Okay, mis amigos! Get ready because I’m about to drop a flavor BOMB on your kitchen! We’re talking about my Turkey Crockpot Stuffing – the recipe that takes Thanksgiving (or any day, really) from “meh” to “OH YEAH!” I’m telling you, this isn’t your grandma’s bland stuffing. This Turkey Crockpot Stuffing is pure Cuba Queen FIRE. This recipe will transform your holiday, or any day, into a flavor fiesta!
I spent weeks perfecting this recipe, dodging soggy stuffing disasters and flavorless letdowns. Finally, BAM! The perfect balance of savory, herby, and slightly sweet hit my taste buds. It was a Turkey Crockpot Stuffing miracle, and now I’m sharing it with you! This Turkey Crockpot Stuffing is about to change the game!
This Turkey Crockpot Stuffing recipe is for my flavor adventurers who want maximum taste with minimum fuss. I’m talking set-it-and-forget-it ease with a flavor profile that’ll have everyone begging for seconds. That’s the Cuba Queen promise, right? Big flavor, bold moves, and zero apologies! You are going to love this Turkey Crockpot Stuffing!
INGREDIENTS You Need for This:
- 1 loaf (about 1 pound) day-old crusty bread, cut into 1-inch cubes: Don’t skimp on the bread! A good, crusty loaf holds up beautifully in the slow cooker. I like sourdough for a little tang, but a French or Italian loaf works great too.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter: Butter is key for richness and flavor. Trust me, you don’t want to use margarine here. The real deal makes all the difference.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Onions form the aromatic base of our stuffing. Yellow or white onions are perfect!
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: Celery adds a subtle crunch and fresh flavor. Make sure to chop it finely for even distribution.
- 1 pound ground turkey or sausage: This is where we bring in the savory goodness! I love using ground turkey to keep things a little lighter, but Italian sausage would also be amazing. If you’re going the sausage route, be sure to remove it from the casings before cooking.
- 1 teaspoon dried sage: Sage is a classic stuffing herb, and its earthy flavor pairs perfectly with the turkey and bread.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Thyme adds another layer of herbaceousness. Fresh thyme is great if you have it, but dried works just fine in this recipe.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Don’t be shy with the pepper! It adds a little kick and balances out the sweetness of the other ingredients.
- 3 cups chicken broth: Chicken broth provides the moisture that brings the stuffing together. I recommend using low-sodium broth so you can control the saltiness of the finished dish.
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley: Parsley adds a pop of fresh flavor and color. It’s the perfect finishing touch!
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (optional): For a touch of sweetness and chewiness, dried cranberries are a fantastic addition. But if you’re not a fan, feel free to leave them out.
The secret to epic Turkey Crockpot Stuffing is using day-old bread. Fresh bread will turn to mush in the slow cooker, so make sure your bread is nice and dry. Also, don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices! This recipe is just a starting point, so feel free to add your own personal touch. This Turkey Crockpot Stuffing ingredient list is SHORT but mighty!
You’ll find the best ingredients for this Turkey Crockpot Stuffing at your local farmers market or specialty grocery store. Fresh herbs and high-quality bread will make all the difference. And splurge on the good butter – trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
- First, we need to prep the ingredients! Dice that bread into one-inch cubes. Then get that onion and celery finely chopped. We want these flavors to mingle, not overpower. Don’t stress – your Turkey Crockpot Stuffing is going to be incredible!
- Next, let’s get that flavor foundation going. In a large skillet, melt that butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Then add the ground turkey or sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Pro tip for Turkey Crockpot Stuffing perfection: Don’t skip browning the meat! It adds so much flavor.
- Now, it’s time to layer those flavors! Add the dried sage, thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Here’s where most people mess up their Turkey Crockpot Stuffing – but not you! We’re blooming those spices to unlock their full potential.
- This is where your Turkey Crockpot Stuffing transforms into pure magic! In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread and the cooked turkey mixture. Pour in the chicken broth and stir gently to coat. Add the chopped parsley and dried cranberries (if using).
- Time to load up that crockpot! Grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray. Pour the stuffing mixture into the slow cooker and spread it out evenly.
- Now for the slow and steady magic! Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. The Turkey Crockpot Stuffing is done when it’s heated through and the bread is tender. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
- Almost there! During the last 30 minutes of cooking, remove the lid to allow the top of the stuffing to brown slightly. Your Turkey Crockpot Stuffing should look/smell/feel like Thanksgiving in a bowl!
This easy Turkey Crockpot Stuffing takes exactly 5 hours on low in my kitchen. Remember, all slow cookers are different, so keep an eye on it and adjust the cooking time as needed. And while your Turkey Crockpot Stuffing is working its magic, grab your camera – this is Instagram gold! This recipe is all about infusing flavor into every single bite.
PRESENTATION:
Presentation is everything, mis amigos! This Turkey Crockpot Stuffing deserves to be served with flair. Scoop it into a beautiful serving dish and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. For an extra touch, you can top it with a few crispy fried sage leaves. People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this Turkey Crockpot Stuffing at Thanksgiving!
This Turkey Crockpot Stuffing absolutely slays at dinner parties! The warm, comforting flavors are always a hit, and it’s so easy to make ahead of time. I like to serve it alongside roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce for the ultimate holiday feast. The aroma alone will have everyone eager to dig in!
If you have any leftover Turkey Crockpot Stuffing (which is unlikely!), you can use it to make delicious stuffing muffins. Simply scoop the stuffing into muffin tins and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. They’re perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a quick snack! If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for my Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey!
For a seasonal variation, try adding some chopped apples or butternut squash to your Turkey Crockpot Stuffing. The sweetness of the fruit or squash will complement the savory flavors beautifully. I once added maple syrup to my Turkey Crockpot Stuffing and everyone went crazy!
FAQs:
- Can I make this Turkey Crockpot Stuffing ahead of time?Absolutely! You can assemble the stuffing mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply transfer it to the slow cooker and follow the instructions. I’ve tested this Turkey Crockpot Stuffing recipe more times than I can count, and it always works great when made ahead.
- What if I don’t have chicken broth for my Turkey Crockpot Stuffing?No problem! You can substitute vegetable broth or even water in a pinch. Just keep in mind that the flavor might not be quite as rich. My community gave me the idea to use turkey broth and it was game-changing!
- Can I make this Turkey Crockpot Stuffing vegetarian?Of course! Simply omit the ground turkey or sausage and add some extra vegetables, such as mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers. You can also use vegetarian sausage crumbles. For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out my Low Carb Turkey Zucchini Skillet.
- How do I know when my Turkey Crockpot Stuffing is perfectly done?The stuffing is done when it’s heated through and the bread is tender. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. If the top of the stuffing is not browning enough, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Can I make this Turkey Crockpot Stuffing spicier?¡Sí, por supuesto! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stuffing mixture, or use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground turkey. You can also add some chopped jalapeños for extra heat. I love a little kick in my Turkey Crockpot Stuffing!
- What if I don’t have dried sage or thyme for my Turkey Crockpot Stuffing?You can substitute other herbs, such as rosemary, oregano, or marjoram. Fresh herbs are always a great option, but dried herbs work just fine in this recipe. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your favorite flavor combination!
- My Turkey Crockpot Stuffing is too dry. What did I do wrong?If your stuffing is too dry, you can add a little more chicken broth. Start with 1/4 cup and add more as needed until the stuffing reaches the desired consistency. Make sure to stir gently to avoid making the stuffing mushy. I had to learn this the hard way during my first Turkey Crockpot Stuffing attempt!
CONCLUSION:
This Turkey Crockpot Stuffing represents everything Cuba Queen stands for: bold flavors, easy recipes, and celebration-worthy food. I want you to feel confident and excited every time you step into the kitchen. This recipe is designed to help you create delicious memories with your loved ones. This Turkey Crockpot Stuffing is about to become your signature dish!
My Turkey Crockpot Stuffing Power Tips:
- Use day-old bread: Fresh bread will turn to mush in the slow cooker.
- Brown the meat: Don’t skip this step! It adds so much flavor.
- Don’t overcook: The stuffing is done when it’s heated through and the bread is tender.
Here are a few Turkey Crockpot Stuffing variations I’ve created and loved:
- Apple Cranberry Stuffing: Add 1 cup of chopped apples and 1 cup of dried cranberries to the stuffing mixture.
- Sausage and Mushroom Stuffing: Use Italian sausage instead of ground turkey and add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms.
- Spicy Jalapeño Stuffing: Add 1/2 cup of chopped jalapeños and a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stuffing mixture.
The Apple Cranberry Turkey Crockpot Stuffing gets the biggest reactions at my Thanksgiving table every single year!
I have total confidence in your cooking success! Get ready to make some amazing Turkey Crockpot Stuffing memories! Don’t forget to share your results with me – I can’t wait to see what you create! This Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing reminds me of another family favorite!
For more bold flavor adventures, check out my Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing. This incredibly delicious Turkey Crockpot Stuffing is great served hot or cold!. If you want another take on a classic, Crock Pot Stuffing is a great resource. You might also like Crockpot Stuffing Recipe | Traditional Stuffing in the Slow Cooker for more slow cooker inspiration. And for even more tips, check out Easy Crockpot Stuffing Recipe for Thanksgiving | The Kitchn.
Now go forth and create some Turkey Crockpot Stuffing magic! ✨🔥🌮 This recipe will transform your holiday, or any day, into a flavor fiesta! You are going to love this Turkey Crockpot Stuffing!
Turkey Crockpot Stuffing
This Turkey Crockpot Stuffing is a delicious and easy way to prepare a classic Thanksgiving side dish. The slow cooker does all the work, resulting in a moist and flavorful stuffing that complements your turkey perfectly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 300 minutes
- Total Time: 315 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (14 ounce) package seasoned stuffing mix
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground turkey over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and celery to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the sage, thyme, rosemary, and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine the stuffing mix, cooked turkey mixture, chicken broth, melted butter, and parsley. Mix well.
- Grease a 6-quart or larger slow cooker.
- Pour the stuffing mixture into the slow cooker and spread evenly.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, or until heated through and the stuffing is cooked to your liking.
- Fluff with a fork before serving.
Notes
For a crispier topping, broil the stuffing for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.