Slow Cooker Turkey Cacciatore for an Easy Weeknight Dinner Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper flavor, you can sauté the onions and peppers in a pan for a few minutes before adding them to the slow cooker, though this step is entirely optional and not required for a successful meal. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some of the excess moisture to evaporate.

If you find the sauce is too thin at the end of the cooking time, you can remove the turkey and vegetables, then simmer the sauce on the stovetop over medium-high heat until it reaches your desired consistency.

Be sure to return the turkey to the sauce just long enough to warm it through before serving, ensuring the meat remains tender and moist for your meal.

Variations

• Spicy Turkey Cacciatore: Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a diced fresh jalapeño when layering the vegetables for a subtle, warming heat that complements the tomatoes.
• Mediterranean Style: Stir in a handful of pitted kalamata olives and some capers during the last hour of cooking to add a briny, salty depth to the final sauce.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

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

Reheat

Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until steaming hot.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the food cools to room temperature within 2 hours after cooking before placing it into the fridge.

When reheating, do so gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave until the turkey is warmed through and reaches a safe serving temperature.

This dish is an ideal candidate for make-ahead meals. You can prep all the ingredients and store them in the slow cooker insert in the refrigerator overnight.

Simply remove the insert from the fridge and place it into the slow cooker base in the morning, adding about 30 minutes to the total cooking time to account for the cold temperature of the ingredients.

Serving ideas

Serve this turkey cacciatore over a bed of al dente pasta, such as penne or rigatoni, to soak up the rich tomato sauce. Alternatively, it pairs beautifully with creamy polenta, mashed potatoes, or a side of crusty Italian bread, which is perfect for mopping up every last drop of the flavorful, herb-infused sauce from the plate.

For a lighter serving option, consider plating the turkey and vegetables over a bed of sautéed spinach or zucchini noodles.

A light dusting of fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese can add a bright, finishing touch that complements the rustic flavors of the slow-cooked vegetables and tender turkey, making for a balanced and satisfying presentation.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Turkey Cacciatore for an Easy Weeknight Dinner

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

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lb turkey tenderloins
• 2 cups bell pepper strips
• 1 cup sliced onion
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes

Instructions

1. Place the turkey tenderloins into the base of the slow cooker, arranging them in an even layer so they cook uniformly throughout the process.
2. Layer the bell pepper strips, sliced onions, and sliced mushrooms directly on top of the turkey. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning evenly over the vegetables to ensure all ingredients are well seasoned.
3. Pour the crushed tomatoes over the vegetables and seasoning. Ensure the tomatoes cover most of the surface area to create a moist environment for braising.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Allow the turkey to rest for 5 minutes before serving to ensure tenderness.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

35 g

Carbohydrates

18 g

Fat

9.5 g

Fiber

4 g

Sugar

10 g

Sodium

450 mg

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