Slow Cooker Turkey with Gravy Recipe

Indulge in the rich and flavorful slow cooker turkey with gravy recipe. This easy-to-prepare dish is perfect for any occasion and is sure to satisfy your cravings. The tender, succulent turkey thighs are slow-cooked to perfection while the accompanying sweet potatoes and peas provide a balanced, nutritious meal. Each bite is a burst of savory goodness, making it a must-try for everyone.

Photos of Slow Cooker Turkey with Gravy Recipe

This recipe uses ingredients that are commonly found in most kitchens. However, turkey thighs might not be readily available at all times. Supermarkets often stock whole turkeys, but you might need to ask for specific parts like the thighs. Also, sweet potatoes are seasonal and might not be available all year round. You might consider substituting with regular potatoes if sweet potatoes are not available.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Turkey with Gravy

Turkey thighs: The star of the dish, turkey thighs are known for their rich, flavorful meat that becomes incredibly tender when slow-cooked.

Kosher salt: Used for seasoning the turkey, kosher salt has a coarser grain and is less processed than regular table salt.

Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor.

Sweet potatoes: They add a touch of sweetness and provide a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the sweet potatoes.

Canola oil: Used for roasting the sweet potatoes, canola oil has a mild flavor that doesn't overpower the other ingredients.

Unsalted butter: Adds a rich, creamy taste to the gravy.

Flour: Used to thicken the gravy.

Frozen peas: A quick and easy side that adds color and nutrition to the dish.

One reader, Cheryl Moua says:

This slow cooker turkey with gravy recipe is a game-changer! The turkey thighs were incredibly tender and flavorful, and the gravy was rich and savory. The sweet potatoes and peas complemented the dish perfectly. It's a stress-free way to make a delicious and hearty meal. Highly recommend!

Cheryl Moua

Techniques Required for Making Slow Cooker Turkey with Gravy

How to cook turkey in a slow cooker: This technique involves seasoning the turkey and cooking it in a slow cooker on low heat for 7 hours, ensuring it's tender and flavorful.

How to make gravy from turkey drippings: This technique involves using the liquid left behind in the slow cooker to make a rich and flavorful gravy by combining it with butter, flour, and seasoning.

How to roast sweet potatoes: This technique involves seasoning sweet potatoes with salt, pepper, and brown sugar, then roasting them in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes until they are tender and caramelized.

How to steam green peas: This technique involves cooking frozen peas in a steamer or a pot with a small amount of water until they are tender and bright green in color.

Thanksgiving may be over but you can still enjoy this slow cooker turkey made flavorful with candied carrots and gravy. Start cooking now!

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 7 hours

Total: 7 hours 15 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

4pcsturkey thighs
½tspkosher saltdivided
½tspblack pepperdivided
2lbssweet potatoes
6tbspbrown sugardivided
2tbspcanola oil
2tbspunsalted butter
2tbspflour
12ozfrozen peas

Instructions

Add ¼ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of pepper to the bottom of the slow cooker.
Add in turkey pieces, skin side up.
Top with remaining ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
Cook on Low for 7 hours.
Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees F.
Add salt, pepper, canola oil, and 3 tablespoons of brown sugar to sweet potatoes and combine.
Spread sweet potatoes on a baking pan and roast in oven for 30 minutes.
Remove turkey from the slow cooker.
Pour the liquid left behind in the slow cooker into a measuring cup and remove as much of the fat as you can.
Melt the butter into a saucepan on medium-high heat and combine with flour.
Whisk and let cook on medium for one minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
Add in the rest of the turkey liquid and let it cook until thickened for approximately 3 to 5 minutes.
Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Remove sweet potatoes and top with additional 3 tablespoons brown sugar.
Steam the green peas.
Serve turkey, covered with gravy, sweet potatoes covered with brown sugar, and steamed peas on the side.

Nutrition

Calories: 440.10kcal
Fat: 13.26g
Saturated Fat: 4.27g
Trans Fat: 0.26g
Monounsaturated Fat: 5.96g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.39g
Carbohydrates: 73.77g
Fiber: 10.83g
Sugar: 26.94g
Protein: 8.52g
Cholesterol: 15.26mg
Sodium: 456.50mg
Calcium: 102.07mg
Potassium: 923.26mg
Iron: 2.87mg
Vitamin A: 1744.25µg
Vitamin C: 20.75mg

Helpful Technique Tip for Slow Cooker Turkey with Gravy

When roasting your sweet potatoes, make sure to spread them out evenly on the baking pan. Overcrowding the pan can cause the potatoes to steam instead of roast, preventing them from getting that desired crispy exterior. Also, tossing them in canola oil and brown sugar before roasting will help to caramelize the outside, giving them a sweet, flavorful crust.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Slow Cooker Turkey with Gravy

Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, measure ingredients, and marinate the turkey the night before to save time on the day of cooking.

Use a food processor: Utilize a food processor to quickly chop and prepare the sweet potatoes, saving time and effort.

Multi-task: While the turkey is cooking in the slow cooker, use the time to prepare other components of the meal to maximize efficiency.

Invest in a good slow cooker: A reliable slow cooker can help you save time and effort in the kitchen, as it allows for hands-free cooking and tenderizes the turkey without constant monitoring.

Organize your workspace: Before you begin cooking, make sure your kitchen workspace is organized and all necessary tools and ingredients are easily accessible to streamline the cooking process.

Clean as you go: Wash and put away utensils, cutting boards, and other items as you cook to minimize clutter and make cleanup easier once the meal is ready.

Utilize convenience products: Consider using pre-cut vegetables or pre-made gravy to cut down on prep time and simplify the cooking process.

Batch cooking: Make extra portions of the turkey and gravy to freeze for future meals, saving time on busy days when you need a quick and delicious dinner.

Plan your menu: Create a weekly meal plan to streamline grocery shopping and ensure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand, reducing last-minute trips to the store.

Substitute Ingredients For Slow Cooker Turkey with Gravy Recipe

turkey thighs - Substitute with chicken thighs: Chicken thighs can be used as a substitute for turkey thighs, as they have a similar texture and flavor when slow-cooked.
sweet potatoes - Substitute with butternut squash: Butternut squash can be used as a substitute for sweet potatoes, providing a similar sweet and nutty flavor and texture when cooked in a slow cooker.
brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can be used as a substitute for brown sugar, adding a rich, sweet flavor to the dish.
canola oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a substitute for canola oil, providing a healthy fat option and adding a distinct flavor to the dish.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a substitute for unsalted butter, adding a hint of coconut flavor and richness to the dish.
flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can be used as a substitute for flour to thicken the gravy, providing a smooth texture without altering the flavor.
frozen peas - Substitute with frozen green beans: Frozen green beans can be used as a substitute for peas, adding a pop of color and a slightly different texture to the dish.

Presenting Your Slow Cooker Turkey with Gravy

Elevate the turkey thighs: Gently place the slow-cooked turkey thighs on the plate, ensuring they are positioned in an appealing manner. The skin should be crispy and golden, and the meat should be moist and tender.
Artfully arrange the sweet potatoes: Place the roasted sweet potatoes on the plate in a visually appealing manner, ensuring they are evenly spaced and garnished with a sprinkle of brown sugar for a touch of sweetness and shine.
Drizzle the gravy with precision: Carefully drizzle the rich, velvety gravy over the turkey thighs, ensuring it cascades elegantly down the sides of the meat, adding a touch of indulgence to the dish.
Garnish with vibrant green peas: Add a pop of color and freshness to the plate by delicately placing the steamed green peas around the turkey and sweet potatoes, creating a visually appealing contrast.
Consider the plate: Use a large, white, or neutral-toned plate to allow the vibrant colors of the dish to stand out, creating a visually striking presentation that is both elegant and appetizing.
Emphasize symmetry and balance: Ensure that the elements of the dish are arranged with precision, creating a sense of balance and harmony on the plate, appealing to the eye as well as the palate.
Add a touch of finesse with microgreens: Consider adding a sprinkle of microgreens as a final touch, adding a burst of freshness and a delicate, decorative element to the dish.

Essential Tools for Making Slow Cooker Turkey with Gravy

Slow cooker: A countertop electrical cooking appliance used for simmering, which allows for the slow cooking of food over a low heat for an extended period of time.
Measuring cup: A kitchen utensil used primarily to measure the volume of liquid or bulk solid cooking ingredients.
Baking pan: A metal pan specifically designed for use in the oven, typically used for baking and roasting foods.
Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a long handle, used for cooking food, especially sauces.
Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for whipping and mixing ingredients such as eggs, sauces, and batters.

Storing and Freezing Slow Cooker Turkey with Gravy

Let the turkey cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the meat from becoming soggy and help maintain its texture.
To store leftover turkey in the refrigerator, place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep for 3-4 days in the fridge.
If you want to freeze the leftover turkey, follow these steps:
1. Shred or slice the turkey into bite-sized pieces.
2. Place the turkey in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
3. Label the containers or bags with the date and amount of turkey inside.
4. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
To store the leftover gravy, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
If you want to freeze the gravy:
1. Pour the cooled gravy into freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays for smaller portions.
2. Leave some headspace in the containers to allow for expansion during freezing.
3. Label the containers with the date and amount of gravy inside.
4. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
To reheat frozen turkey, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it in the microwave or oven until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
To reheat frozen gravy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is heated through and reaches the desired consistency. You may need to add a little water or broth to thin it out if it has thickened too much during freezing.

How To Reheat Leftover Slow Cooker Turkey with Gravy

The best way to reheat leftover slow cooker turkey with gravy is to place the turkey and gravy in a covered dish and reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This method helps to retain the moisture and flavor of the turkey and gravy.
Another option is to reheat the turkey and gravy in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent the gravy from sticking to the bottom of the pan and to ensure even heating. This method is quicker than the oven method but requires more attention to prevent the turkey from drying out or the gravy from burning.
If you have a microwave-safe dish, you can also reheat the turkey and gravy in the microwave. Place the turkey and gravy in the dish, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap (leaving a small vent for steam to escape), and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes at a time, stirring in between, until the turkey is heated through and the gravy is hot and bubbly. Be careful not to overheat the turkey, as it can quickly dry out in the microwave.
Regardless of the method you choose, be sure to reheat the turkey and gravy until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure that they are safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the turkey in the thickest part of the meat, away from any bones.
To add extra moisture and flavor to the reheated turkey, you can drizzle a little bit of chicken or turkey broth over the meat before reheating it. This will help to keep the turkey moist and prevent it from drying out during the reheating process.

Interesting Fact About Slow Cooker Turkey with Gravy

The slow cooker turkey with gravy recipe is a delicious and convenient way to prepare a flavorful turkey dish. It's a great option for busy days or when you want a fuss-free meal. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in tender and juicy turkey thighs. Additionally, the sweet potatoes add a delightful touch of sweetness to the dish, complementing the savory flavors of the turkey and gravy. This recipe offers a balanced and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Plus, using a slow cooker makes the cooking process a breeze, allowing you to focus on other tasks while your meal simmers to perfection.

Is Making Slow Cooker Turkey with Gravy Cost-Effective?

This slow cooker turkey with gravy recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The use of affordable ingredients like turkey thighs, sweet potatoes, and frozen peas makes it budget-friendly. The slow cooking method also helps to tenderize the meat, making it a great choice for a family meal. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $20-$25, depending on the prices of ingredients. Overall Verdict: 9/10.

Is Slow Cooker Turkey with Gravy Healthy or Unhealthy?

The slow cooker turkey with gravy recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, turkey is a lean protein source, providing essential amino acids without excessive saturated fat. Sweet potatoes are nutrient-dense, offering fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. Peas are also a nutritious addition, containing fiber, protein, and various vitamins and minerals.

However, the recipe has some less healthy components. The use of brown sugar adds extra calories and simple carbohydrates. While some fat is necessary for nutrient absorption and flavor, the combination of butter and canola oil may contribute to a higher overall fat content. The gravy, depending on the amount consumed, could also add significant calories and sodium to the dish.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of brown sugar used on the sweet potatoes, or substitute with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
Replace some or all of the butter with heart-healthy olive oil
Use whole wheat flour for the gravy to increase the fiber content
Limit the portion size of the gravy to control sodium and calorie intake
Incorporate additional non-starchy vegetables, such as carrots or green beans, to increase the overall nutrient density of the meal
Remove the skin from the turkey before serving to reduce the saturated fat content

Editor's Opinion on This Slow Cooker Turkey with Gravy Recipe

This slow cooker turkey with gravy recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The slow-cooked turkey thighs are tender and juicy, complemented by the rich and savory gravy. The roasted sweet potatoes add a touch of sweetness, while the steamed peas bring a pop of freshness to the dish. The balance of flavors and the use of the slow cooker make this recipe convenient and perfect for a comforting family meal.

Enhance Your Slow Cooker Turkey with Gravy Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic and parmesan cheese

Roasted Brussel Sprouts: Crispy roasted brussel sprouts with a balsamic glaze and bacon bits

Cranberry Sauce: Tart and sweet cranberry sauce with a touch of orange zest and cinnamon

Similar Recipes to Slow Cooker Turkey with Gravy

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Citrus Grilled Chicken: This zesty grilled chicken is bursting with flavor from fresh citrus juices and aromatic herbs. It's a light and refreshing dish that's perfect for a summer barbecue.

Mango Coconut Rice Pudding: Indulge in this creamy and tropical rice pudding that's infused with sweet mango and coconut flavors. It's a delightful dessert that will transport you to a tropical paradise with every spoonful.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Slow Cooker Turkey with Gravy

Appetizers:

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms: Impress your guests with these savory stuffed mushrooms filled with a flavorful mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs. They're the perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off any meal.

Crispy Zucchini Fritters: These crispy zucchini fritters are a delightful way to start your meal. The combination of tender zucchini, savory herbs, and a golden brown crust will leave your guests wanting more.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth texture and decadent flavor will leave your taste buds craving for more.

Apple Crisp: Savor the warm and comforting flavors of a homemade apple crisp, with tender baked apples and a crispy oat topping. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch.

Why trust this Slow Cooker Turkey with Gravy Recipe:

This slow cooker turkey recipe guarantees tender, succulent turkey thighs infused with rich flavors. The slow cooking process ensures the meat is juicy and falls off the bone. The addition of sweet potatoes roasted with brown sugar creates a delightful balance of sweetness. The homemade gravy is made from the flavorful juices, providing a luscious accompaniment. The inclusion of frozen peas adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish. Trust in the combination of these carefully selected ingredients to deliver a memorable and satisfying meal.

Share your thoughts on this slow cooker turkey with gravy recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know how it turned out for you!

FAQ:

Can I use a different cut of turkey for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a different cut of turkey, such as turkey breast or drumsticks, but the cooking time may vary. Adjust the cooking time based on the size and type of turkey cut you use.

Can I substitute sweet potatoes with regular potatoes?

Absolutely! You can substitute sweet potatoes with regular potatoes if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will be different, but it will still be delicious.

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this recipe without a slow cooker. You can use an oven-safe pot with a lid and cook the turkey in the oven at a low temperature, around 275°F, for a longer period of time.

Can I prepare the gravy ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the gravy ahead of time. Simply reheat it gently on the stovetop, adding a little water or stock to adjust the consistency if needed.

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen peas?

Of course! You can use fresh peas instead of frozen peas. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as fresh peas may cook faster than frozen peas.