Can I cook ground turkey in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! One of the biggest advantages of slow cooker recipes using ground turkey is the ability to cook the meat directly in the crockpot without pre-browning. Ground turkey cooks beautifully at low temperatures, becoming juicy, tender, and infused with flavor. This makes it ideal for tacos, chili, bowls, and many more healthy, hands-off meals.

Can you put raw ground meat in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. Many slow cooker recipes using ground turkey call for raw meat because it simplifies prep and enhances flavor as the meat slowly cooks with seasonings and sauces. Ground turkey breaks down easily and absorbs spices well, so adding it raw ensures your dish will be rich and evenly seasoned with minimal effort.

Can I put frozen ground turkey in the crockpot?

It’s not recommended to use frozen turkey in slow cooker recipes using ground turkey due to food safety risks. Slow cookers heat gradually, and frozen meat may stay at unsafe temperatures for too long, allowing harmful bacteria to develop. Always thaw ground turkey completely in the fridge or microwave before adding it to your slow cooker recipes.

When not to cook ground turkey?

There are a few scenarios where slow cooker recipes using ground turkey aren’t ideal: When the turkey is still frozen (always thaw first). When cooking without enough moisture, which can result in dryness. When overcooking—going beyond 6 hours can dry out lean turkey. To avoid these issues, follow trusted slow cooker recipes using ground turkey that are balanced with moisture, spice, and proper timing.

Slow Cooker Recipes Using Ground Turkey

Description

slow cooker recipes using ground turkey tacos made with ground turkey are a must-try dish. Delicious, tender, and juicy ground turkey slow cooked together with all the traditional, mouthwatering flavors of yummy tacos. The perfect healthy treat!

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs lean ground turkey

▢1 cup salsa

▢⅓ cup taco seasoning recipe below

▢⅓ cup tomato paste

▢1 teaspoon garlic salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

add raw ground turkey to slow cooker and use a spoon to break it up

2 lbs lean ground turkey

add remaining ingredients to slow cooker

1 cup salsa,⅓ cup taco seasoning,⅓ cup tomato paste,1 teaspoon garlic salt

stir to combine

cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours

enjoy

Final Step

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Notes

This is a great recipe to double or even triple. Leftovers freeze really well and reheat easily for future grab-and-go meals!

If you prefer spicy tacos, add a 7oz can of hot diced chili peppers along with other ingredients before cooking

Homemade taco seasoning (makes more than you need for just these tacos):

4 tablespoon chili powder

1.5 tablespoon cumin

1.5 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon dried cilantro

Add all ingredients and stir. Store in a cool, dry, air-tight container.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 servings
Calories: 164kcal
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 1443mg
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 62mg