Are you wondering what to do with all that delicious leftover turkey after a big holiday meal? Look no further! This Crockpot Turkey Stew recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a hearty, comforting, and remarkably easy way to transform your holiday remnants into a brand-new, equally satisfying meal.
Say goodbye to dry turkey sandwiches and hello to a warm, flavorful stew that will become a go-to in your post-holiday cooking repertoire. This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy days when you still crave a homemade, nourishing dish.
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Key Ingredients for Crockpot Turkey Stew
To create this comforting Crockpot Turkey Stew, you’ll need a selection of fresh vegetables, savory broth, and, of course, your leftover turkey. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the rich flavors and satisfying texture of this dish.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing aromatic vegetables and adding a foundational layer of flavor.
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped: Provides a sweet and savory base.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for a pungent, aromatic kick.
- 4 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced: The star of the show. Using leftover Thanksgiving turkey is ideal.
- 3 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred): Forms the liquid base of the stew, infusing it with savory depth.
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds a touch of acidity and sweetness, cutting through the richness.
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced: Contributes natural sweetness and a vibrant color.
- 2 stalks celery, diced: Offers an earthy crunch and aromatic flavor.
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and 1-inch diced: Provides substance and thickens the stew as it cooks. Russet or Yukon Gold work best.
- 1 cup frozen peas: Adds a pop of fresh green and a touch of sweetness, usually added towards the end.
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning: A classic blend of herbs to elevate the overall taste.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Earthy and slightly minty, pairs wonderfully with turkey.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: To taste, for a subtle warmth and spice.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Adjust to taste, enhancing all the other flavors.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch (optional): For thickening the stew if a richer consistency is desired.
- ¼ cup cold water (if using flour/cornstarch): To create a slurry for thickening.
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped: For garnish, adding freshness and visual appeal.
How to Make Crockpot Turkey Stew
This Crockpot Turkey Stew is incredibly easy to prepare, delivering a delicious, satisfying meal with minimal fuss. Its simplicity makes it ideal for busy weekdays, slow weekend cooking, or utilizing leftover holiday turkey for a delightful second-day meal.
Just a few minutes of prep, and your slow cooker does all the hard work, resulting in a rich, flavorful, and comforting stew with tender turkey and vegetables that will warm you from the inside out. Expect approximately 15-20 minutes of active prep time, followed by 4-6 hours of passive cooking.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet or a Dutch oven (if your slow cooker insert is stovetop-safe), heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. This step builds a foundational layer of flavor for your stew.
Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to your slow cooker. Add the shredded or diced cooked turkey, chicken broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), diced carrots, diced celery, and diced potatoes.
Season the Stew: Stir in the Italian seasoning, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt. Give everything a good mix to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the ingredients.
Cook on Low or High: Cover your slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, or until the vegetables are tender. The longer cooking time on low often results in more robust flavors.
Add Peas: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas. This ensures they cook through but retain their vibrant color and texture without becoming mushy.
Thicken the Stew (Optional): If you prefer a thicker stew, in a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour (or cornstarch) with ¼ cup cold water until no lumps remain. Stir this slurry into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Continue to cook until the stew has thickened to your desired consistency.
Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the stew and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or a pinch more herbs depending on your preference.
Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot Crockpot Turkey Stew into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives, if desired, for a touch of fresh flavor and color.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Turkey Stew
You’ll absolutely fall in love with this Crockpot Turkey Stew! The main highlight is how effortlessly it transforms leftover turkey into a rich, savory, and incredibly comforting meal that feels anything but “leftover.” This recipe is a fantastic cost-saver, allowing you to maximize your holiday turkey and avoid food waste, turning a potential discard into a delicious dinner that feeds the whole family without breaking the bank.
The blend of tender turkey, hearty vegetables, and aromatic herbs in a flavorful broth creates a deeply satisfying dish, especially when topped with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream. If you loved our Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup, you’ll adore this stew’s similar cozy vibes but with the unique, robust flavor of turkey. Give this recipe a try and discover your new favorite way to enjoy turkey – your taste buds and wallet will thank you!
What to Serve Crockpot Turkey Stew With
This Crockpot Turkey Stew is a meal in itself, but a few complementary sides can elevate the experience and provide a well-rounded dinner.
- Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls: Perfect for soaking up every last bit of the delicious broth. A warm baguette or homemade sourdough would be divine.
- Cornbread: The slightly sweet and crumbly texture of cornbread makes a wonderful contrast to the savory stew.
- Simple Green Salad: A light, crisp salad with a vinaigrette dressing can add a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the stew.
- Biscuits: Fluffy, buttered biscuits are always a welcome addition to any stew, adding a touch of southern comfort.
- Brown Rice or Quinoa: For an extra hearty meal, serve the stew over a bed of brown rice or quinoa to soak up even more flavor.
Top Tips for Perfecting Crockpot Turkey Stew
Even though this Crockpot Turkey Stew is straightforward, these tips will help you achieve the best possible flavor and consistency.
- Don’t Skip Sautéing Aromatics: While you can technically dump everything into the crockpot, taking a few minutes to sauté the onions and garlic beforehand in olive oil truly deepens their flavor and extracts more aromatic compounds. This foundational step makes a significant difference in the overall richness of the stew.
- Choose Your Turkey Wisely: For the best results, use moist, flavorful leftover turkey. Dark meat tends to stay more tender in the slow cooker than white meat, but a mix is perfectly fine. If your turkey is a bit dry, the slow cooking process in the broth will help rehydrate and tenderize it.
- Adjust Broth to Taste: The amount of broth can be adjusted based on your desired consistency. For a thicker, heartier stew, use slightly less broth. For a soupier consistency, add a bit more. Always use low-sodium broth so you can control the salt content yourself.
- Vegetable Variety: Feel free to substitute or add other root vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes for different flavors and textures. Ensure they are cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking. For heartier greens, add spinach or kale during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Thickening Options: If using flour or cornstarch, always mix it with cold water to form a smooth slurry before adding it to the hot stew. This prevents lumps. If you prefer a gluten-free option, a cornstarch slurry works beautifully. You can also mash some of the cooked potatoes against the side of the slow cooker for a natural thickening agent.
- Herbs and Spices: Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning. A bay leaf added at the beginning of cooking can contribute more depth and can be removed before serving. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick if you like a little heat. Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end of cooking.
- Avoid Overcooking Vegetables: While the slow cooker is forgiving, vegetables like peas can become mushy if added too early. Adding them in the last 30 minutes ensures they retain their texture and vibrant color.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Proper storage and reheating are key to enjoying your Crockpot Turkey Stew long after it’s made.
- Refrigeration: Store leftover Crockpot Turkey Stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it has cooled completely before transferring it to the container to prevent bacterial growth.
- Freezing: This stew freezes beautifully! Once cooled, transfer the stew to freezer-safe airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. If using bags, lay them flat for more efficient storage. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating from Refrigerator: To reheat, simply transfer the desired portion to a saucepan and warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute or so, until hot. You might need to add a splash of broth or water to thin it out if it has thickened considerably.
- Reheating from Freezer: For best results, thaw the frozen stew overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Once thawed, follow the reheating instructions for refrigerated stew. If you’re in a hurry, you can gently reheat frozen stew directly in a pot on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a little liquid if needed, until it’s fully thawed and heated through. Avoid rapid boiling as it can affect the texture of the vegetables.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Turkey Stew is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of comfort, resourcefulness, and delicious simplicity. It transforms modest leftovers into a rich, vibrant meal that warms the soul and satisfies the palate. Whether you’re looking to extend the joy of a holiday meal or simply craving a hearty, no-fuss dinner, this stew delivers every time. It’s a testament to the fact that some of the best meals come from the most humble beginnings. So gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and let the magic happen.
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Crockpot Turkey Stew FAQs
Q: Can I use raw turkey instead of cooked turkey?
A: While it’s designed for cooked turkey, you can use raw turkey breast or thighs. Cut them into 1-inch cubes and add them at the beginning with the other ingredients. The cooking time might need to be adjusted slightly as well. However, cooked turkey helps with flavor and texture.
Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Absolutely! This stew is very versatile. Feel free to add green beans, corn, parsnips, or even some spinach or kale (add greens in the last 30 minutes to prevent overcooking) to customize it to your liking.
Q: What if my stew is too thin or too thick?
A: If it’s too thin, you can make a slurry with 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with an equal amount of cold water, then stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking. If it’s too thick, simply add a splash more chicken broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free or gluten-free?
A: Yes, this recipe is naturally dairy-free. To make it gluten-free, if you choose to thicken it, use cornstarch mixed with cold water instead of all-purpose flour.
Q: How does this recipe compare to regular turkey soup?
A: A stew typically has less liquid and is thicker than a soup, with larger chunks of ingredients. This Crockpot Turkey Stew is heartier and more substantial, making it a filling meal on its own, whereas a soup might be lighter and often served as a starter or with a sandwich.
Q: Can I make this on the stovetop?
A: Yes, you can! After sautéing the aromatics, add all ingredients (except peas and thickening slurry) to a large pot or Dutch oven. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and cook for 30-45 minutes, or until vegetables are tender. Add peas and thicken if desired, just like the slow cooker method.