Slow Cooker Turkey and Stuffing for an Easy Dinner Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a slightly more toasted texture on the stuffing, you can remove the stuffing from the slow cooker once the turkey is done and place it under a broiler for one to two minutes. Watch it closely to prevent burning, as bread cubes can transition from golden to burnt very quickly under direct heat. This step is optional but adds a pleasant contrast to the soft, braised texture of the rest of the meal, enhancing the overall sensory experience of the dish.

If the sauce appears too thick after cooking, you can stir in a small amount of warm chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Adjusting the sauce at the end allows you to customize the dish to your preference without affecting the cooking process of the turkey itself.

Be sure to stir gently so that you do not break apart the turkey tenderloins, which are delicate after the long braising process and should remain intact for the best presentation.

Variations

• Savory Bacon Twist: Add two strips of cooked, crumbled bacon to the stuffing layer before cooking. The smoky flavor of the bacon complements the sage and turkey, adding a new dimension of texture and saltiness to the final dish.
• Vegetable Medley: Add a half cup of frozen peas or diced carrots to the slow cooker along with the soup. These vegetables add color and a slight sweetness that balances the savory herbs and creamy sauce perfectly.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.

Reheat

Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Add a splash of water to prevent drying.

Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature for no more than two hours before transferring them to an airtight container. Properly stored, the turkey and stuffing will remain safe to eat in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Always ensure the container is tightly sealed to maintain moisture and prevent the absorption of other odors from your refrigerator. When reheating, ensure the dish is heated thoroughly to maintain quality and safety for subsequent meals.

This dish is best prepared fresh for the best texture of the stuffing. However, you can prep the ingredients in advance by keeping the turkey in the refrigerator and measuring out the dry ingredients.

Assemble the dish right before you are ready to start the slow cooker to ensure the best results. Do not combine the soup and stuffing with the turkey until you are ready to turn on the appliance, as this can lead to the stuffing becoming overly soggy before cooking begins.

Serving ideas

Serve this dish hot, directly from the slow cooker, to keep the sauce at the perfect temperature. It pairs beautifully with a side of steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad to provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy flavors of the turkey and stuffing combination. The warmth of the meal makes it a perfect choice for cooler evenings when you want something comforting and filling that requires minimal effort to prepare and serve to your family.

When plating, use a slotted spoon to serve the turkey and stuffing, allowing any excess sauce to be drizzled over the top. This presentation ensures that each serving receives an equal portion of the tender meat and the flavorful, herb-infused stuffing, making for a balanced and visually appealing dinner plate.

You can garnish with a little fresh parsley if desired to add a pop of color, though the dish is perfectly delicious and complete without any additional toppings or sides.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Turkey and Stuffing for an Easy Dinner

Prep 5 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 10 minServes 3

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lb turkey tenderloins
• 1 handful herb stuffing cubes
• 1 tsp dried sage
• 1 can creamy chicken soup

Instructions

1. Place the turkey tenderloins side by side at the bottom of the slow cooker insert. Ensure they are arranged in an even layer to promote uniform cooking throughout the process.
2. Scatter the handful of herb stuffing cubes evenly over the top of the turkey. Sprinkle the dried sage over the stuffing, then pour the creamy chicken soup over the entire mixture, ensuring the turkey and stuffing are coated.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours. Once cooked, check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Allow the turkey to rest for 5 minutes before serving on a plate.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

380

Protein

35 g

Carbohydrates

28 g

Fat

14 g

Fiber

2 g

Sugar

3 g

Sodium

850 mg

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