Crockpot Tuscan Ground Turkey and White Beans

This slow cooker Tuscan ground turkey and white beans is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it dinner. With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep, you can have a creamy, savory meal that tastes like it simmered all day.

The combination of tender turkey, creamy cannellini beans, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and wilted spinach in a rich cream cheese sauce is pure comfort food. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together in minutes and fills your home with an irresistible aroma.

This recipe brings together the rustic flavors of Tuscany in the easiest way possible: a slow cooker. Ground turkey is layered with white beans, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a blend of Italian seasonings, then topped with cream cheese that melts into a luscious sauce.

The result is a hearty, satisfying dish that requires minimal effort. Just toss everything in the crockpot, set the timer, and come back to a dinner that's ready to serve. It's a wonderful meal for families and anyone who loves comforting, flavorful food.

Ingredients

Why this recipe works

The slow cooker does all the work, gently simmering the ingredients together so the flavors meld and deepen without any hands-on attention. Cooking on low heat allows the ground turkey to stay tender and juicy, while the beans absorb the savory broth and seasonings. The cream cheese melts slowly, creating a velvety sauce that clings to every ingredient.

This method also means minimal cleanup and no standing over a hot stove. By layering the ingredients in the order specified, you ensure even cooking and a cohesive final dish. The spinach wilts down naturally, and the sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of umami that balances the richness of the cream cheese. It's a foolproof way to get a taste of Tuscany on a busy weeknight.

Notes and substitutions

For the best results, use full-fat cream cheese, as it melts more smoothly and gives the sauce a richer texture. If you prefer a lighter version, reduced-fat cream cheese works, but the sauce may be slightly thinner.

Cannellini beans are classic, but great northern or navy beans are excellent substitutes. Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil add extra flavor; be sure to drain and chop them before adding.

This recipe is naturally gluten-free and can be made dairy-free by using a plant-based cream cheese alternative. To make it lower in fat, use ground turkey breast instead of regular ground turkey.

The seasonings can be adjusted to taste—add red pepper flakes for heat or extra garlic for a punch. Feel free to swap the spinach for kale, but note that kale may need a longer cooking time to become tender.

• ground turkey: Ground chicken or lean ground beef can be used in place of ground turkey. Adjust cooking time as needed.
• cannellini beans: Great northern beans or navy beans work well as substitutes for cannellini beans.
• fresh spinach: Frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry) can replace fresh spinach. Use about 1 cup frozen.
• Italian seasoning: A mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme can be used instead of Italian seasoning.

Equipment

• Slow cooker (6-quart)
• Cutting board
• Chef's knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Can opener
• Colander
• Wooden spoon or spatula