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Home » Recipes » Chicken and Poultry

Crockpot Turkey and Stuffing

Published: Nov 11, 2022 by Bowl Me Over · 16 Comments

An easy to make holiday meal, you'll love this turkey dinner with the savory sausage stuffing. It's perfect for Thanksgiving Day!
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Thanksgiving turkey in a snap without leftovers for days? Why not! We all know this year is going to be different than years past. If you're having a small gathering, ditch the whole turkey and instead make Crockpot Turkey and Stuffing!

Be sure to make this Candied Sweet Potato Recipe or the Make-ahead Sweet Potato Casserole to serve alongside!

And if you have leftovers, make Turkey Chowder - it's so yummy!

A platter filled with Crockpot Stuffed Turkey Breast.
Easy Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe
Jump to:
  • Why you'll love this recipe   
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions 
  • FAQ's
  • Tips
  • Variations
  • Storage
  • Related recipes
  • Serve with
  • Crock Pot Turkey Breast with Stuffing

Why you'll love this recipe   

Turkey made in the slow cooker is perfect for small gatherings! And the delicious homemade sausage dressing is the best stuffing recipe! It's so good you'll be snacking before dinner, let me tell you! This recipe is family tested and approved!

  • This recipe is easy to make resulting in tender, delicious meat every time.
  • No oven space, no problem! This meal is cooked right in the slow cooker.
  • You'll have all the flavors of Thanksgiving Dinner without leftovers for days!

Ingredients

Ingredients needed to make this recipe.
Ingredients for Crockpot Turkey and Stuffing.

For the exact measurements for the slow cooker turkey breast recipe, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. 

  • bone-in turkey breast
  • mild or spicy Italian sausage
  • cream, half & half or milk
  • stuffing mix
  • celery and onions
  • salt and pepper, butter

Instructions 

Step by step photos showing how to make this recipe.

This is an overview of the instructions for this juicy turkey breast recipe. For the complete directions just scroll down to the bottom!

  1. Start by browning the Italian sausage in a large skillet.
  2. Add the diced celery and onion.
  3. Sauté until brown and caramelized.
  4. Add the sautéed veggies, sausage and stuffing to a bowl.
  5. Season with sage, add the cream and lightly mix until combined.
  6. Place turkey in a in the bottom of the crockpot. Add the dressing. Brush on melted butter, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Any leftover butter can be drizzled over the stuffing. Cover and set on low, cook for 3-4 hours.
A plate filled with Crockpot Stuffed Turkey Breast.
This delicious turkey breast is perfect for a smaller crowd!

FAQ's

Do you cook Italian sausage before putting in crockpot?

Yes, ground meat should always be cooked before adding it to your slow cooker. Browning and removing excess grease will ensure the Crockpot Stuffed Turkey Breast isn't greasy!

How much turkey breast do I need per person?

Plan on about 1 pound of meat per person. Serving additional side dishes with the meal will help stretch the main dish and of course just make the meal more yummy!

How do you fix soggy stuffing?

If your stuffing is a little soggy when the turkey breast is done, placing it in the oven uncovered help dry it out. Spread it out on a cookie sheet and bake for 5-10 minutes in preheated 350 degree oven. It will be perfect!

Can leftover dressing be frozen?

Absolutely, leftovers freeze great! Place it in freezer containers or wrap in aluminum foil. It will last 2-3 months in the freezer. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven for 20-30 minutes at 350 degrees.

A platter filled with sliced turkey breast and stuffing.
Easy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe

Tips

  • If you purchase a frozen turkey breast, plan accordingly so it is completely thawed. It takes 24 hours per 5 pounds. It should be thawed in the refrigerator, not on the counter!!
  • A boneless turkey breast may take less time. Be sure to check the internal temperature.
  • Remove it from the freezer three to five days before cooking to ensure it's ready to go on T-Day.
  • When you move the breast to the refrigerator, be sure to place it in a large bowl to catch any drippings as it thaws.
  • You'll know the turkey is done when an instant read thermometer reaches 165 degrees.
  • An oval slow cooker will be your best choice. A round crock won't be large enough to hold everything!
  • Be sure to have a meat thermometer available. It will be done when the internal temperature reads 170 degrees.

Expert Tip! Your bird is done but the skin isn't crispy, oh no!

Save the day by lightly brushing the top of the bird with syrup (maple or corn syrup, either will work!), then place it under the broiler. Keep an eye on it! It only takes 5-8 minutes and the skin will crisp right up! No need to remove it from the crockpot first - just tuck it under the broiler.

Variations

Whisking the milk or cream with cream of chicken soup adds another layer of flavor and will keep the stuffing moist.

Substitute chicken stock for milk if you'd prefer.

Storage

Allow to cool completely and store in an airtight container, refrigerated up to three days. Leftovers freeze great up for three months.

Related recipes

If you have leftover turkey after your holiday dinner, but aren't interested in turkey sandwiches - here are a few of my favorite recipes!

  • Substitute turkey for chicken and use your leftovers and make this easy recipe for Chicken Casserole with Stuffing.
  • The Ultimate Chicken Casserole would be a great option if you didn't want to make a big bird.
  • Turkey Corn Chowder - this is so simple, rich and delicious. It's a great way to repurpose your leftovers!
  • You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or turkey to make Turkey Tetrazzini or Turkey Pot Pie.
  • Dice up the meat and make these wonderful pinwheel rollups, stuffed with bacon, cream cheese and ranch seasoning - these are simple and good!
  • One of my favorite crockpot chicken recipes is this amazing slow cooker chicken and gravy. It's so easy and good!

Serve with

My two favorite side dishes to serve with this tender turkey breast is rutabagas and candied sweet potatoes, yum! Thanksgiving isn't complete without them!

We love this recipe for Cranberry Apple Orange Sauce - it's a must when you're serving turkey!

Now this is a great meal that can be made year round. If you're not into the whole holiday theme, serve a great green salad and of course, rolls are a MUST!

A classic green bean casserole has to be on the table, right?!!

Gravy? Yes we need that too! If you need to brush up on your gravy making skill, Restless Chipotle has a great turkey gravy how-to!

Cranberry Sauce is required too (at least on our table!) 😋

If a whole bird is more fitting for your celebration, you'll find the easiest and BEST turkey recipe here!

Now if you're looking for more great side dishes, be sure and check out my favorites holiday side dish post. It's full of great recipes for side dishes that are tried and true favorites!

What are your favorite sides? Happy Thanksgiving!

A platter filled with Crockpot Stuffed Turkey Breast.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
5 from 4 votes

Crock Pot Turkey Breast with Stuffing

An easy to make holiday meal, you'll love this turkey dinner with the savory sausage stuffing. It's perfect for Thanksgiving Day!
Prevent your screen from going dark
Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time3 hrs 30 mins
Total Time3 hrs 45 mins
Course: Lunch or Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6
Calories: 693kcal
Author: Deb Clark
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • instant read thermometer

Ingredients

  • 6 pound turkey breast
  • 6 ounce box of stuffing
  • ½ mild Italian sausage
  • 1 onion diced
  • 2 stocks of celery diced
  • ½ teaspoon sage
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons melted butter
  • ⅓ cup cream or whole milk

I earn a commission from Instacart from qualifying purchases.

Instructions

  • Prepare the crockpot by spraying with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat. When brown, drain if desired.
  • Dice the celery and onion. When the sausage is cooked add celery and onion. Sauté until brown and caramelized.
  • Add the sautéed veggies and sausage to a bowl. Add in the bread cubes stuffing mix. Melt butter, add to the bowl. Season with sage, add the cream and mix until combined.
  • Place the turkey breast into the bottom of the crock pot. Add the dressing. Brush melted butter on the bird, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Drizzled any leftover butter over the stuffing.
  • Cover and set on low, cook for 3-4 hours until an instant reader thermometer register 165 degrees.
  • Allow to rest for 15 minutes before carving. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

You can substitute chicken broth for the cream or milk if you'd prefer.
How do I crisp the skin of the turkey breast? 
Lightly brushing the top of the bird with syrup (maple, corn syrup or even honey will work) and place it under the broiler. Keep an eye on it! It only takes 5-8 minutes and the skin will crisp right up! No need to remove it from the crockpot first - just tuck it under the broiler.
This will crisp the skin and the top of the stuffing.

Nutrition

Calories: 693kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 102g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 283mg | Sodium: 1822mg | Potassium: 1222mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 460IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 105mg | Iron: 4mg
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About Bowl Me Over

Welcome to Bowl Me Over! My name is Debra and I send warm greetings from sunny California. I am a serious foodie – I’ve been known as the go-to girl in our family for years, catering weddings and anniversary parties. In the summer I help cook mountains of food for our family reunions. Often times things I create end up in a bowl, hence the name Bowl Me Over! Let's stay connected, you can email me at [email protected] and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Colleen

    November 11, 2022 at 11:52 pm

    Love sausage dressing.
    This sure will be Great instead of eating pizza or having hamburgers like we noramlly have. (hubby does like his hamburgers; and/or homemade pizza.)
    Think I will have bacon wrapped asparagus, a few deviled eggs,a small pasta salad and of course a bottle of wine to go along with.
    Thank You
    Have an enjoyable weekend.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      November 12, 2022 at 11:38 pm

      That sounds like a great Thanksgiving dinner Colleen! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

      Reply
  2. Susan

    October 27, 2021 at 7:49 am

    Can I make this without the sausage?

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      October 27, 2021 at 4:40 pm

      You certainly can, it's not going to change the cooking time at all, however the sausage adds a lot of flavor in the dressing. Perhaps you can substitute something that you'd prefer? Turkey sausage, kielbasa, bacon or even a yummy chorizo.

      Reply
  3. Erin

    December 07, 2020 at 7:00 pm

    5 stars
    We loved this so much for Thanksgiving because it was so easy, but also SO tasty! Will be adding it to our menu rotation for regular weeks, too, because the girls LOVED it so much!

    Reply
  4. Robin

    November 21, 2020 at 12:05 am

    This looks so good. Can't wait to try it. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  5. Paula Bucher

    October 30, 2020 at 2:15 pm

    Since there is only 2 of us, I am wondering if this recipe will work with turkey quarters (thighs/drums) instead of the breast. I'm loving the no-fuss, no-muss of this recipe!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      November 01, 2020 at 7:06 am

      No reason it won't Paula! Just be sure to check the temperature of the meat with an instant read thermometer. You'll want to have it register to 165 degrees to ensure it's fully cooked. Just insert it into the thickest part of the thigh. Enjoy!

      Reply
  6. JOSIE ANN Kenkel

    October 28, 2020 at 8:56 am

    less people at Thanksgiving this year -- this is a perfect size and so hands-off I can enjoy my family instead of being stuck in the kitchen!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      October 29, 2020 at 6:56 am

      Totally, right Josie?!! Happy T-Day in advance, enjoy this yummy recipe, thank you!

      Reply
  7. Julie Menghini

    October 25, 2020 at 8:33 am

    We love turkey all year long, and this recipe was tender and delicious!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      October 26, 2020 at 2:22 pm

      Wonderful! I'm so glad you enjoyed it Julie, thanks!!

      Reply
  8. Jennifer Stewart

    October 25, 2020 at 7:25 am

    I am not a dark meat eater so I love the idea of just using a breast and still getting all those yummy juices to mix with my dressing!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      October 26, 2020 at 2:23 pm

      Fantastic, this will be a hit for your holidays!!

      Reply
  9. Debi

    October 25, 2020 at 6:38 am

    5 stars
    We regularly make a turkey in the crock pot. I love that this is just the breast, this year will be a smaller gathering, so we don't need the whole bird. Thanks for this - it makes life easier!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      October 26, 2020 at 2:24 pm

      That's great, I think you'll really enjoy this recipe!

      Reply

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