I absolutely love how comforting and simple this Slow Cooker Turkey and Stuffing Casserole Recipe turns out every single time. It’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug during chilly evenings or a relaxed holiday dinner when you want all the flavor without hours in the kitchen. Whenever I’m craving that classic Thanksgiving vibe but short on time, this casserole comes to the rescue.
What makes this Slow Cooker Turkey and Stuffing Casserole Recipe special is how it exactly nails that homey taste with minimal fuss—just five ingredients and your slow cooker does the magic. You’ll find that while the turkey stays juicy and tender, the stuffing soaks up all those lovely flavors, making each bite truly satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal Ingredients: Just five simple ingredients make this casserole easy and accessible for any home cook.
- Hands-Off Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work, freeing up your time for other tasks or relaxing.
- Perfect Juiciness: The turkey stays tender and juicy, soaking in all the flavors from the soup and stuffing mix.
- Comfort Food Vibes: It’s cozy, nostalgic, and perfect for holiday dinners or anytime you want a home-cooked classic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Slow Cooker Turkey and Stuffing Casserole Recipe plays an important role, building layers of flavor and texture. Here’s a bit about what I pick and why they work so well together.
- Boneless skinless turkey breasts: I prefer breasts here for lean meat that cooks evenly and stays juicy when slow-cooked.
- Stuffing mix (your favorite flavor): Whether you go classic herb or something with a bit of spice, the stuffing mix pulls everything together.
- Cream of chicken soup: This adds creaminess and a savory base—don’t skip it or substitute with something too watery.
- Sour cream: Gives the dish a nice tang and velvety texture, balancing the richness.
- Chicken stock: Keeps the casserole moist and infuses an extra savory depth.
Variations
I love to tweak this Slow Cooker Turkey and Stuffing Casserole Recipe depending on the occasion or what I have in the pantry. Don’t hesitate to make it your own—you’ll be surprised how easy it is to customize!
- Vegetable add-ins: Sometimes I throw in chopped celery or carrots for extra texture and nutrition—it adds a fresh, earthy balance.
- Dairy-free version: Swap the sour cream and cream of chicken soup with dairy-free alternatives; it still comes out fantastic.
- Different meats: If you’re out of turkey, chicken breasts work just as well for this recipe.
- Herb twists: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fragrant lift especially during holiday meals.
How to Make Slow Cooker Turkey and Stuffing Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Turkey
Start by spraying your slow cooker with a bit of cooking spray to prevent sticking—this little step saves you a messy cleanup later. Place the boneless skinless turkey breasts right at the bottom, then season them generously with salt, pepper, and any spices you love. I usually go with a simple mix of garlic powder and paprika, but keep it simple to let the other flavors shine through.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Stuffing Mixture
In a separate bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken stock. Stir gently until you have a smooth sauce. Then, fold in the stuffing mix carefully—don’t overmix or the stuffing will lose its texture. The stuffing soaks up moisture from the soup and stock, creating a beautiful topping layer.
Step 3: Layer and Slow Cook
Spoon the stuffing mixture evenly on top of the turkey breasts. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for about 4 hours. Resist the urge to check too often; this helps the casserole cook evenly and stay moist. When it’s done, the turkey will be tender and the stuffing moist but set, with a subtle golden top.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, carefully scoop out portions onto plates and enjoy! The combination of creamy stuffing and juicy turkey sings on its own, but a little fresh garnish or side elevates it even more.
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Turkey and Stuffing Casserole Recipe
- Don’t over-stir the stuffing: Keep gentle folds so the texture stays fluffy, not mushy.
- Use leftovers as a bonus: This casserole reheats brilliantly, making for quick lunches or dinners on busy days.
- Layer flavors thoughtfully: Season your turkey well since the slow cooker can mellow spices over time.
- Avoid drying out the turkey: Keeping the casserole covered makes sure the turkey remains moist throughout the cooking time.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Turkey and Stuffing Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top this casserole with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme for a burst of color and a hint of brightness. Sometimes, a little grated sharp cheddar cheese melted on top adds a lovely richness that my family goes crazy for.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a fresh mixed greens salad. For a heartier meal, creamy mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables round it out perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve this Slow Cooker Turkey and Stuffing Casserole Recipe in small individual ramekins, turning it into a cozy personal pot pie experience. It’s unexpected and makes the meal feel a bit more festive without extra effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and they hold up wonderfully for up to 3 days. The flavors really meld overnight, so I often find the next day’s portion tastes even better!
Freezing
If I want to prep ahead, I freeze the casserole before cooking by assembling it in a freezer-safe dish. When ready to eat, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and cook it in the slow cooker as usual, adding a bit more time if needed.
Reheating
Reheating is easiest in the microwave or oven at a low temperature to maintain moisture. I usually cover it with foil in the oven to avoid drying out and heat until just warmed through—this keeps that tender texture intact.
FAQs
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Can I use turkey thighs instead of breasts in this recipe?
Absolutely! Turkey thighs tend to be more flavorful and remain tender, but they may require slightly more cooking time. Just keep an eye on the texture and adjust slow cooker time if needed.
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Is it necessary to use cream of chicken soup?
While cream of chicken soup adds that creamy, savory base, you can substitute with homemade or other creamy sauces if you prefer. Just make sure your alternative isn’t too thin to keep the casserole’s texture right.
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Can I make this Slow Cooker Turkey and Stuffing Casserole Recipe in advance?
Yes! You can assemble it a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Simply pop it in the slow cooker when you’re ready to cook, adding some extra minutes if cooking from cold.
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How do I avoid the stuffing getting soggy?
Be gentle when mixing and layering the stuffing; don’t over-saturate it with liquid. Also, avoid stirring it into the turkey—layering on top helps maintain a better texture after cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Turkey and Stuffing Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen repertoire because it’s reliable, comforting, and effortlessly delicious. If you’re looking for a meal that brings that home-cooked feel with minimal stress, I wholeheartedly recommend giving it a try. Once you taste the tender turkey and creamy stuffing combo, I bet it’ll quickly become one of your favorites too!
PrintSlow Cooker Turkey and Stuffing Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and easy Slow Cooker Turkey and Stuffing Casserole that requires minimal ingredients and effort, perfect for a cozy low-key Thanksgiving or any weeknight meal. Tender turkey breasts are slow-cooked under a creamy stuffing topping, delivering hearty flavors with a hassle-free cooking process.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless turkey breasts
- 1 6 oz box of stuffing mix (choose your favorite flavor)
- 1 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1 cup chicken stock
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Your choice of seasoning (such as poultry seasoning or herbs)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Spray the inside of the crockpot with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Layer the Turkey: Place the turkey breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Season the turkey generously with salt, pepper, and your preferred seasoning to enhance flavor.
- Mix the Topping: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken stock. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add Stuffing: Gently fold the stuffing mix into the soup mixture, making sure it is evenly incorporated without overmixing.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the stuffing mixture evenly over the seasoned turkey breasts in the crockpot.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 4 hours, or until the turkey is cooked through and tender, and the stuffing is set.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the casserole hot directly from the crockpot for a delicious meal.
Notes
- This recipe uses only five main ingredients, making it both simple and convenient.
- Feel free to customize the seasoning on the turkey to your taste preferences.
- Perfect for a low-key Thanksgiving or an easy weeknight dinner.
- If you prefer, you can add vegetables like carrots or celery to the turkey layer for extra nutrition.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of casserole
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
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