It’s Thanksgiving morning, and the aroma of cinnamon, sage, and a hint of toasted bread fills my kitchen. My family is bustling around, setting the table, and the turkey is…well, it’s hogging all the oven space, as usual! That’s when I realized years ago that I needed a better plan for the stuffing – a plan that didn’t involve fighting for oven real estate. And that’s how my family’s love affair with **Turkey Crockpot Stuffing** began!I remember the first time I tried making stuffing in the slow cooker. It was a complete disaster! The bottom was burnt, the top was pale, and the middle was… mushy. But I’m not one to give up easily, especially when it comes to Thanksgiving dinner. After a lot of trial and error (and a few secretly thrown-away batches!), I finally perfected my recipe for **Turkey Crockpot Stuffing**.Now, **Turkey Crockpot Stuffing** has become a Thanksgiving tradition. It frees up my oven for other dishes, it’s incredibly easy to make, and it always comes out perfectly moist and flavorful. Plus, it’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights when I want a comforting side dish without a lot of fuss. Let’s be real, life gets crazy, and sometimes you need a dinner that practically cooks itself, right? I find this especially true with the holidays coming around!I truly believe cooking should be joyful and accessible to everyone, no matter their skill level or how much time they have. My philosophy is simple: use fresh, wholesome ingredients, don’t be afraid to experiment, and most importantly, have fun! This **Turkey Crockpot Stuffing** recipe embodies that philosophy perfectly. It’s so easy, even my kids can help make it (and trust me, that says a lot!). This recipe is a far cry from my *first* attempts at **Turkey Crockpot Stuffing**.So, grab your crockpot, gather your ingredients, and let’s make some **Turkey Crockpot Stuffing**! I promise, you won’t regret it. It’s a game-changer for Thanksgiving, and it’s a delicious and easy way to enjoy stuffing any time of year.

What You’ll Need for This Perfectly Moist Turkey Crockpot Stuffing

Okay, friends, let’s talk ingredients. For my **Turkey Crockpot Stuffing**, I like to keep things simple and flavorful. Here’s what you’ll need:* 1 loaf of bread (about 1 pound), cubed: I always use a day-old sourdough or French bread for my **Turkey Crockpot Stuffing**. It holds its shape well and adds a nice tang. You can use whatever bread you prefer, but avoid soft, squishy bread, or it will become too mushy. When making **Turkey Crockpot Stuffing**, you can find day-old bread at most bakeries or even the bakery section of your local grocery store, often at a discount!* 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter: Unsalted butter is best so you can control the amount of salt in the final dish.* 1 large onion, chopped: Yellow or white onions work great.* 2-3 celery stalks, chopped: Adds a nice crunch and flavor.* 1 pound ground turkey or sausage: I usually use ground turkey to keep it lighter, but sausage adds a lot of flavor.* 4 cups chicken or turkey broth: Low-sodium is always a good choice.* 1 teaspoon dried sage: Essential for that classic stuffing flavor!* 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a subtle earthiness.* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is always best, in my opinion.* 1/2 teaspoon salt: More or less to taste.* 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley: Adds a pop of freshness and color.* 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional): For a touch of sweetness and festive cheer.Here’s a **Turkey Crockpot Stuffing** trick I learned from my grandmother: toast the bread cubes lightly in the oven before adding them to the crockpot. This helps them retain their texture and prevents the stuffing from becoming too soggy. Just spread the cubes on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until lightly golden.For busy families making **Turkey Crockpot Stuffing**, ingredient prep shortcuts are a lifesaver! I often chop the onion and celery the night before and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. I’ve even bought pre-chopped vegetables from the store when I’m really short on time. No shame in that game!Cost-saving tips for **Turkey Crockpot Stuffing** ingredients? Absolutely! Keep an eye out for sales on bread and broth, and buy them in bulk when you can. Dried herbs are also much cheaper than fresh ones, especially if you’re only using them occasionally.Storage tips for leftover **Turkey Crockpot Stuffing** ingredients: Store your bread in a cool, dry place, and wrap it tightly to prevent it from drying out. Keep the chopped vegetables in an airtight container in the fridge, and store the dried herbs in a cool, dark place. And if you have leftover broth, freeze it in ice cube trays for easy use in future recipes.

Let’s Make This Scrumptious Turkey Crockpot Stuffing Together

Alright, let’s get cooking! Here are the step-by-step instructions for making the most delicious **Turkey Crockpot Stuffing** you’ve ever tasted:

Step-by-Step Guide

1. **Sauté the vegetables:** In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step helps develop the flavors and prevents the vegetables from being crunchy in the finished stuffing.2. **Brown the meat:** Add the ground turkey or sausage to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. I learned the hard way with **Turkey Crockpot Stuffing** that skipping this step can result in a greasy and less flavorful stuffing.3. **Combine the ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, and browned meat. Add the sage, thyme, salt, and pepper and mix well. Make sure everything is evenly distributed so every bite is flavorful.4. **Add the broth:** Pour the chicken or turkey broth over the bread mixture and stir gently until the bread is moistened but not soggy. Don’t worry if your **Turkey Crockpot Stuffing** seems a little wet at this point; it will absorb the liquid as it cooks.5. **Transfer to the crockpot:** Grease your slow cooker with cooking spray or butter. Pour the stuffing mixture into the crockpot and spread it out evenly. I usually use a 6-quart slow cooker for this recipe, but you can adjust the cooking time if you’re using a different size.6. **Cook the stuffing:** Cover the crockpot 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. If the top starts to brown too much, you can cover the crockpot with a layer of foil. In my kitchen, **Turkey Crockpot Stuffing** usually takes about 4 hours on low, but it depends on your crockpot.7. **Stir in the parsley and cranberries (optional):** Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and dried cranberries (if using) just before serving. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish.While the **Turkey Crockpot Stuffing** is cooking, I usually get the rest of the Thanksgiving meal ready. I might peel potatoes for mashed potatoes, prep the green bean casserole, or set the table. Or, if I’m being completely honest, I might sneak in a few minutes of relaxation with a good book and a cup of coffee!Your **Turkey Crockpot Stuffing** should smell like a combination of savory herbs, toasted bread, and warm spices. It’s the kind of aroma that makes everyone’s mouth water and gets them excited for Thanksgiving dinner!A family-tested **Turkey Crockpot Stuffing** shortcut is to use pre-made stuffing mix instead of bread cubes. Just follow the package directions for preparing the mix, then add the sautéed vegetables, browned meat, and broth as directed in the recipe. It’s a great time-saver when you’re in a pinch. If you are interested in tips from others, check out this Reddit thread about make ahead mash and crockpot dressing (aka stuffing) : r/thanksgiving for inspiration from other home cooks!Here’s a pro tip that I learned: if you want a crispier top on your stuffing, remove the lid from the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This allows the moisture to evaporate and the top to brown slightly.

How I Love to Serve This Easy Turkey Crockpot Stuffing

My family loves this **Turkey Crockpot Stuffing** when I serve it alongside roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, and cranberry sauce. It’s the perfect Thanksgiving feast! But honestly, it’s also delicious on its own as a comforting side dish any time of year.The go-to side dishes that pair perfectly with **Turkey Crockpot Stuffing** are mashed sweet potatoes and green bean casserole. The sweetness of the potatoes balances the savory flavors of the stuffing, and the creamy texture of the casserole complements the slightly drier texture of the stuffing.This **Turkey Crockpot Stuffing** is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday gathering. It’s also great for potlucks, family dinners, or even just a cozy weeknight meal. It’s so versatile and easy to make, you’ll find yourself making it all the time! As you can see, preparing tasty **Turkey Crockpot Stuffing** does not have to be difficult!As for presentation tips, I like to transfer the **Turkey Crockpot Stuffing** to a serving bowl and garnish it with fresh parsley sprigs or a sprinkle of dried cranberries. You can also drizzle it with a little melted butter for extra richness.If you have extra **Turkey Crockpot Stuffing**, it’s delicious reheated in the microwave or oven. You can also use it to make stuffing muffins, stuffing-topped casseroles, or even stuffing waffles! Check out more ideas on how to serve Turkey Crockpot Stuffing for the holidays or any day.For seasonal **Turkey Crockpot Stuffing** variations, try adding chopped apples and walnuts in the fall, or dried apricots and pistachios in the spring. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking.Friends always ask for this **Turkey Crockpot Stuffing** recipe after trying it at my house. It’s always a crowd-pleaser, and everyone loves how moist and flavorful it is. Plus, they’re always impressed by how easy it is to make in the crockpot!

Your Turkey Crockpot Stuffing Questions Answered

Okay, let’s get to some frequently asked questions about **Turkey Crockpot Stuffing**. I’ve gathered these based on what my family and friends have asked me over the years.* **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. Just add the broth right before cooking. This is a total lifesaver during Thanksgiving when I want to get as much done ahead of time as possible! If you are interested in more tips on making stuffing ahead of time, check out this Facebook group post about keeping stuffing warm in a crockpot for 4 hours?.* **Can I use a different type of bread?** Yes, you can use any type of bread you like, but I recommend using a sturdy bread that won’t get too mushy. Sourdough, French bread, or even cornbread work well. Just avoid soft, squishy bread like white bread or sandwich bread.* **Can I make this Turkey Crockpot Stuffing vegetarian?** Of course! Simply omit the ground turkey or sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken or turkey broth. You can also add some sautéed mushrooms or other vegetables for extra flavor.* **Can I make this Turkey Crockpot Stuffing gluten-free?** Yes, you can! Just use gluten-free bread and make sure all of your other ingredients are gluten-free as well. I’ve made it with gluten-free bread before, and it turned out just as delicious.* **My Turkey Crockpot Stuffing is too dry. What should I do?** Add a little more broth, a 1/2 cup at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency. Be careful not to add too much, or it will become too soggy. You know what I do when my **Turkey Crockpot Stuffing** gets dry? I drizzle a bit of melted butter over the top to help add moisture.* **My Turkey Crockpot Stuffing is too soggy. What should I do?** Remove the lid from the crockpot during the last hour of cooking to allow some of the moisture to evaporate. You can also add a few more bread cubes to absorb the excess liquid.* **Can I add other vegetables to this Turkey Crockpot Stuffing?** Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Just sauté them along with the onion and celery before adding them to the bread mixture.* **How long does this Turkey Crockpot Stuffing last?** Leftover stuffing will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.* **Can I freeze this Turkey Crockpot Stuffing?** Yes, you can! Let the stuffing cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

My Final Thoughts on This Classic Turkey Crockpot Stuffing

This **Turkey Crockpot Stuffing** recipe holds a special place in my heart because it represents so many happy memories of Thanksgiving with my family. It’s a dish that we all look forward to every year, and it’s a reminder of the importance of spending time together and sharing delicious food. The secret ingredient? A little planning so you can whip up tasty **Turkey Crockpot Stuffing!**

My Turkey Crockpot Stuffing Pro Tips:

* **Toast the bread cubes:** This helps them retain their texture and prevents the stuffing from becoming too soggy.* **Don’t overcook the stuffing:** It’s done when it’s heated through and the bread is tender. Overcooking will make it dry and crumbly.* **Add a touch of sweetness:** A sprinkle of dried cranberries or chopped apples adds a nice balance to the savory flavors.Some **Turkey Crockpot Stuffing** variations I’ve tried with my family include adding chopped pecans and dried cherries, using cornbread instead of sourdough bread, and adding a splash of apple cider for extra flavor. My daughter loves the version with pecans and cherries, while my husband prefers the cornbread stuffing. For a vegetarian option you could also try this recipe for Vegan Crockpot Stuffing – Perfect for the Holidays!I encourage you to make this **Turkey Crockpot Stuffing** your own by experimenting with different ingredients and flavors. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try something new! That’s what cooking is all about.I hope your **Turkey Crockpot Stuffing** cooking experience is joyful, stress-free, and delicious! Remember, the most important ingredient is love. As long as you put your heart into it, it’s sure to be a success. I truly enjoy experimenting in the kitchen. If you like that too, check out my easy Crockpot Potato Soup recipe.So, go ahead and give this **Turkey Crockpot Stuffing** recipe a try. I know you and your family will love it! And who knows, it might just become a new Thanksgiving tradition in your home. Happy cooking!
Print

Turkey Crockpot Stuffing

Print Recipe

This Turkey Crockpot Stuffing is a simple and delicious way to enjoy a classic side dish. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any meal, it frees up oven space and is incredibly easy to make.

Author: Liliana
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Side Dish
Method: Crockpot
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground turkey
1 large onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 (14 ounce) package stuffing mix
2 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried sage
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Brown the ground turkey in a skillet over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked turkey, onion, celery, melted butter, stuffing mix, chicken broth, sage, thyme, and pepper. Mix well.
Grease the inside of 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 the stuffing is heated through and the vegetables are tender.
Serve warm.

Notes

For extra flavor, add crumbled cooked sausage or dried cranberries to the stuffing mixture before cooking. You can also top with fresh parsley before serving.