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Dinner · Part 3 of 3: Tips & recipe card

Slow Cooker Turkey Patties in Savory Sage Gravy Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Six raw ground turkey patties arranged in a circle inside a slow cooker crock, ready for cooking.
Prep
Cook
Total
Serves
6
Includes 5 min resting

Tips for success

To enhance the savory profile, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of black pepper to the gravy before pouring it over the turkey. These subtle additions can deepen the flavor of the sauce without overwhelming the delicate taste of the sage and turkey.

If you prefer a slightly thicker sauce, you can remove the patties once they are cooked and stir in a small amount of cornstarch slurry into the hot gravy, letting it simmer for a few minutes on high until it reaches your desired consistency before returning the patties to the pot.

Variations

  • Mushroom Sage Variation: Add 2 cups of sliced cremini mushrooms during the assembly step. The mushrooms release their earthy juices into the gravy, adding a wonderful depth that pairs perfectly with the rubbed sage and tender turkey.
  • Creamy Sage Twist: Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream during the final 15 minutes of cooking. This creates a luxurious, velvety gravy that coats the patties beautifully and adds a rich, comforting finish to the dish.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge
Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer
Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheat
Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the patties are fully covered by the gravy to prevent them from drying out during storage.

Allow the leftovers to cool to room temperature for no more than 2 hours before placing them in the refrigerator to maintain food safety and quality.

This dish is an excellent candidate for making ahead, as the flavors often deepen after sitting for a day. You can prepare the entire dish, let it cool completely, and store it in the refrigerator.

When you are ready to serve, simply reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the slow cooker until it is warmed through to the center.

Serving ideas

Serve these turkey patties over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles to soak up the extra sage gravy.

A side of roasted root vegetables or steamed green beans provides a nice textural contrast to the soft, braised meat and savory sauce, creating a balanced and comforting meal.

For a lighter option, consider serving the patties alongside a crisp garden salad with a simple vinaigrette.

The brightness of the fresh greens complements the richness of the sage-infused gravy, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying dinner that feels both rustic and refined.

Frequently asked questions

Can ground chicken be used instead of ground turkey?
Yes, ground chicken is an excellent substitute for ground turkey in this recipe. It has a similar texture and mild flavor that works perfectly with the sage gravy, and the cooking time and temperature requirements remain exactly the same.
Is it necessary to brown the patties before slow cooking?
Browning is not required for this recipe. The slow cooker gently braises the patties in the gravy, which keeps them incredibly tender and moist. Skipping the browning step also makes the preparation much faster and keeps the recipe strictly to a one-pot method.
How can the gravy be thickened if it seems too thin?
If the gravy is too thin after cooking, remove the patties and whisk in a mixture of one tablespoon of cornstarch and one tablespoon of cold water. Turn the slow cooker to high and let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until the gravy reaches the desired thickness.
Recipe card

Slow Cooker Turkey Patties in Savory Sage Gravy

Prep 10 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 15 minServes 6
Six raw ground turkey patties arranged in a circle inside a slow cooker crock, ready for cooking.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lb ground turkey, shaped into 6 patties
  • 1 large yellow onion, sliced into half-moons
  • 1 tsp rubbed sage
  • 2 cups turkey gravy, store-bought or made ahead

Instructions

  1. Place the ground turkey patties in a ring inside the slow cooker crock. Scatter the sliced onion half-moons over and around the patties, then sprinkle the rubbed sage evenly over the top.
  2. Pour the turkey gravy over the patties and onions, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours until the turkey is fully cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  3. Once finished, turn off the slow cooker and allow the patties to rest in the gravy for 5 minutes before serving. This ensures the moisture remains trapped within the meat for a tender texture.
Contains: gluten

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories
320
Protein
28.5 g
Carbohydrates
12 g
Fat
16 g
Fiber
1.5 g
Sugar
4 g
Sodium
750 mg
Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.
Recipe by Clara Weller (pen name) · Allquickyrecipes · https://recipes.allquickyrecipes.com/slow-cooker-turkey-patties-in-savory-sage-gravy/part-3