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

Tips for success

For a slightly different texture, you can brown the ground turkey in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker, although this is entirely optional.

If you choose to do this, ensure the turkey is cooled slightly before placing it into the cooker. This step adds a different layer of flavor through the Maillard reaction, which some cooks prefer for a richer finish.

If you find the sauce is too thin at the end of the cooking time, you can remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.

Alternatively, you can gently mash a few of the sweet potato cubes into the sauce to naturally thicken it and give it a creamier consistency without adding any extra ingredients.

Variations

• Spicy Smoky Turkey: Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper along with the smoked paprika to introduce a gentle heat that cuts through the sweetness of the potatoes.
• Herb-Infused Turkey: Incorporate dried thyme or rosemary during the seasoning phase to add an earthy, aromatic quality that pairs exceptionally well with the sweetness of the potatoes and the smoked paprika.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cool leftovers within 2 hours.

Freezer

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

Reheat

Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish keeps well for up to three days. When storing, try to keep the turkey and potatoes submerged in as much of the cooking liquid as possible to prevent the meat from drying out when it is eventually reheated for a quick lunch or dinner later in the week.

You can prepare the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Simply remove it from the fridge and let it sit on the counter for no more than 30 minutes before starting the slow cooker. This makes it incredibly convenient to have everything ready to go for a busy morning.

Serving ideas

Serve this dish warm, ideally in shallow bowls that can catch the flavorful smoky sauce.

It pairs beautifully with a simple side of steamed green beans or a crisp green salad to add a fresh, crunchy contrast to the soft textures of the turkey and sweet potatoes. The simplicity of the dish makes it a versatile main course for any day of the week.

Consider topping each portion with a small amount of fresh parsley or scallions if you want a pop of color, although the dish is complete as is.

Because the flavors are quite savory and smoky, it also goes well with a side of crusty bread or warm tortillas, which can be used to mop up the remaining sauce at the bottom of the bowl.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Smoky Ground Turkey and Sweet Potatoes

Prep 10 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 10 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 cups sweet potato cubes
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

Instructions

1. Place the ground turkey into the base of the slow cooker, using your hands to break it into large chunks if needed. Surround the turkey with the diced sweet potato cubes.
2. Sprinkle the smoked paprika evenly over the turkey and potatoes. Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients, ensuring the liquid reaches the bottom of the cooker.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. Once the time is up, ensure the ground turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

28 g

Carbohydrates

22 g

Fat

12 g

Fiber

3.5 g

Sugar

4.5 g

Sodium

450 mg

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