When you need a cozy meal that simmers into something substantial, this Turkey Stew comes together with chunks of tender meat and hearty potatoes. Letting it bubble away gently allows the flavors of savory broth and fresh thyme to meld beautifully. Itโs the kind of wholesome, satisfying dinner that makes any weeknight feel a little more special.
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Ingredients for Turkey Stew
For the stew
- Olive oil โ A good-quality olive oil will make all the difference here.
- Boneless, skinless turkey breast โ Cubed into bite-sized pieces for tender, hearty bites.
- Yellow onion โ Chopped and ready to bring that savory sweetness to the base.
- Carrots โ Sliced into rounds for a pop of color and natural sweetness.
- Celery โ Adds a subtle crunch and earthy flavor thatโs essential in any stew.
- Garlic โ Minced, because fresh garlic is always the best choice.
- All-purpose flour โ Just a bit to thicken the stew to that perfect consistency.
- Low-sodium chicken broth โ Keeps the flavors balanced without being overly salty.
- Dried thyme โ A classic herb that pairs beautifully with turkey.
- Bay leaf โ Donโt skip thisโit adds a subtle depth of flavor.
- Yukon Gold potatoes โ Cubed for their buttery texture that holds up so well in stews.
- Frozen peas โ A quick and easy way to add a pop of color and freshness.
- Heavy cream โ For a rich, velvety finish that ties everything together.
- Salt and black pepper โ Season to taste and let the flavors shine.
- Fresh parsley โ Chopped and perfect for a bright, fresh garnish.
Cook Time for Hearty Turkey Stew
I love how this Hearty Turkey Stew fills the whole house with the most incredible aroma while it simmers. Itโs one of those slow-simmered savory turkey dinners thatโs well worth the wait. Gather your ingredients, and before you know it, youโll have a comforting pot ready to serve.
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 60 minutes |
| Total Time | 80 minutes |
If youโre short on time, you can also try my slow cooker chicken stew for a similarly hands-off, satisfying meal.
How to Make One-Pot Turkey Stew
This simple One-Pot Turkey Stew recipe is my go-to for a fuss-free, delicious dinner that comes together in a single pot. Itโs the perfect example of a hearty one-pot meal with peas that feels both rustic and refined.
Step 1: Brown the Turkey
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 1/2 pounds of cubed turkey breast, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5โ7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the turkey is browned on all sides. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the turkey to a plate and set aside.
Step 2: Sautรฉ the Vegetables
In the same pot, add 1 chopped yellow onion, 2 sliced carrots, and 2 sliced celery stalks. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onion turns translucent.
Step 3: Create the Base
Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until aromatic. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute to coat evenly and remove the raw flour taste.
Step 4: Simmer and Build Flavor
Gradually pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pot and loosen any browned bits. Add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 bay leaf, and the reserved turkey along with any juices. Bring the stew to a boil.
Step 5: Add Potatoes and Cook Through
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20 minutes. Add 1 pound of Yukon Gold potato chunks, cover again, and simmer for an additional 20โ25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Step 6: Final Touches
Stir in 1 cup of frozen peas and 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Cook uncovered for 5 minutes, or until the peas are heated through and the stew is warmed. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Remove and discard the bay leaf.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks
Over the years, Iโve made this Turkey Stew more times than I can count, and Iโve picked up a few tricks along the way to make it even more delicious. Hereโs how you can tweak this creamed poultry stew with herbs to make it your own.
- Flavor Swap: For a different aromatic profile, try swapping the dried thyme for rosemary or sage. It gives the tender turkey in rich broth a whole new personality.
- Diet Tweak: To make it lighter, you can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk. It still gives you that creamy turkey and vegetable pot feel but with a dairy-free twist.
- Prep Fix: If youโre short on time, you can chop all your turkey stew vegetables the night before and store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Storage Tip: This stew stores beautifully. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days and tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. For another great make-ahead option, check out my favorite minestrone soup recipe.
Turkey Stew
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless turkey breast cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large yellow onion chopped
- 2 carrots peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
- 2 stalks celery sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped for garnish
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the cubed turkey and season with salt and pepper, then cook for 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides. Use a slotted spoon to remove the turkey from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the same pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute to coat everything and cook off the raw flour taste.
- Pour in the chicken broth slowly while scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits. Add the dried thyme, bay leaf, and the reserved cooked turkey along with any accumulated juices. Bring the stew to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20 minutes. Then, add the potato chunks, cover again, and continue to simmer for another 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
- Stir in the frozen peas and heavy cream. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, uncovered, until the peas are heated through and the stew is warmed. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf and discard it.
- Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Nutrition
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Nutrition and Health Benefits
This comforting winter stew isnโt just delicious โ itโs packed with nutrients that make it a wholesome choice for any night of the week. Youโre getting lean protein from the turkey, vitamins from all those colorful turkey stew vegetables, and complex carbohydrates from the potatoes that provide lasting energy.
What I love about this hearty one-pot meal is how balanced it feels. The combination of protein, fiber, and healthy fats keeps you satisfied without that heavy feeling some rich meals leave behind. If youโre looking for other nutrient-packed options, my carrot lentil soup offers similar benefits with a vegetarian twist.
For those watching their health, this turkey stew recipe can easily adapt to various nutritional needs. The base is already packed with whole foods, and you control the sodium by using low-sodium broth. If you prefer a broth-based alternative, this Lemony White Bean and Turkey Soup offers a lighter approach while still delivering great flavor and nutrition.
I often make a big batch of this tender turkey in rich broth on Sundays, knowing it will provide nourishing meals throughout the week. For another great option that stores just as well, try my broccoli and cauliflower soup โ itโs become another family favorite for busy days.
A Lighter Version of Hearty Turkey Stew
Sometimes you want all the comfort of this hearty turkey stew but with a lighter touch. Over the years, Iโve perfected a few simple swaps that maintain the soul-warming qualities while making it a bit gentler on the waistline.
Instead of heavy cream, try using half-and-half or even whole milk for that creamy turkey and vegetable pot texture. The stew will still taste rich and satisfying, just a bit lighter. You can also increase the vegetable ratio โ add extra carrots, celery, or even some zucchini for more volume and nutrients.
For those really watching calories, skip the flour thickening step entirely. The natural starch from the potatoes will still give you a wonderfully hearty consistency. Iโve found that letting the stew simmer a bit longer helps develop the flavors deeply, so you wonโt miss the extra calories.
If you enjoy lighter versions of comfort foods, my courgette soup is another fantastic option that feels indulgent without being heavy. For those on a budget who still want healthy meals, this Budget-Friendly Turkey Stew approach shows how to make nutritious meals without breaking the bank.
Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
Over the years, Iโve shared this turkey stew with friends and family who follow various dietary approaches, and Iโve learned so many wonderful adaptations along the way. Whether youโre sugar conscious, managing glycemic levels, or simply prefer more natural ingredients, this recipe welcomes all kinds of thoughtful tweaks.
For a diabetic-friendly version, I often skip the peas since they can be higher in natural sugars and add extra green beans or celery instead. Using sweet potatoes instead of Yukon Golds can actually create a lower glycemic index option thatโs just as satisfying. I also find that increasing the herbs โ especially rosemary and thyme โ adds so much flavor that you donโt miss any sweetness.
When Iโm making this for my sugar-free friends, I sometimes add a teaspoon of lemon juice at the end to brighten the flavors naturally. It creates that balance that might otherwise come from a pinch of sugar. If youโre using a natural sweetener alternative, just a tiny touch of stevia can enhance the vegetable sweetness without making the stew taste sweet.
Remember that portion control is one of the simplest ways to make any meal blood sugar friendly. This stew freezes beautifully, so I often portion it into individual containers right away for perfect serving sizes that support glycemic control.
How to Serve Turkey Stew
Iโll never forget the first time I served this turkey stew to my extended family during a chilly autumn gathering. My cousin, who claimed he โdidnโt like stew,โ went back for thirds and asked for the recipe โ thatโs when I knew this creamed poultry stew with herbs had passed the ultimate test.
For a complete meal, I love pairing this slow-simmered savory turkey dinner with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. The crisp freshness contrasts beautifully with the rich stew. A slice of crusty whole-grain bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious broth.
If youโre serving company, consider my butternut squash soup as a starter โ it creates a wonderful fall-themed meal progression. For beverage pairings, a light red wine like Pinot Noir works beautifully, or if you prefer non-alcoholic options, sparkling apple cider complements the stewโs savory notes perfectly.
Donโt forget that this turkey stew recipe makes fantastic leftovers. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day. If you enjoy meals that improve with time, my hearty chili shares that wonderful make-ahead quality that busy families appreciate.
Mistakes to Avoid
Iโve made my share of mistakes with this Turkey Stew over the years, so I want to share a few common pitfalls to help you get perfect results every time. Learning from my errors has made this hearty one-pot meal even more reliable for my family.
One big mistake is rushing the step of browning the turkey. If you skip this, you miss out on the deep, savory flavor that forms the foundation of the stew. Give the turkey pieces space in the pot and let them develop a golden-brown crust โ it makes all the difference in creating that slow-simmered savory turkey dinner we all love.
Another error I see is adding the dairy too early. If you stir in cream or milk before the stew has finished simmering, it can sometimes separate or curdle. I always add cream-based ingredients at the very end, off the heat, to keep the texture perfectly smooth for my creamed poultry stew with herbs.
Lastly, donโt overcrowd the pot with potatoes too early. They release starch that can make the stew overly thick if cooked too long. For the perfect consistency, I add my potatoes about halfway through cooking. If you enjoy simple, one-pot cooking, my slow cooker chicken stew follows similar principles for hassle-free meals.
Remember that seasoning is your best friend โ tasting and adjusting at the end is crucial. I learned this the hard way when I served a slightly bland batch to my in-laws! For more inspiration on building flavor, this approach to a Moroccan Turkey Stew Variation shows how spices can transform a simple dish.
How to Store Turkey Stew
My grandmother taught me that a good stew is like a fine wine โ it gets better with time. I always make extra of this Turkey Stew because the flavors meld beautifully overnight, making tomorrowโs lunch even more delicious than tonightโs dinner.
For refrigeration, let the stew cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It will keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days. I often portion it into single-serving containers for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week.
Freezing is where this comforting winter stew truly shines. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. I use freezer-safe containers, leaving about an inch of space at the top for expansion. For another great freezer-friendly option, my hearty chili is another family favorite that stores just as well.
When reheating, I prefer gentle heat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to restore the perfect consistency. If youโre using a microwave, stir occasionally to ensure even heating. This tender turkey in rich broth reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. For more creative ways to use leftovers, check out my chicken taco soup โ itโs another versatile recipe thatโs great for busy weeks.
Try This Turkey Stew Yourself
Iโll never forget the first time my daughter asked for this Turkey Stew recipe to make in her own kitchen โ it felt like passing down a piece of our family story. Thereโs something special about sharing recipes that connect generations through food and memory.
This hearty turkey stew has become our go-to comfort food through countless family gatherings, quiet weeknights, and holiday leftovers. I hope it brings as much warmth and nourishment to your table as it has to mine.
Donโt be afraid to make it your own โ cooking is about personal touch and shared experiences. If you love this one-pot turkey stew, you might also enjoy exploring other comforting recipes from my kitchen. Try my traditional Irish stew for another classic, or my hearty minestrone for a vegetarian option. For simpler nights, my classic tomato soup is always a winner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to put in turkey stew?
I recommend starting with tender turkey, potatoes, carrots, celery, and peas for the perfect Turkey Stew Vegetables combination. You can also add other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for extra flavor. The beauty of this Turkey Stew Recipe is how adaptable it is to what you have on hand.
Whatโs the secret to a flavorful stew?
The secret is building layers of flavor โ starting with properly browning the turkey to develop rich fond at the bottom of the pot. Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary added at different stages, plus a final splash of lemon juice or vinegar, really make the flavors pop in this Hearty Turkey Stew.
How long does it take to cook turkey stew?
From start to finish, this One-Pot Turkey Stew takes about 45-60 minutes. The key is simmering it gently until the turkey is fork-tender and the vegetables are perfectly cooked. For a hands-off approach, my slow cooker version lets the flavors develop over several hours.
Is turkey stew healthy?
Absolutely! This Turkey Stew is packed with lean protein, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates. You can easily adjust it to be even healthier by using less cream or skipping thickening agents altogether. Itโs a balanced meal that fits well into most dietary approaches.
More Cozy Recipes Youโll Love
If this turkey stew warmed your kitchen, here are a few more family favorites that bring comfort to any table.
Creamy Tortellini Soup โ Rich, cheesy tortellini in a velvety broth that feels like a warm hug.
Green Chicken Enchilada Soup โ All the zesty flavors of enchiladas in an easy, spoonable soup.
Classic Chicken Soup โ The ultimate comfort food that soothes the soul on chilly days.
Cream of Broccoli Soup โ Velvety and vibrant, this soup turns simple ingredients into something special.
