Slow Cooker Turkey Burger Steaks with Creamy Bacon Gravy Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To add a touch of freshness to the final dish, consider garnishing with finely chopped fresh parsley or chives just before serving. This provides a bright color contrast and a subtle herbal note that balances the richness of the creamy gravy. If you want a slightly more intense bacon flavor, you can reserve a small portion of the crumbled bacon to sprinkle over the top of the finished patties right before they are served on the plate.

If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will help bind any excess liquid and create an even more luxurious, restaurant-style coating for the burger steaks.

Always ensure you stir this carefully to avoid breaking up the turkey patties, and keep the slow cooker covered immediately after to maintain the necessary temperature for the starch to activate.

Variations

• Mushroom and Herb: Add 1 cup of sliced fresh cremini mushrooms and a teaspoon of dried thyme to the slow cooker before starting. The mushrooms will release their earthy flavor into the gravy, perfectly complementing the turkey and bacon.
• Spicy Kick: Incorporate a tablespoon of diced pickled jalapeños or a half-teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes into the gravy base. This adds a subtle heat that cuts through the creaminess of the soup, offering a vibrant twist.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheat

Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), adding a splash of water if the gravy is too thick.

Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature for no more than 2 hours before transferring them to an airtight container. Keep the turkey patties submerged in the gravy to help maintain their moisture during storage. Place the container in the coldest part of the refrigerator, where the dish will remain safe for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy again, ensure the gravy is heated thoroughly, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.

You can assemble the raw ingredients in the slow cooker insert and refrigerate the entire unit overnight before cooking. Simply remove the insert from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before you are ready to start the cooking cycle to allow it to come closer to room temperature.

This makes the recipe an excellent option for busy mornings, as you can have everything ready to go as soon as you wake up, requiring only a simple turn of the dial.

Serving ideas

These turkey burger steaks are best served hot, directly from the slow cooker. They pair beautifully with a variety of sides that can help soak up the extra creamy gravy. Consider serving them over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes, steamed white rice, or even wide egg noodles.

The mild flavor of these sides acts as a perfect canvas for the savory, bacon-infused sauce, making for a well-rounded and deeply satisfying family dinner that everyone will enjoy.

For a lighter alternative, serve the patties alongside roasted root vegetables or a crisp green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette. The acidity of the salad or the earthiness of the roasted vegetables provides a great contrast to the creamy, savory profile of the main dish.

Regardless of the side dish chosen, ensure each serving includes a generous amount of the gravy, as this is where the majority of the dish's flavor and character reside.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Turkey Burger Steaks with Creamy Bacon Gravy

Prep 10 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 15 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/2 cup white onion, thinly sliced
• 1 packet brown gravy mix
• 10.5 oz condensed cream of chicken soup

Instructions

1. Shape the ground turkey into four equal-sized patties. Place the raw turkey patties in the bottom of the slow cooker insert, ensuring they are arranged in a single layer to promote even cooking.
2. Evenly scatter the crumbled bacon and thin white onion slices over the turkey patties. Sprinkle the dry brown gravy mix over the top, then spoon the condensed cream of chicken soup over the entire mixture. Do not stir the ingredients.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours. Ensure the internal temperature of the turkey patties reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving. Let the patties rest for 5 minutes before plating with the creamy gravy.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

380

Protein

28 g

Carbohydrates

12 g

Fat

24 g

Fiber

1 g

Sugar

3 g

Sodium

850 mg

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