Slow Cooker Hot Honey Ground Turkey and Sweet Potatoes Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the best texture, cut the sweet potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes. This ensures they cook at the same rate and become tender without falling apart.

If you prefer a spicier dish, add an extra teaspoon of hot honey or a pinch of cayenne pepper with the spices. For a milder version, use regular honey and reduce the smoked paprika.

To make the sauce thicker, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking to let some liquid evaporate. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of chicken broth or water.

The dish is versatile and can be served over rice, quinoa, or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the glaze.

Variations

• Spicy Maple: Replace the hot honey with maple syrup and add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a different kind of sweet heat. The maple adds a deep, woodsy sweetness that pairs well with the smoked paprika.
• Add Bell Peppers: Add 1 cup of diced bell peppers along with the sweet potatoes for extra color and crunch. The peppers soften as they cook, blending into the sauce and adding a mild sweetness.
• Use Chicken: Swap the ground turkey for ground chicken. The cook time remains the same, and the chicken absorbs the honey glaze beautifully. Ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
• Make It a Bowl: Serve the hot honey turkey and sweet potatoes over cooked quinoa or rice, then top with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a fresh, tangy finish.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of water if needed.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

The flavors continue to meld overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.

You can prepare the ingredients up to a day ahead: cube the sweet potatoes, measure the spices, and place everything in the slow cooker insert. Store the insert in the refrigerator covered, then start cooking when ready. Add 30 minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold.

Serving ideas

Serve the hot honey ground turkey and sweet potatoes in shallow bowls, spooning the sauce over the top.

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or sliced green onions adds color and freshness, though the video does not show these. For a heartier meal, serve over steamed rice or with a side of roasted green beans.

This dish also works well as a filling for tacos or burrito bowls. The sweet-spicy flavor pairs nicely with a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime. Leftovers can be used to top a salad or as a quick lunch. The possibilities are endless and all delicious.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Hot Honey Ground Turkey and Sweet Potatoes

Prep 10 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 10 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lb ground turkey
• 2 lb sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-size cubes
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 cup hot honey

Instructions

1. Place the ground turkey in the slow cooker insert, breaking it into large crumbles with a spoon or your hands. Spread it evenly across the bottom so it cooks uniformly.
2. Scatter the cubed sweet potatoes over the ground turkey, spreading them out so they are in a single layer as much as possible. The potatoes will steam and soften as they cook.
3. Sprinkle the smoked paprika and garlic powder evenly over the sweet potatoes and turkey. Use your hand or a spoon to distribute the spices as evenly as possible.
4. Drizzle the hot honey over the entire surface, letting it pool in the crevices. It will create a glaze as it cooks.
5. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the turkey is cooked through and the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
6. Once the cooking time is complete, stir the mixture gently to coat everything with the honey glaze. The turkey should be in small crumbles and the sweet potatoes soft but intact.
7. Spoon the hot honey ground turkey and sweet potatoes onto plates or into bowls. Serve immediately while warm.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

30 g

Carbohydrates

45 g

Fat

12 g

Fiber

5 g

Sugar

20 g

Sodium

500 mg

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