Slow Cooker Turkey And Stuffing Casserole recipe

Let me tell you, weeknights in my house can be… chaotic. Between school pick-ups, after-school activities, and the general whirlwind of family life, getting a wholesome and delicious dinner on the table can feel like a Herculean task. That’s where the magic of the slow cooker comes in, and this Slow Cooker Turkey and Stuffing Casserole has become my absolute weeknight savior. Forget slaving over multiple pots and pans; this recipe is dump-and-go simplicity at its finest, delivering all the comforting flavors of Thanksgiving in a single, fuss-free dish. My family devours it every time – even my picky eater who usually turns his nose up at casseroles! The juicy, tender turkey, the savory, herb-infused stuffing, and the creamy, flavorful sauce all meld together beautifully in the slow cooker, creating a meal that’s both incredibly satisfying and incredibly easy. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a regular in your rotation too.

Ingredients

This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting casserole:

For the Turkey:

• 2 lbs Boneless, Skinless Turkey Breast: You can use fresh or frozen (thawed). Cut into 1-inch cubes for faster cooking and even tenderness.
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil: For searing the turkey (optional but recommended for flavor).
• 1 teaspoon Salt: To season the turkey and enhance the overall flavor.
• ½ teaspoon Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper is best for a robust flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme: Adds a classic savory and slightly earthy note.
• 1 teaspoon Dried Rosemary: Provides a piney, aromatic flavor that complements turkey beautifully.
• ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder: For a subtle garlic flavor throughout the casserole.
• 1 cup Chicken Broth: Low sodium chicken broth is recommended to control salt levels.

For the Stuffing:

• 1 (12-14 oz) package Stuffing Mix: Choose your favorite flavor – herb, cornbread, or even a sourdough mix will work well.
• 1 cup Hot Water: To hydrate the stuffing mix.
• ½ cup (1 stick) Butter, Melted: Adds richness and flavor to the stuffing.
• 1 cup Chopped Celery: Provides a subtle crunch and fresh, savory flavor.
• ½ cup Chopped Onion: Adds depth of flavor and sweetness to the stuffing.
• ½ teaspoon Dried Sage: A quintessential stuffing herb, adding a warm, earthy flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon Salt: To season the stuffing.
• ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper: To season the stuffing.

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 1 (10.75 oz) can Cream of Chicken Soup: Provides a creamy base and classic casserole flavor.
• 1 (10.75 oz) can Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds depth and earthiness to the sauce.
• ½ cup Milk: To thin out the soup and create a smoother sauce.
• ¼ cup Sour Cream (optional): Adds a touch of tanginess and extra creaminess (or substitute with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter option).
• 2 tablespoons Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): For garnish and a fresh, herbaceous touch.

Instructions

This Slow Cooker Turkey and Stuffing Casserole is incredibly straightforward to make. Follow these simple steps for a delicious and satisfying meal:

1. Prepare the Turkey (Optional Searing): In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the cubed turkey breast with salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and garlic powder. Sear the turkey in batches, browning on all sides (about 2-3 minutes per batch). Searing the turkey is optional, but it adds a depth of flavor and color to the dish. If you skip searing, you can simply toss the seasoned turkey directly into the slow cooker.
2. Layer the Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray for easy cleanup. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the slow cooker. This will help keep the turkey moist and prevent sticking.
3. Add the Turkey: Place the seared (or un-seared) turkey cubes in a single layer in the slow cooker, on top of the chicken broth.
4. Prepare the Stuffing: In a large bowl, combine the stuffing mix, hot water, melted butter, chopped celery, chopped onion, dried sage, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and ensure all the stuffing mix is moistened. Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the liquid.
5. Layer the Stuffing: Spoon the prepared stuffing mixture evenly over the turkey in the slow cooker. Gently spread it out to cover the turkey.
6. Make the Creamy Sauce: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream (if using). Whisk until smooth and well combined.
7. Pour the Sauce: Pour the creamy soup mixture evenly over the stuffing in the slow cooker. Ensure the sauce is distributed as evenly as possible to moisten the stuffing and turkey.
8. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The turkey should be cooked through and tender, and the stuffing should be heated through and moist.
9. Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The stuffing should be heated through and tender when pierced with a fork.
10. Shred Turkey (Optional): Once cooked, you can shred the turkey directly in the slow cooker using two forks if desired. This is optional, but it makes the casserole even easier to serve and eat.
11. Garnish and Serve: If desired, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the casserole before serving. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup

Servings Per Recipe: Approximately 8-10 servings

Approximate Nutritional Information Per Serving:

• Calories: 350-450 calories
• Protein: 25-30 grams
• Fat: 15-20 grams
• Saturated Fat: 8-10 grams
• Cholesterol: 80-100 mg
• Sodium: 700-900 mg
• Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams
• Fiber: 2-3 grams
• Sugar: 5-7 grams

Important Note: These values are estimates. Using different brands of stuffing mix and soup, varying turkey portions, and adding optional ingredients will affect the nutritional content. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use.

Preparation Time

This recipe is incredibly quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy days.

• Prep Time: 15-20 minutes (including chopping vegetables and searing turkey, if searing)
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the slow cooker
• Total Time: Approximately 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes (mostly hands-off cooking time)

How to Serve

This Slow Cooker Turkey and Stuffing Casserole is a complete meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes to create a balanced and satisfying dinner. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Classic Thanksgiving Sides:
  • Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes and gravy are a perfect complement to the casserole.
  • Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce cuts through the richness of the casserole beautifully.
  • Green Bean Casserole: Another classic casserole that pairs well for a comforting meal.
  • Sweet Potato Casserole: For a touch of sweetness and added vegetable goodness.
• Fresh and Light Sides:
  • Green Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots add color and nutrients.
  • Steamed Green Beans or Asparagus: Light and healthy vegetable options.
• Bread and Rolls:
  • Dinner Rolls: Soft dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
  • Cornbread: Cornbread adds a slightly sweet and crumbly texture.
  • Biscuits: Flaky biscuits are another great option for serving alongside the casserole.

Serving Suggestions for Different Occasions:

• Weeknight Dinner: Serve as is for a quick and easy weeknight meal. A simple side salad is all you need.
• Holiday Meal (Smaller Gathering): Pair with 2-3 classic Thanksgiving sides for a smaller, more manageable holiday feast.
• Potluck or Gathering: This casserole travels well and is easy to serve at a potluck. Keep it warm in the slow cooker and serve with rolls or a side salad.

Additional Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Turkey and Stuffing Casserole

Here are five helpful tips to ensure your Slow Cooker Turkey and Stuffing Casserole is a resounding success:

1. Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker: Make sure you are using a slow cooker that is large enough for all the ingredients. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking. A 6-quart or larger slow cooker is recommended for this recipe.
2. Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste the stuffing and sauce mixtures before layering them in the slow cooker and adjust seasonings (salt, pepper, herbs) to your liking. Different stuffing mixes and soup brands can vary in salt content.
3. Use High-Quality Stuffing Mix: While any stuffing mix will work, using a good quality stuffing mix will significantly enhance the flavor of your casserole. Look for brands that are flavorful and have a good texture.
4. Add Vegetables for Extra Flavor and Nutrients: Feel free to add other vegetables to the stuffing mixture for extra flavor and nutrition. Diced carrots, mushrooms, bell peppers, or even frozen peas can be added to the stuffing. Sauté them with the celery and onion for best results.
5. Crisp the Stuffing (Optional): If you prefer a slightly crisper stuffing topping, you can transfer the casserole to an oven-safe dish after slow cooking. Sprinkle the top with a little extra melted butter or breadcrumbs and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the stuffing is lightly browned and crispy. Watch it closely to prevent burning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are five frequently asked questions about making Slow Cooker Turkey and Stuffing Casserole:

Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of turkey breast?

A: Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for turkey breast. Brown the ground turkey in a skillet with a little olive oil and drain off any excess fat before adding it to the slow cooker. Season it with the same spices as the turkey breast. Ground turkey will cook even faster than turkey breast, so you may want to reduce the cooking time slightly.

Q2: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time. Assemble the casserole in the slow cooker insert, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. When you are ready to cook, place the insert into the slow cooker base and cook as directed, adding an extra hour or so to the cooking time if starting from cold.

Q3: Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole?

A: Yes, leftovers of this casserole freeze well. Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Q4: My stuffing is dry. What did I do wrong?

A: Dry stuffing can happen if there wasn’t enough liquid in the slow cooker or if it cooked for too long on high heat. Ensure you add the chicken broth to the bottom of the slow cooker as directed. If you find your stuffing is dry after cooking, you can add a little extra chicken broth or milk to moisten it. Next time, you might also consider cooking on low heat for a longer period, which tends to keep things moister.

Q5: Can I add cheese to this casserole?

A: Absolutely! Cheese would be a delicious addition to this casserole. Shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or a blend of cheeses would work well. You can sprinkle cheese over the stuffing during the last 30 minutes of cooking or after the casserole is cooked and broil it briefly to melt and brown the cheese.

This Slow Cooker Turkey and Stuffing Casserole is truly a weeknight dinner hero. It’s easy, flavorful, and satisfying – everything you could want in a comforting family meal. Give it a try, and I’m confident it will become a cherished recipe in your home too!

Print