Slow Cooker BBQ Bacon Turkey Burger Steaks Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper flavor profile, you can sear the turkey patties in a hot skillet for one minute per side before placing them into the slow cooker. This extra step adds a nice browned crust to the exterior of the patties, which contributes to a more complex sauce. Be sure to deglaze the skillet with a splash of water or broth to capture all those flavorful browned bits and pour that into the slow cooker along with the patties.

If you find the sauce is too thin at the end of the cooking cycle, you can remove the lid for the final twenty minutes of cooking to allow some of the moisture to evaporate.

Alternatively, you can carefully remove the patties and whisk in a small amount of cornstarch slurry to the remaining sauce in the slow cooker, heating it on high for a few minutes until it reaches your desired consistency, then returning the patties to the pot.

Variations

• Spicy BBQ Turkey Steaks: Add two chopped jalapeño peppers and a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the slow cooker during the assembly phase for a spicy, bold kick.
• Garlic and Herb Turkey Steaks: Incorporate four cloves of minced garlic and a tablespoon of dried Italian herb seasoning to the sauce mixture for a more aromatic and earthy flavor profile.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer

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

Reheat

Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until steaming hot throughout.

Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature for no more than two hours before transferring them into airtight containers. Proper storage in the refrigerator is essential to maintain the quality of the barbecue sauce and the texture of the turkey.

When storing, try to keep the patties submerged in the sauce to prevent them from drying out. This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it an excellent candidate for meal prep during a busy week.

This dish is perfect for making ahead as the flavors often improve after sitting in the refrigerator for a day. You can assemble the ingredients in the ceramic insert, cover it, and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Simply move the insert from the refrigerator to the slow cooker base and add an extra thirty minutes to the cook time to account for the cold starting temperature of the ingredients.

Serving ideas

Serve these BBQ turkey steaks hot, ideally accompanied by a starch to soak up the extra barbecue sauce. Creamy mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or a simple baked potato are excellent choices that balance the sweetness of the sauce.

For a lighter approach, consider serving them alongside a crisp coleslaw or steamed green beans, which provide a fresh, crunchy contrast to the tender, saucy turkey and the savory bacon elements.

Consider plating the turkey steaks with a generous spoonful of the sauce from the bottom of the slow cooker. If you want to add a bit of texture, a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or green onions on top of the finished steaks adds a bright, sharp note that cuts through the richness of the barbecue sauce.

If you have guests, serving the steaks on a large platter with the sauce drizzled over everything makes for a beautiful and communal presentation.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker BBQ Bacon Turkey Burger Steaks

Prep 10 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 15 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 6 ground turkey patties
• 1 medium yellow onion, sliced into half-moons
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 cup barbecue sauce

Instructions

1. Place the turkey patties into the ceramic insert of the slow cooker, arranging them around the perimeter to ensure even heat distribution. Add the sliced onions and chopped bacon directly over the patties.
2. Sprinkle the brown sugar and paprika evenly over the turkey, onions, and bacon. Pour the barbecue sauce over the top of the ingredients, ensuring everything is lightly coated for flavor development during the long cook time.
3. Cover the slow cooker and set to low. Cook for 4 hours until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Allow the steaks to rest for 5 minutes before serving to ensure the juices redistribute properly through the meat.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

380

Protein

28 g

Carbohydrates

22 g

Fat

19 g

Fiber

1 g

Sugar

18 g

Sodium

850 mg

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