Turkey Breast Italian
Juicy turkey breast slow-cooked with Italian seasonings and flavorful broth, perfect for hearty sandwiches or family dinners with bold Italian flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the turkey breast in the crock-pot.
- Combine tomato juice, bay leaf, Italian seasonings, Italian salad dressing mix, salt, pepper, parsley flakes, and garlic powder in a pot and heat until bubbly.
- Pour the hot mixture over the turkey in the crock-pot.
- Cook on low all night or on high for 6 to 8 hours until the turkey is cooked through.
- Shred the cooked turkey breast and return it to the crock-pot.
- Cool the broth until the fat rises to the top, then remove the fat.
- Pour the broth back over the shredded turkey.
- Serve hot on hoagie buns or Italian bread.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding sliced bell peppers or onions to the crock-pot. For a lighter option, substitute the tomato juice with low-sodium broth. If you prefer more spice, add red pepper flakes to the mixture. This recipe can also be adapted for a quick meal by using shredded rotisserie chicken instead of turkey for a similar taste and texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the turkey hot on hoagie buns or Italian bread, topped with provolone cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Pair with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. This dish also goes well with Italian recipes like a fresh caprese salad or garlic bread, making it perfect for gatherings or family dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to keep the turkey moist. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze the shredded turkey in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Turkey Breast Italian contains roughly 691 calories, with 6g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (64% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2761mg per serving (120% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen turkey breast for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen turkey breast, but it’s best to thaw it in the refrigerator before cooking. If you cook from frozen, increase the cooking time by a couple of hours to ensure it’s fully cooked through.
What can I do with leftover turkey?
Leftover turkey can be used in a variety of dishes such as sandwiches, salads, or casseroles. You can also use it in recipes like Italian Skillet Dinner or mix it into pasta dishes for a quick meal.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
For a vegetarian version, substitute the turkey with a large eggplant or portobello mushroom. Follow the same cooking instructions, adjusting the cooking time as needed, and serve it similarly on hoagie buns or Italian bread.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).