Read on for a collection of delicious and easy slow cooker turkey recipes, including simple, delicious high-protein ground turkey slow cooker recipes, plus the perfect turkey breast!

4 image collage of a sliced turkey breast, meatballs in a bowl, a bowl of chili, and a sloppy joe sandwich.

About these 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 packed with protein, 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.

That’s why I’m sharing these simple turkey recipes in 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: 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.

These Recipes Are…

Ground Turkey Recipes for the Slow Cooker

closeup view of turkey chili in a white bowl with chips and lime slices
5 stars (21 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.
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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
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Image of Slow Cooker Pumpkin Paleo Chili
4.80 stars (5 ratings)

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili (No Beans)

Hearty, warming, and simple to prepare, Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili has no beans, is packed with pumpkin, and 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
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white bowl of crockpot turkey meatballs on blue background with striped napkin
5 stars (8 ratings)

Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs

These easy and healthy slow cooker turkey meatballs use ground turkey for an easy-prep meal that requires not pre-browning!
Ingredients: ground turkey, marinara sauce, basil, spinach, onion, garlic powder, nutritional yeast and salt.
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white plate with buffalo turkey meatballs and fresh herbs on top
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
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two slow cooker turkey tacos on a white plate with cilantro and lime wedges
5 stars (3 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
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sloppy joe sandwich on a white plate with leafy greens and striped blue napkin
4.72 stars (7 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.
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5 stars (14 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
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white bowl with chicken meatballs served over white rice on a blue background
4.84 stars (6 ratings)

Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs

Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs are a quick 30 minute or easy make-ahead crockpot dinner with ground chicken, crushed pineapple, and a homemade naturally sweetened teriyaki sauce. Includes simple swaps to easily make this recipe nut-free!
Ingredients: ground chicken (or pork or turkey), green onion, garlic, ginger, coconut aminos, crushed pineapple, pineapple juice, honey, arrowroot powder (or corn starch), almond flour (or oat flour) and water.
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Diced Turkey Recipes (for Leftover Turkey!)

top down view of crockpot turkey soup in a white bowl
5 stars (22 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
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Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

Side shot of sliced turkey breast drizzled with gravy with sage leaves scattered around.
5 stars (5 ratings)

Juicy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast (5-Minute Prep!)

Ingredients: boneless turkey breast, spices, butter, flour/gluten-free four.
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closeup view of turkey chili in a white bowl with chips and lime slices
5 stars (2 ratings)

Slow Cooker Turkey Chili + More Slow Cooker Turkey Recipes

Easy and delicious slow cooker turkey chili, plus more slow cooker turkey recipes!

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

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.

Nutrition Information:

Serving: 1 (of 6), Calories: 292kcal, Carbohydrates: 37g, Protein: 21g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 42mg, Sodium: 692mg, Potassium: 953mg, Fiber: 12g, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin A: 3275IU, Vitamin C: 72mg, Calcium: 109mg, Iron: 5mg
Nutrition disclaimer
Did you make this recipe?If you do, be sure to share it on Instagram and tag me at @realfoodwholelife so I can see!

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