Slow Cooker Country Gravy Turkey Tenderloins Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper flavor, you can sauté the onions in a pan with a little butter until golden before adding them to the slow cooker, though this is optional. Adding fresh herbs like thyme or sage during the final hour of cooking can also provide a wonderful aromatic boost to the gravy and complement the turkey beautifully.

If you find the gravy is too thick after cooking, you can stir in a tablespoon or two of milk or chicken broth until you reach your preferred consistency. Conversely, if you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the turkey and cook the gravy on high with the lid off for 10 minutes to reduce it slightly before returning the turkey to the pot to serve.

Variations

• Herbed Turkey Tenderloins: Add a tablespoon of fresh chopped sage or rosemary during the final hour of cooking for a fragrant, earthy twist that pairs perfectly with the creamy gravy.
• Spicy Country Turkey: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper along with the black pepper for a subtle heat that cuts through the creaminess of the gravy.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cool leftovers within 2 hours of cooking before placing them in the refrigerator.

Freezer

Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until the turkey is warmed through and the gravy is simmering.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The gravy helps keep the turkey moist, so keep the meat submerged in the sauce when storing. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked turkey and gravy in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time by dicing the onions and measuring the seasonings, storing them in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble. While you can assemble the pot in the morning, do not leave it at room temperature.

If you prefer to prep everything in the slow cooker insert, keep the insert in the refrigerator and place it into the base just before you turn the machine on to cook.

Serving ideas

Serve the turkey tenderloins sliced or shredded, with a generous portion of the creamy country gravy ladled over the top.

This dish pairs exceptionally well with classic comfort sides such as creamy mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or roasted root vegetables. A side of crusty bread or warm biscuits is also perfect for soaking up any extra gravy on the plate.

For a complete meal, consider serving a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the creamy gravy.

The combination of the hearty turkey and the smooth, peppery sauce creates a satisfying meal that is sure to please. Arrange the slices on a warm platter to keep them at the perfect serving temperature for your guests or family.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Country Gravy Turkey Tenderloins

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

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lb turkey tenderloins
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 cups white country gravy

Instructions

1. Place the turkey tenderloins into the bowl of your slow cooker, ensuring they are arranged in an even layer. Scatter the diced onions over the top of the turkey to ensure even flavor distribution during the cooking process.
2. Sprinkle the black pepper and garlic powder evenly over the turkey and onions. Pour the white country gravy over the entire mixture, ensuring the turkey is mostly covered by the liquid to keep the meat moist while it braises.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours. Once the time is up, ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Allow the meat to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving with the hot gravy.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

35 g

Carbohydrates

12 g

Fat

14 g

Fiber

1 g

Sugar

3 g

Sodium

850 mg

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