Ground turkey crockpot recipe

When it comes to easy, healthy, and comforting meals, a ground turkey crockpot recipe is one of the best options to have on your weekly menu.

Ground turkey is a lean source of protein, making it a lighter alternative to ground beef, and when combined with the convenience of a slow cooker, you get a hands-off meal that’s both nutritious and delicious.

Whether you’re feeding a family, meal-prepping for the week, or looking for a cozy dish to warm up with, this recipe has got you covered.

Why Choose Ground Turkey in the Crockpot?

Lean and Healthy – Ground turkey has less fat than beef or pork, making it a healthier protein option.

Family-Friendly – Mild in flavor, it blends well with seasonings, veggies, and sauces, appealing to even picky eaters.

Convenience – The crockpot does the work for you. Simply brown the turkey, add ingredients, and let it simmer.

Versatile – Works great in soups, chili, casseroles, pasta dishes, or even tacos.

Ingredients for Ground Turkey Crockpot Recipe

• 1 lb ground turkey

• 1 onion, diced

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes

• 1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 2 cups chicken broth

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 ½ tsp chili powder

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp cumin

• ½ tsp oregano

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Brown the Turkey

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground turkey, onion, and garlic. Cook until the turkey is browned and onions are softened (about 5–7 minutes).

Transfer to Crockpot

• Place the cooked turkey mixture into the slow cooker.

Add Vegetables and Seasoning

• Stir in bell pepper, beans, corn, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth. Season with chili powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Slow Cook

• Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

Taste and Adjust

• Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Serve

• Ladle into bowls and top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro if desired.

Serving Suggestions

With Rice – Spoon over white or brown rice for a hearty meal.

With Bread – Serve with cornbread, garlic bread, or crusty rolls.

As a Topping – Use it as a topping for baked potatoes or nachos.

Meal Prep Friendly – Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days or freeze for 2–3 months.

Tips for Success

• Always brown the turkey first to enhance flavor and avoid a mushy texture.

• For extra veggies, add zucchini, carrots, or spinach to boost nutrition.

• Want it spicy? Toss in diced jalapeños or an extra pinch of cayenne pepper.

• Use low-sodium beans and broth if you prefer to control salt levels.

Read More: Homemade Pork chop recipes

Ground Turkey Crockpot Recipe

A healthy, flavorful and easy slow-cooker ground turkey meal perfect for weeknights — lean protein, beans, veggies, and cozy tomato broth. Minimal prep, big flavor.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Protein & aromatics

• 1 lb 450 g ground turkey
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion diced
• 3 garlic cloves minced

Vegetables & beans

• 1 red bell pepper diced
• 1 cup corn fresh, frozen, or canned, drained
• 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can 15 oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed

Liquids & tomato

• 1 can 28 oz diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste

Spices

• 1 ½ tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika or regular paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional toppings

• Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Fresh cilantro chopped
• Lime wedges
• Sliced green onions

Method

 

1. Brown the turkey: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook, breaking up the turkey, until no pink remains and onions are softened (about 5–7 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Transfer to crockpot: Transfer the browned turkey mixture into the slow cooker.
3. Add remaining ingredients: Add diced bell pepper, corn, black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato paste, and chicken broth to the crockpot. Stir in chili powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 6–7 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until flavors meld and vegetables are tender.
5. Finish & adjust: Taste and adjust salt/pepper or seasonings. If the stew is too thin, stir in a slurry of 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water and cook an extra 15–30 minutes on High.
6. Serve: Spoon into bowls and top with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime if desired.

Notes

• Browning the turkey first adds depth of flavor and prevents a bland texture.
• Swap beans or omit for lower-carb versions; add extra vegetables like zucchini or carrots for more fiber.
• This freezes well: cool completely then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
• For a spicier version add 1 diced jalapeño or ½ tsp cayenne pepper.

Storage

• Refrigerate: up to 4 days in an airtight container.
• Freeze: up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

This ground turkey crockpot recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy, protein-rich meal with minimal effort.

It’s hearty enough to please the whole family, versatile enough to adapt with different ingredients, and easy enough for busy weeknights.

Once you try it, you’ll want to make it a staple in your meal rotation.