Crockpot Smothered Turkey Patties in Tomato Sauce Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To enhance the depth of the sauce, you can briefly sauté the onions and peppers in a pan before adding them to the slow cooker, although this step is optional. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the patties once they are cooked and stir in a small amount of cornstarch slurry, then set the slow cooker to high for an additional 15 minutes to thicken the liquid. This simple adjustment can transform the texture of the sauce into a more robust, gravy-like consistency that clings better to the turkey.

When serving, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs like parsley or basil to add a bright, fresh note that cuts through the richness of the stewed tomatoes. If you have leftovers, the flavors often develop even more overnight in the refrigerator.

This recipe is highly adaptable, so feel free to experiment by adding other vegetables like sliced mushrooms or zucchini during the final hour of cooking. Always ensure the internal temperature of the turkey is maintained at 165°F (74°C) if reheating the dish later.

Variations

• Spicy Turkey Patties: Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the tomato mixture before cooking to provide a gentle, warming heat to the dish.
• Mediterranean Style: Incorporate sliced black olives and a handful of capers into the sauce during the final hour of cooking to introduce a bright, briny flavor profile that complements the turkey.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure the patties are covered by the sauce to keep them moist.

Freezer

Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a microwave-safe dish on medium power until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), or warm in a saucepan over low heat.

Allow the leftover turkey patties and sauce to cool completely at room temperature for no more than 2 hours before transferring them to an airtight container. Store the dish in the refrigerator, where it will remain fresh for up to 3 days.

When storing, try to keep the patties submerged in the sauce to prevent them from drying out. Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness, and always discard any leftovers that have been sitting out at room temperature for longer than the recommended time.

This recipe is an excellent candidate for making ahead. You can prepare the entire dish and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. When ready, simply place the insert into the slow cooker and follow the standard cooking instructions, adding an extra 30 minutes to the cook time to account for the chilled temperature of the ingredients.

This method allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, often resulting in an even more delicious final dish that is ready with minimal effort when you need it.

Serving ideas

Serve the turkey patties hot, spooning a generous amount of the tomato, pepper, and onion sauce over each patty. This dish pairs exceptionally well with a side of fluffy white rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes, which are perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.

A crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables also makes a refreshing accompaniment, balancing the hearty, savory nature of the slow-cooked turkey. For a rustic presentation, serve the patties in shallow bowls with a side of toasted garlic bread to capture every drop of the tomato sauce.

If you are hosting, this dish can be served directly from the slow cooker on a warm setting to keep the patties at an ideal temperature for your guests. Arrange the patties on a large serving platter if you prefer, pouring the sauce over the top just before bringing them to the table. The vibrant colors of the peppers and tomatoes make for an appealing presentation that looks great on any table. Ensure everyone is served a portion of the sauce, as it is the highlight of this simple, satisfying meal.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crockpot Smothered Turkey Patties in Tomato Sauce

Prep 10 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 15 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 4 ground turkey patties
• 2 cups bell pepper strips
• 1 cup sliced onion
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 cups stewed tomatoes

Instructions

1. Arrange the raw turkey patties in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker insert. Ensure they are evenly spaced to allow for consistent cooking throughout the process.
2. Scatter the bell pepper strips and sliced onions over the turkey patties. Sprinkle the paprika and garlic powder evenly across the mixture, then spoon the stewed tomatoes over the top to cover the ingredients completely.
3. Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for 4 hours until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Verify the doneness with a meat thermometer before serving.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

24.5 g

Carbohydrates

12 g

Fat

19 g

Fiber

2.5 g

Sugar

7 g

Sodium

650 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.