If you’re looking for a cozy, hands-off meal that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day, this Slow Cooker Turkey and Stuffing Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. I absolutely love how this turns out—it’s creamy, comforting, and packed with that nostalgic holiday flavor without the hassle of a big roast. You’ll find it perfect for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, or that unexpected company when you want to impress without the stress.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how little effort it took to bring such a satisfying dish to the table. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, and the combination of turkey with creamy stuffing is just downright delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just yourself, this Slow Cooker Turkey and Stuffing Casserole Recipe is a reliable go-to that feels special and homey all at once.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity: Only 5 main ingredients make this recipe easy to prep and budget-friendly.
- Hands-off Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work, freeing your time for other things.
- Comfort Food Classic: Combines creamy stuffing and tender turkey in one satisfying dish.
- Versatility: Great for any season, but especially perfect for cozy fall or winter evenings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient here contributes to a smooth, creamy texture and deep comforting flavor that just feels like home. Plus, you can swap or upgrade some items depending on what you have on hand or want to try!
- Boneless skinless turkey breasts: Choose fresh or thawed turkey for tender results; turkey thighs work too if you prefer juicier meat.
- Stuffing mix: I like to pick a seasoned bread or herb-flavored mix because it adds extra depth; plain bread cubes also work if you want to control seasoning.
- Cream of chicken soup: Provides creamy richness—feel free to use a low-sodium or homemade version to control saltiness.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and creaminess; Greek yogurt can be a substitute if you want a lighter option.
- Chicken stock: Enhances flavor and moisture; homemade or store-bought both work great.
Variations
I like to mix things up with this Slow Cooker Turkey and Stuffing Casserole Recipe depending on the season and what my family’s preferences are. It’s easy to tweak things to suit dietary needs or just add a little flair.
- Adding Vegetables: I often toss in chopped celery, carrots, or mushrooms to sneak in some extra nutrition and flavor. It gives the casserole a fresh, balanced feel.
- Dairy-Free Version: Swap sour cream for a dairy-free alternative and use a dairy-free cream soup so anyone with allergies can enjoy it.
- Spicy Kick: Sometimes I add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the soup mixture for a subtle warmth that our family loves.
- Using Leftover Turkey: If you have leftover roasted turkey, just cube it and layer it the same way for a super quick twist on this casserole.
How to Make Slow Cooker Turkey and Stuffing Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Crockpot and Turkey
Start by spraying your slow cooker with a good layer of cooking spray—this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Place your turkey breasts on the bottom, seasoning them simply with salt, pepper, and any seasoning blends you love. I usually reach for a bit of garlic powder and dried thyme for an herbaceous note. This base layer is what keeps the turkey juicy and flavorful as everything cooks.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Stuffing Layer
In a medium bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken stock. Stir until smooth and creamy—that’s the magic sauce that keeps the stuffing moist and delicious. Gently fold in the stuffing mix, distributing it evenly without breaking it up too much. This mixture forms the casserole topping that soaks up all the turkey juices.
Step 3: Assemble and Slow Cook
Spoon the stuffing mixture right over the seasoned turkey in your crockpot, spreading it out gently but evenly. Cover with the lid and cook on high for about 4 hours. You want the turkey to be perfectly tender and the stuffing to be fluffy yet moist. Be sure not to lift the lid too often, since slow cookers lose heat quickly, affecting cooking times.
Step 4: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Once your timer goes off, your kitchen will be filled with the most comforting aroma. Be careful when lifting the lid—the steam is hot! Serve the casserole directly from the slow cooker or scoop onto plates, pairing it with your favorite sides.
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Turkey and Stuffing Casserole Recipe
- Use Even Turkey Pieces: I’ve found cutting large breasts into even portions helps them cook uniformly without drying out.
- Don’t Over-Stir Stuffing: When mixing the stuffing into the creamy mix, fold gently to keep nice texture instead of mush.
- Let It Rest: After cooking, I let the casserole sit with the lid off for 10 minutes to firm up before serving.
- Resist Peeking: Keeping the lid closed ensures steady heat for perfect cooking; opening it can add 30+ minutes to your cook time.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Turkey and Stuffing Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or sage on top right before serving—it adds a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma that brightens the dish. A little cracked black pepper on top never hurts, too. It makes the casserole feel a bit more special without much effort.
Side Dishes
My favorite sides to serve alongside this casserole are roasted green beans with garlic, cranberry sauce for a tart contrast, and a simple mixed green salad with vinaigrette. Mashed potatoes or steamed broccoli also pair beautifully. These sides keep the meal balanced, adding freshness and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I love serving this casserole in individual ramekins or small slow cookers right at the table—it impresses guests and doubles as portion control. Another fun idea is layering the casserole in a clear glass dish for a pretty presentation that shows off all the layers. You can even top with crispy fried onions for extra crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After dinner, I let leftovers cool completely then store them in airtight containers in the fridge. They stay tasty for up to 3 days, making for effortless next-day meals. I always label mine so I don’t forget what’s inside!
Freezing
This casserole freezes surprisingly well. I portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer warming individual servings in the microwave until hot throughout, stirring once midway for even heating. You can also reheat covered in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. Both methods keep the casserole creamy and delicious.
FAQs
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Can I use leftover turkey for this Slow Cooker Turkey and Stuffing Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked turkey works great. Just cube it and place it in the slow cooker, then add the stuffing mixture on top and cook until heated through. This is a great way to transform holiday leftovers into an easy meal.
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What type of stuffing mix is best for this recipe?
You can use any stuffing mix you like, but I find herb or chicken-flavored mixes complement the turkey best. If you prefer a milder taste, plain bread stuffing works and lets you control the seasoning in the creamy mix.
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Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe to an Instant Pot by sautéing turkey first, then layering the stuffing mixture on top. Use the slow cook setting or pressure cook on high for about 20 minutes, followed by a natural release. The texture will be similar but keep an eye on liquid levels.
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Is this Slow Cooker Turkey and Stuffing Casserole Recipe suitable for a weeknight dinner?
Definitely! The hands-off cooking means you can prep quickly and let it cook while you handle errands or relax. It’s perfect when you want comforting, homemade food without spending hours in the kitchen.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Turkey and Stuffing Casserole Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen for good reason—it’s easy, cozy, and comes together with just a few ingredients. What I love most is how it frees up my time while delivering that classic comfort food feeling we all crave. I’m excited for you to try it out and make it your own. You’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again, especially on those chilly days when you want something warm and satisfying without the fuss.
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 only five simple ingredients. Tender turkey breasts are layered with savory stuffing mix and a creamy chicken soup mixture, then slow-cooked to perfection. Ideal for a low-key Thanksgiving meal or any cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Turkey
- 2 pounds boneless skinless turkey breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Seasonings of your choice, to taste
Stuffing Mixture
- 1 (6 oz) box of stuffing mix (any flavor)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1 cup chicken stock
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Spray the inside of the crockpot with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleaning easier.
- Layer the Turkey: Place the boneless, skinless turkey breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Season generously with salt, pepper, and your preferred seasonings to enhance the flavor.
- Mix the Stuffing Base: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken stock. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Add Stuffing Mix: Gently fold the stuffing mix into the creamy soup mixture, making sure it’s well incorporated but not overly stirred to maintain texture.
- Assemble the Casserole: Evenly spread the stuffing mixture on top of the seasoned turkey in the crockpot.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on high heat for 4 hours. This slow cooking allows the turkey to become tender and the stuffing to absorb all the delicious flavors.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the turkey and stuffing casserole hot as a satisfying meal.
Notes
- This recipe requires only five main ingredients, making it straightforward and accessible.
- Perfect for a relaxed Thanksgiving meal or anytime you want a hearty, hands-off dish.
- You can customize the stuffing mix flavor to your liking for different taste variations.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg