Are you craving a warm, comforting meal that’s both delicious and surprisingly simple to make? Look no further than this fantastic turkey stew recipe, perfectly suited for your trusty crock pot! This healthy and hearty dish is a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor. It’s one of those easy recipes that’s ideal for busy weeknights, transforming leftover turkey into a quick dinner idea the whole family will adore. Get ready to experience the best recipes, elevated to crock pot perfection!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs cooked turkey, shredded or diced (leftover roast turkey works perfectly!)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This simple step adds depth of flavor to your stew.
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Combine Ingredients in Crock Pot: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to your crock pot. Add the shredded turkey, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, peas, corn, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
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Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
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Optional Thickening: If you prefer a thicker stew, whisk together 2 tablespoons of flour with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
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Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread or your favorite side dish. This delicious and satisfying turkey stew is perfect for a chilly evening!
Tips for the Best Turkey Stew:
- Don't overcook the turkey: Using leftover turkey ensures it remains moist and tender. Overcooked turkey can become dry in the stew.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile of your stew. A dash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as potatoes, mushrooms, or green beans. Just add them along with the carrots and celery.
- Make it ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day! It’s a perfect make-ahead meal for meal prepping.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g
Variations:
- Spicy Turkey Stew: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Creamy Turkey Stew: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk during the last 15 minutes of cooking for a richer, creamier texture.
- Wild Rice Turkey Stew: Add 1 cup of cooked wild rice along with the other ingredients for added texture and nutrition.
This hearty turkey stew is a versatile and delicious dish perfect for any occasion. It's a simple yet impressive recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!