Slow Cooker Ground Turkey is the ultimate mealtime hero—lean, flavorful, and delightfully low maintenance. Just load up your slow cooker in the morning, and by dinnertime, you’ll have a warm, hearty dish that satisfies the whole family. For an easy, crowd-pleasing spin, try this Zesty Southwest Slow Cooker Ground Turkey recipe and let the cozy aromas welcome you home.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers (any color)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, lime wedges
Instructions
Begin by browning the ground turkey in a skillet over medium heat, just until it’s no longer pink. This step helps lock in flavor but also ensures a smoother texture in the final dish. Once browned, transfer the turkey to your slow cooker.
Next, add the chopped onions, bell peppers, diced tomatoes, and broth. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a gentle stir so that the spices mingle with the vegetables and meat.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Stir occasionally if you can. By the end of the cooking process, the turkey will be melt-in-your-mouth tender and infused with a delightful Southwest flair. Serve warm with extra toppings like shredded cheese, avocado, fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of lime juice.
This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a healthy, hands-off dinner that still brims with bold flavor. Ground turkey is known for being a lean source of protein that fits effortlessly into many lifestyles, from busy family schedules to meal-prepping professionals.
Feel free to customize based on your preferences: add a can of rinsed black beans for extra fiber, swap in ground chicken, or boost the spice level with diced jalapeños. However you choose to make it, this slow cooker dish promises lush flavors, minimal cleanup, and a comforting bowlful of goodness every time.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
