Savory Slow-Cooker Turkey Burgers with Creamy Cheesy Penne
This Savory Slow-Cooker Turkey Burgers with Creamy Cheesy Penne recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave comfort food without the hassle. Utilizing your trusty crock-pot, this dish delivers juicy turkey burgers and a luscious, cheesy pasta side that makes for delightful leftovers. With the rich flavors of bacon, sautéed onions, and mushrooms mingled with creamy cheddar cheese and zesty Rotel tomatoes, each bite is a reason to celebrate. Serve it with your favorite burger toppings for a complete meal that satisfies both large appetites and picky eaters alike. Whether you need dinner on the table for your family or lunch ready to go the next day, this recipe is a true kitchen winner.
N/A
Servings
183
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
bacon
2 slices (chopped)
onion
1 cup (coarsely chopped)
fresh button mushrooms
2 cups (sliced)
garlic
1 tablespoon (minced)
penne pasta
1 (16 ounce) box (uncooked)
Rotel tomatoes & chilies
1 (10 ounce) can (undrained)
evaporated milk
1 (5 ounce) can (undiluted)
milk
2 cups (whole)
shredded cheddar cheese
1 (8 ounce) package (shredded)
flour
2 tablespoons (all-purpose)
ground turkey
1 1/4 lbs (raw)
Montreal seasoning
to taste (for seasoning)
hamburger buns
4 (for serving)
optional toppings
(such as cheese, tomatoes, hamburger dills, onion, lettuce, ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise)
Instructions
1
In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the chopped bacon until it's brown and crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving a small amount of grease in the pan.
2
In the same pan, sauté the coarsely chopped onions for 4 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms and continue to sauté for an additional 3 minutes. Finally, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3
While the vegetables are cooking, form 2 to 3 evenly sized patties from the ground turkey. Season both sides generously with McCormick's Montreal seasoning or your chosen spice blend, and set aside.
4
In the slow cooker, add the cooked bacon along with the sautéed onion, mushroom, and garlic mixture. Then, add the penne pasta, Rotel tomatoes with chilies, evaporated milk, milk, and flour. Stir the ingredients until they are well combined, ensuring the pasta is submerged.
5
Carefully place the seasoned turkey burger patties on top of the mixture in the slow cooker. Do not stir at this point.
6
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the pasta has softened and darkened slightly around the rim.
7
Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the turkey burgers from the slow cooker. You can choose to stir the pasta to incorporate the turkey juices or leave it as is for distinct layers of flavor.
8
Assemble the burgers on buns with your choice of toppings, and serve each plate with a generous helping of the cheesy penne pasta on the side. Enjoy your meal!
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
21g
Carbs
8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 1/4 lbs of raw ground turkey to form the burger patties.
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of penne?
Yes, while penne is called for, you can substitute other short pasta shapes like rotini or macaroni, though cooking times may vary slightly.
How long does this recipe take to cook in the slow cooker?
The dish should be covered and cooked on the low setting for 3 to 4 hours.
Do I need to precook the turkey burgers before adding them to the crock-pot?
No, you form the raw ground turkey into patties, season them, and place them directly on top of the pasta mixture to cook.
Should I drain the Rotel tomatoes and chilies?
No, you should add the 10-ounce can of Rotel tomatoes and chilies undrained to provide necessary moisture for the pasta.
What should I do with the bacon before adding it to the slow cooker?
You should chop the bacon and cook it in a skillet until brown and crispy before adding it to the slow cooker mixture.
Can I use frozen turkey patties for this recipe?
It is recommended to use fresh ground turkey to form your own patties to ensure they cook properly within the 3-4 hour timeframe.
Is the pasta cooked before being added to the slow cooker?
No, you add the 16-ounce box of penne pasta uncooked; it cooks in the milk and tomato liquids inside the slow cooker.
What kind of milk is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for a combination of 5 ounces of undiluted evaporated milk and 2 cups of whole milk for a creamy texture.
What seasoning is recommended for the turkey burgers?
McCormick's Montreal seasoning is recommended, but you can use any savory spice blend you prefer.
Do I stir the burgers into the pasta mixture?
No, you should place the patties on top of the mixture and leave them there without stirring until the cooking time is complete.
What is the purpose of the flour in this recipe?
The two tablespoons of all-purpose flour act as a thickener to help create a creamy cheese sauce for the penne.
What type of cheese works best for the penne?
An 8-ounce package of shredded cheddar cheese is used to give the pasta its signature creamy and cheesy flavor.
Can I add mushrooms to this dish?
Yes, the recipe specifically includes 2 cups of sliced fresh button mushrooms, which are sauteed with onions before being added to the pot.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 183 calories per serving according to the recipe data.
Is this recipe high in protein?
Each serving contains approximately 8 grams of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are approximately 8 grams of fat per serving in this recipe.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are approximately 21 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How do I know when the dish is finished cooking?
The dish is ready when the pasta has softened and the edges around the rim of the slow cooker have darkened slightly.
What should I serve the burgers on?
The recipe suggests serving the turkey patties on hamburger buns.
What kind of toppings go well with these burgers?
Optional toppings include cheese, tomatoes, pickles, onions, lettuce, ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, which is roughly equivalent to 3 medium cloves.
Can I use beef instead of turkey?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef for ground turkey if you prefer a traditional beef burger flavor.
Does this recipe make good leftovers?
Yes, the recipe description mentions it makes for delightful leftovers, perfect for lunch the next day.
Is the pasta submerged in liquid?
Yes, when adding ingredients to the slow cooker, ensure the pasta is submerged in the milk and tomato mixture for even cooking.
How many slices of bacon are needed?
The recipe uses 2 slices of chopped bacon.
What is the preparation for the onions?
The onions should be coarsely chopped and sauteed for 4 minutes before being added to the slow cooker.
Is this considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, since the main protein and the side dish cook together in the slow cooker, it is categorized as a one-dish meal.
How many hamburger buns are required?
The recipe lists 4 hamburger buns for serving.
Can I stir the turkey juices into the pasta after cooking?
Yes, once the burgers are removed, you can choose to stir the pasta to incorporate the juices or leave it as is for distinct layers.