Anytime Slow Cooker Turkey and Stuffing (or is it Dressing?) Recipe

"In my opinion there is just nothing better than a turkey dinner especially during those cold Autumn and Winter months. Hey it works great for me during those hot Summer months too when turning on the oven makes you want to pass-out. This slow cooker recipe makes it so very easy to make anytime when that "turkey" feeling envelops you (happens to me!) or if you want to make Thanksgiving an easier cooking experience, especially if you have a smaller crowd to entertain."

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Place a medium skillet over medium heat melt butter (or use light olive oil). Saute onion and bell pepper (if using) for 3 or so minutes (this process helps remove the raw onion taste that develops in slow cooker finished product which in my opinion, ruins the dish. It also helps smooth out the bell pepper helping develop its flavor. You can also saute the celery if you wish.)

Step 2

Coat the inside of a 4 quart electric slow cooker with cooking spray (or butter). Add stuffing mix, cooked onion, bell pepper (if using), celery, Parmesan, and cranberries.

Step 3

Combine broth and melted butter. Pour over stuffing, and stir gently.

Step 4

Rinse turkey breast. Place turkey in slow cooker on top of stuffing. Combine salt, pepper, thyme and sage and/or Bell seasoning blend; sprinkle over turkey. Cover and cook on High for 1 hour. Reduce to Low and cook for 5 - 6 hours or until a meat thermometer inserted in turkey registers 170-degrees F (Do not overcook to prevent it from being dry).

Step 5

Remove turkey to a serving platter. Stir stuffing gently in slow cooker; cover and let stand 3 - 4 minutes. Prepare gravy following package directions and adding the sage, thyme and / or Bell seasoning, and black pepper to taste. Spoon stuffing around turkey on platter. Serve with cranberry sauce if you wish and those true but faithful Thanksgiving type of sides that we like so much.