This slow cooker open-faced hot turkey sandwich is the kind of cozy shortcut dinner that saves a busy weekday without tasting like one. Using deli turkey and a jar of beef gravy gives it that old-school diner comfort-food feel, while the slow cooker keeps everything warm, tender, and extra savory with almost no effort. It is a great way to make a simple sandwich dinner feel hearty enough for a cold night or an easy family meal.
Serve these hot turkey sandwiches over thick slices of toasted white bread, Texas toast, or even biscuits if you want something extra filling. Mashed potatoes are especially good alongside or spooned right under the turkey and gravy, and simple sides like green beans, corn, a crisp salad, or cranberry sauce balance the richness nicely.
Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Open-Faced Hot Turkey Sandwich
Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds sliced deli turkey breast
1 jar (12 to 18 ounces) beef gravy
1 packet (0.87 ounce) turkey gravy mix
6 slices thick white bread or Texas toast, toasted
Directions
1. Lightly coat the inside of the slow cooker insert with nonstick spray if desired. Add the sliced deli turkey, separating the slices a bit so the gravy can coat everything evenly.
2. Pour the beef gravy over the turkey, then sprinkle the turkey gravy mix evenly on top. Gently stir just enough to combine without shredding the slices too much.
3. Cover and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, or until the turkey is heated through and the gravy is hot and slightly thickened. Stir once halfway through if you are around.
4. Spoon the hot turkey and gravy over toasted bread slices and serve right away. If you like, add mashed potatoes under or alongside the sandwich for a classic diner-style plate.
Variations & Tips
Add stuffing: For an even more comforting holiday-style version, serve the turkey and gravy over a scoop of prepared stuffing instead of toast, or layer the stuffing under the turkey for extra texture and flavor.
Make it creamier: Stir in a few spoonfuls of sour cream or a splash of heavy cream during the last 20 minutes of cooking if you want a softer, creamier gravy. This is especially nice if you are serving it with mashed potatoes.
Use different bread: Thick-cut sandwich bread is classic, but biscuits, toasted sourdough, or even split English muffins work well when you want to change things up with what you already have at home.
Keep it from getting salty: Since deli turkey, jarred gravy, and gravy mix can all be seasoned, wait until serving to taste before adding any extra salt. A little black pepper is usually all it needs.
Meal prep tip: If dinner time is hectic, assemble the turkey, beef gravy, and gravy mix in the slow cooker insert the night before and refrigerate it. In the morning, place the insert in the cooker and start heating so dinner comes together with almost no evening work.