Tips for Roasting a Thanksgiving Turkey in the Slowcooker
The recipe calls for turkey breast. If you have a large enough slow cooker to fit it, you can do a whole turkey. It also calls for a jar of turkey gravy. If you use gravy, it's important to get a jar, not a can. It just tastes better. I generally use low fat, low sodium chicken broth in place of the gravy and water. Homemade broth would be great too. You really just want a 1-2 cups of liquid that will bring some good flavor. You can use russet potatoes instead of new or red, but you'll want to peel them, and not just scrub them. You can use other veggies too, like onion, or celery, but make sure there's still room for the turkey.
The vegetables that roast with the turkey are generally not our side dish with the turkey, but even though we don't eat them for Thanksgiving Dinner, I always put them in, and save them out when the turkey is finished. Keep them to use in leftover dishes, like turkey pot pie or turkey stew.
SlowCooker Roasted Turkey and Veggies
6 lb. frozen turkey breast, thawed
1 jar of turkey gravy
8-10 red potatoes or new potatoes, scrubbed and halved
1 lb. bag of baby carrots
Spread the carrots and prepared potatoes on the bottom of the crock pot. Unwrap the turkey and take out anything that's inside it. If it has a timer thing, just leave it in. Put the turkey in on the veggies, breast side down. Pour the gravy on the turkey all over. Fill jar 1/2 full of water, shake it up and pour into slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours.
The only time I've ever had this come out wrong is when it ended up cooking 10-11 hours and it was overcooked. Allow it to cook for 7-8 hours, and it will come out so juicy and delicious. If you're concerned about it not being cooked through, you can check it with a meat thermometer. I've never had it come out underdone. It's very simple, and you can barely mess it up.
Published by Bethany James
Bethany is a wife and all around creator of things who is passionate about homemaking and needlework. For more recipes, homemaking, and inspiration visit her blog. View profile
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9 Comments
Post a CommentI really can burn water%2C and my ex says I can really burn a man%2C but i think I will try this out. And Aunt Mary%2C she don%27t eat meat%2C but she sure likes the bone%21 So do I%21
This goes out to GJJ
Yeah its great that your thinking about the animals, but why dont you try thinking about all the starving children who cant wait till that Thanksgiving day to go to there local pantry and churches to have a wonderful meal that they cant normally have. Its a day to be thankful And im sure the turkeys wouldnt mind knowing these children have this Thanksgiving day to finally feel full!
Hi everyone, thanks for your comments.
Regarding the photo: AC attached that one to the article. It's a great looking turkey but the slow cooker will definately give you different looking results.
Regarding the vegetarian/pro-animal comments: Boycotting Thanksgiving is pretty meaningless unless you're planning to become a full time vegetarian as well, since animals are killed all year long, not just during the holidays. For those who like to eat meat, but are bothered by the lives commercial turkeys are forced to live, there are options. Consider finding a locally grass raised heirloom breed turkey. You'll know you food lived a happy and fulfilled life before it became nourishment for you.
Regarding the stuffing: Roast it in the oven separately. It's dangerous to put it in the turkey and increases the risks of food borne illness at you Thanksgiving table.
How about stuffing? You wouldn't cook a turkey without stuffing!
Interesting recipe. Our family does not like white meat so we cook a turkey breast. I have a 5 qt crockpot so I would have to watch the weight of the turkey breast.
Good idea...thanks for sharing :)
Hi, I'm always looking for new ideas and this onelooks so easy that I will try it this year. It is great for small families or for two.
Better yet, give a turkey something to be thankful for and let it live. Buy a Tofurky for Thanksgiving.
Just looking at the picture is making my mouth water! I love the idea of slow cooking food instead of slaving over a hot stove or oven, so I'll probably end up trying this recipe.