Turkey breast roasts are often reserved for Thanksgiving, but in reality, they make a delicious and easy meal year-round. This Crockpot Turkey Breast Roast recipe ensures that your turkey comes out perfectly tender, juicy, and full of flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re making it for a Sunday dinner, a holiday gathering, or a weeknight meal, this turkey breast roast will quickly become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love Crockpot Turkey Breast Roast
Using the crockpot for cooking turkey breast is a game-changer. Slow-cooking the roast results in a moist and tender turkey, as the slow heat breaks down the meat’s fibers, keeping it juicy and flavorful. The beauty of this recipe is that you can simply set it and forget it, allowing the crockpot to do the work for you.
In addition, the turkey breast roast requires minimal preparation. You won’t need to worry about brining, basting, or anything too complicated. The gravy packet that comes with the turkey adds flavor, and the onion gives the dish even more depth. All the liquid you see is created from the turkey itself, meaning you won’t need to add extra broth or stock.
This recipe also makes for delicious leftovers. The turkey can be used in a variety of dishes, such as turkey pot pie or turkey sandwiches, adding even more value to the meal.
Ingredients for Crockpot Turkey Breast Roast
To make this easy yet flavorful meal, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 turkey breast roast (boneless or bone-in)
- 1 packet of turkey gravy mix
- 1/2 onion, sliced (optional, but adds great flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3-4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- Water (for the gravy mix, if needed)
Key Ingredients Breakdown
- Turkey Breast Roast: The star of the dish, turkey breast is lean and mild-flavored. Using the crockpot ensures it remains juicy and tender throughout the cooking process.
- Gravy Packet: This packet helps create a delicious, rich gravy without the need to make it from scratch. It’s perfect for busy days when you want something simple but full of flavor.
- Onion: While optional, onion brings a subtle sweetness and depth to the roast, infusing the turkey with extra flavor as it cooks.
- Potatoes: Potatoes are a great addition to this recipe, absorbing the flavorful juices from the turkey and becoming tender and creamy. They make for an easy side dish that can be smashed up to serve alongside the roast.
How to Make Crockpot Turkey Breast Roast
Step 1: Prepare the Turkey
Start by seasoning the turkey breast roast with salt and pepper to taste. If your turkey breast comes with netting (which it likely will), leave the netting on while cooking. The netting helps to hold the roast together, ensuring it maintains its shape and cooks evenly. Place the turkey breast in the bottom of your crockpot.
Step 2: Add the Onion and Gravy Packet
Take the half onion and slice it. Place the onion slices around the turkey in the crockpot. The onion will cook down, infusing the turkey with extra flavor. Sprinkle the gravy packet over the top of the turkey and onion. You do not need to add any extra liquid at this point—any juice you see in the crockpot will come from the turkey itself as it cooks.
Step 3: Add Potatoes
Next, add the peeled and cubed potatoes around the turkey in the crockpot. The potatoes will absorb the flavors from the turkey and gravy, making them a perfect side dish. The potatoes will cook in the flavorful juices, becoming tender and flavorful.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Turkey Breast
Cover the crockpot and set it to high for 6 hours or low for 8 hours. The slow cooking process allows the turkey to become incredibly tender, and the potatoes will be fully cooked and soft by the time the turkey is ready.
Step 5: Check the Turkey’s Temperature
After the cooking time is up, check the internal temperature of the turkey. The turkey breast should reach at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat. Once it reaches this temperature, remove the turkey from the crockpot and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
Step 6: Make the Gravy and Serve
While the turkey rests, remove the potatoes from the crockpot and place them in a pan. Use a fork or potato masher to smash the potatoes to your desired consistency. If you’d like, you can stir in a little butter or cream to make them creamier.
Next, pour the remaining juices from the crockpot into a saucepan, heat it over medium heat, and let it reduce slightly to make a rich gravy. If the gravy is too thin, you can thicken it with a bit of flour or cornstarch.
Once everything is ready, serve the sliced turkey breast alongside the mashed potatoes, spooning some of the rich gravy over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for an added touch.
Creative Ideas for Leftovers
One of the best parts of making a turkey breast roast in the crockpot is the leftovers. After enjoying a delicious dinner, you can use the remaining turkey in a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas:
- Turkey Pot Pie: Use the leftover turkey to make a comforting pot pie. Combine the turkey with mixed vegetables, leftover gravy, and a flaky pie crust for an easy and satisfying meal.
- Turkey Sandwiches: Shred the leftover turkey and make delicious sandwiches with your favorite bread, adding cranberry sauce or a slice of cheese for extra flavor.
- Turkey Soup: Use the turkey bones (if bone-in) to make a rich and hearty turkey soup. Add some of the mashed potatoes, vegetables, and broth to create a comforting meal.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Turkey Breast Roast
- Leave the Netting On: Leaving the netting on during cooking helps maintain the shape of the turkey breast, ensuring even cooking.
- Check the Temperature: Always check the internal temperature of the turkey with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked through to 165°F.
- Customize the Gravy: If you prefer a more flavorful gravy, feel free to add some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the crockpot.
- Make Extra Potatoes: Potatoes cooked in the turkey’s juices are so flavorful, so consider making extra to have leftovers for the next day.
Why Crockpot Turkey Breast Roast is Perfect for Any Day
While turkey breast is often associated with Thanksgiving, this recipe proves that turkey can be enjoyed any time of year. The crockpot method is ideal for making a tender, juicy roast without the need for constant attention. You can prepare it in the morning and come home to a delicious meal that requires minimal effort but offers maximum flavor.
The turkey breast roast, potatoes, and gravy make a comforting, filling meal that’s perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday meal or simply looking to enjoy a flavorful roast, this recipe is the perfect way to make the most out of a turkey breast roast.