten-Free stuffing, but feel free to use your favorite mix or recipe.
- The cooking time for this recipe can vary. Cook on high for 4-5 hours or on low for 8 hours, depending on the size of your turkey and the power of your slow cooker. Make sure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe eating.
Flavor Variation Ideas
- Gluten-Free: You can easily make a gluten-free version by opting for some gluten-free stuffing! I personally really like Trader Joe’s Gluten-Free Stuffing but feel free to go with any that you prefer or even make some at home.
- Low-Carb: Carbs are incredibly important for you, but in case you follow a low carb diet you can cut back on the potatoes and replace them with cauliflower or broccoli.
- Spicier: Feel free to add some extra cayenne pepper or chopped peppers to make this crockpot dish spicier. That’s also the best part about this recipe – you can customize it however you like and even add other veggies like mushrooms!
- Fresh Herbs: You can also add some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to really add a delicious aromatic touch to the recipe.
Tips for Making the Best Crockpot Turkey Dinner
- Choose the right turkey: When making this crockpot turkey dinner, it’s important to choose a turkey that fits your slow cooker. A 3-5 lb turkey is recommended, but you can use turkey breasts if it’s easier. Make sure to clean out a whole turkey if you decide to use one.
- Layer your ingredients: Start by placing your potatoes at the bottom of the crockpot. Then add in your turkey, onions, celery, and carrots. Finally, dump in the stuffing and cover everything with chicken broth. This layering technique will ensure even cooking and flavor throughout the dish.
- Customize your stuffing: You can use a pre-made stuffing mix or make your own. I personally like the Trader Joe’s Gluten-Free stuffing, but feel free to use your favorite mix or recipe.
- Adjust the cooking time: The cooking time for this recipe can vary. Cook on high for 4-5 hours or on low for 8 hours, depending on the size of your turkey and the power of your slow cooker. Make sure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe eating.
How to Store Leftovers
After enjoying your crockpot turkey dinner, you can store any leftovers in the fridge. Simply transfer it into an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days.
This crockpot turkey dinner recipe is freezer-friendly. After cooking, allow the meal to cool completely before transferring it to airtight, freezer-safe containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to three months.
To reheat your crockpot turkey dinner, simply place it in a pot on the stove over medium heat. You can also reheat it in the microwave. Just be sure to stir it occasionally so that it heats evenly.
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We love to have turkey a couple of times per year because it’s such a delicious easy meal, and we often have mashed potatoes with it too! :) I’m so excited for turkey after seeing this!
Oh! I could love this. I lovvvvvvve Thanksgiving so to be able to make the stuffing and turkey and everything easily would be so great. Especially for the leftovers in a sandwich!
Oh I love this idea, def trying! Thanks so much for sharing.