Savor the essence of a comforting home-cooked meal with this Crock Pot Turkey and Gravy recipe. This dish is a testament to simplicity and flavor, featuring a tender turkey breast that slow cooks to perfection amidst a medley of aromatic vegetables.
The slow cooker does all the work, ensuring that the turkey remains succulent and moist, banishing the all-too-common plight of dry turkey. It’s a foolproof recipe that guarantees a delightful and hearty meal any day of the week.
Effortless Elegance in Every Bite
Imagine coming home to the aroma of perfectly cooked turkey, surrounded by a savory gravy that’s been developing its depth of flavor throughout the day. This recipe not only offers a stress-free approach to cooking turkey, it also provides a luscious gravy that complements the meat beautifully, making every bite a little celebration of autumn.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 to 7 hours
Serving: Serves 6-8
Crock Pot Turkey and Gravy
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 large carrot, chopped
- 1 celery rib, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme or 1/2 tablespoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 6 to 7 pound bone-in, skin-on turkey breast (ensure it fits in your slow cooker)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large nonstick skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Cook for about 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender and slightly browned.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes until it’s golden and well-coated over the vegetables.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and water. Add the thyme and bay leaves. Transfer this mixture to a large (7 to 8 quart) crock pot.
- Season the turkey breast with salt and pepper to taste, being mindful not to over-salt. Use more pepper than salt for better flavor balance.
- Place the turkey in the crock pot, breast side down. Cover and cook on low heat for 5 to 7 hours, or on high heat for 5 to 6 hours, until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F.
- Carefully remove the turkey breast to a 9×13 inch baking pan. Tent with foil and let it rest.
- Strain the liquid from the crock pot into a medium saucepan. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then skim off any fat from the surface.
- Bring the gravy to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring often, until it slightly thickens (note this will be a thinner gravy). For a thicker gravy, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 1/2 tablespoons water and add to the gravy, stirring until thickened.
- Season the gravy with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
- Carve the turkey and serve with the prepared gravy.
Enjoy this Crock Pot Turkey and Gravy as the centerpiece of a cozy family dinner, paired with your favorite sides, for a truly satisfying meal that’s as effortless as it is delicious.