If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that almost cooks itself, you’ve got to try this Crock Pot Turkey and Gravy Recipe. It takes all the stress out of preparing a tender, flavorful turkey breast and pairs it with rich, velvety gravy that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re making this for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe delivers that perfect balance of juicy meat and savory sauce with minimal effort. Trust me, once you taste this slow-cooked delight, it’ll become your go-to recipe whenever you want something easy yet utterly satisfying.
Crock Pot Turkey and Gravy Recipe: Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple, straightforward ingredients come together beautifully to create a meal bursting with flavor and heartiness. Each component plays an essential role, whether it’s adding aromatic depth, tender juiciness, or that rich gravy goodness you can’t resist.
- 3 to 4 pounds boneless turkey breast: The star of the dish, providing lean, tender protein that cooks perfectly in the slow cooker.
- 2 packets turkey gravy mix: Adds that classic savory base for the hearty gravy that saturates the meat.
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix: Introduces a creamy, zesty layer of flavor without overpowering the turkey.
- 1 packet onion soup mix: Brings a deep onion and herb profile that complements the turkey’s mildness.
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth: Keeps the meat moist and infuses it with rich, savory undertones.
- 1/2 cup water: Helps balance the seasoning mix and creates the perfect cooking liquid.
- 1 small onion, sliced: Adds natural sweetness and texture nestled right under the turkey.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Imparts aromatic warmth and richness that elevates every bite.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Dotted on top, it melts into the meat, enriching the flavor and texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick that rounds out the savory elements.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional): Perfect for thickening the gravy if you like it extra luscious.
- 2 tablespoons cold water (optional): Used to create a cornstarch slurry to smoothly thicken the gravy.
How to Make Crock Pot Turkey and Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Base Layers
Begin by placing the sliced onions and minced garlic into the bottom of your crock pot. These aromatics create a flavorful bed for the turkey to rest on, infusing the meat and gravy with a subtle sweetness and savory depth as it cooks.
Step 2: Layer the Turkey
Next, lay your boneless turkey breast directly on top of the onions and garlic. This positioning allows the turkey to slowly absorb those wonderful flavors while cooking low and slow, resulting in a tender, juicy main course.
Step 3: Combine and Pour Seasonings
In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, both packets of turkey gravy mix, ranch seasoning, onion soup mix, black pepper, and water until thoroughly combined. Pour this seasoning mixture evenly over the turkey breast, ensuring every bit of meat gets coated in that savory goodness.
Step 4: Add Butter and Cook
Dot the top of the turkey with unsalted butter, which will melt slowly, enriching the meat and gravy. Cover your crock pot and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the turkey is perfectly cooked and tender, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 5: Remove Turkey and Thicken Gravy
Carefully take the turkey out and let it rest before slicing or shredding. For a thicker, more indulgent gravy, switch the crock pot to high and stir in a slurry made from cornstarch and cold water if desired. Let it cook for 10 to 15 minutes until the gravy is rich and velvety.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Slice or shred the turkey, then spoon warm gravy generously over each portion. This is what makes the Crock Pot Turkey and Gravy Recipe feel like a special meal made with love and ease.
How to Serve Crock Pot Turkey and Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme not only adds a pop of vibrant green color but also infuses a fresh, herbal note that balances the rich gravy wonderfully. For a bit of texture, consider crispy fried onions or toasted nuts to sprinkle on top.
Side Dishes
This Crock Pot Turkey and Gravy Recipe pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes that soak up all that luscious gravy, buttery roasted vegetables for a hearty contrast, or even warm, buttery dinner rolls to help sop up every last drop. If you want lighter options, steamed green beans or a crisp salad provide fresh counterpoints.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style presentation, carve the turkey and arrange slices on a large platter surrounded by roasted vegetables and bowls of gravy. Alternatively, serve the shredded turkey over rice or egg noodles for cozy comfort food bowls. You can also pile the turkey and gravy high on toasted bread for an elevated open-faced sandwich experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once the turkey and gravy have cooled, transfer leftovers to airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator. Properly kept, they will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, making for easy next-day meals without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Freezing
This Crock Pot Turkey and Gravy Recipe freezes beautifully. Place the turkey and gravy separately or together in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to retain that delightful taste and tenderness.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to avoid drying out the turkey. Warm the gravy separately and pour it over the meat just before serving to keep everything moist and flavorful. Adding a splash of broth during reheating helps maintain juiciness.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in turkey breast instead of boneless?
Absolutely! Bone-in turkey breast can add extra flavor and moisture during cooking, but it may require a slightly longer cook time to ensure it’s fully cooked through. Just keep an eye on the internal temperature for safety.
Is it possible to make this recipe without the seasoning packet mixes?
Yes! You can substitute with your own blend of herbs and spices like sage, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, and poultry seasoning for a homemade gravy base. However, the seasoning packets offer a convenient, well-balanced flavor that’s hard to beat for ease and consistency.
How do I make sure the turkey stays juicy?
Cooking low and slow in the crock pot and keeping the turkey partly submerged in the flavorful broth helps retain moisture. Also, letting the turkey rest before slicing allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is tender and juicy.
Can I add vegetables to the crock pot with the turkey?
Definitely! Hardier veggies like carrots, potatoes, and celery can be added beneath the turkey. They not only cook alongside the meat, soaking up flavors, but also create a complete meal that’s both convenient and delicious.
What if I don’t want to thicken the gravy with cornstarch?
No problem! The gravy will still be delicious and flavorful without thickening, just a bit lighter in consistency. If you want a natural thickening alternative, you could simmer the liquid a bit longer or mash some cooked vegetables into it for body.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Turkey and Gravy Recipe is a true lifesaver when you want to serve up something comforting, flavorful, and effortless. It’s like having a warm, hearty hug plated at your table with minimal fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it transforms your dinner routine into an easy, delicious tradition everyone will love.
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Crock Pot Turkey and Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crock Pot Turkey and Gravy recipe offers a comforting and easy way to prepare tender, flavorful turkey breast with rich homemade gravy using simple seasoning mixes and slow cooking. Perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday meals, this dish serves six and pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
Turkey and Seasonings
- 3 to 4 pounds boneless turkey breast
- 2 packets turkey gravy mix
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Liquids
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup water
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Fat and Thickener
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for slurry)
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Place the sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of the crock pot to create a flavorful bed for the turkey.
- Add the turkey: Lay the boneless turkey breast on top of the onion and garlic layer.
- Mix seasonings and liquids: In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, turkey gravy mix packets, ranch seasoning mix, onion soup mix, black pepper, and water until fully combined.
- Pour over turkey: Pour the mixed liquid and seasonings evenly over the turkey breast in the crock pot to ensure it absorbs all the flavors.
- Top with butter: Dot the top of the turkey breast with unsalted butter for additional richness.
- Cook the turkey: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The turkey is done when tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Rest and slice: Carefully remove the turkey from the crock pot and let it rest briefly before slicing or shredding as desired.
- Thicken the gravy (optional): If you want a thicker gravy, switch the crock pot to high heat. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the crock pot. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes until the gravy thickens.
- Serve: Serve the sliced turkey topped with the warm gravy alongside your favorite sides for a hearty meal.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, sear the turkey breast in a skillet over medium-high heat before placing it in the crock pot.
- This dish pairs excellently with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
- To lighten the gravy, reduce the amount of gravy packets used or add extra chicken broth.
- Ensure seasoning mixes used are certified gluten-free if following a gluten-free diet.
