Turkey Stew is the kind of comforting dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Hearty, nourishing, and full of familiar flavors, it is perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or using up leftover turkey in a delicious and thoughtful way. This stew transforms simple ingredients into a rich, slow simmered meal that brings everyone to the table.
The base of a good Turkey Stew starts with gently sautéed onions, carrots, and celery. These classic vegetables build a flavorful foundation and release natural sweetness as they cook. Garlic follows, adding depth and warmth, while a sprinkle of herbs like thyme, bay leaf, or rosemary gives the stew its comforting aroma. Once the vegetables soften, chunks of turkey are added, soaking up all those savory flavors.
Broth is what brings everything together. A good quality chicken or turkey stock creates a rich, soothing base that allows the ingredients to shine. Potatoes are a popular addition, making the stew more filling and giving it that satisfying, home cooked feel. Some versions also include parsnips, peas, or green beans for extra texture and color. As the stew simmers, the flavors slowly meld, becoming deeper and more rounded with time.
One of the reasons Turkey Stew is so loved is its flexibility. It works just as well with freshly cooked turkey as it does with leftovers from a holiday meal. You can keep it light and brothy, or thicken it slightly with a spoon of flour or mashed potatoes for a more velvety texture. A splash of cream at the end adds richness, while a squeeze of lemon or a bit of chopped parsley brightens the final dish.
Turkey Stew is best served hot, ideally with crusty bread on the side to soak up every last spoonful. It is a complete meal on its own, but also pairs nicely with a simple arugula green salad for balance. The leftovers are just as good, if not better, the next day, as the flavors continue to develop.
Simple, satisfying, and deeply comforting, Turkey Stew is a recipe that deserves a regular place in your kitchen, especially when you crave something wholesome and familiar.
Ingredients
- 1 pound turkey breast cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
- 1 cup carrots sliced
- 1 cup celery sliced
- 1 cup onions diced
- 3 cups chicken broth low sodium
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1 cup potatoes diced
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add turkey cubes and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove turkey from the pot and set aside. In the same pot, add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the chicken broth, potatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add the turkey back to the pot and continue simmering for another 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot.
Nutrition
Turkey not good for stew, should’ve made beef. Not my thing.
I think turkey can be great in stew! Have you tried it with different spices?
Nah, turkey is fine for stew! Not everyone likes beef. Just gotta cook it right!
This stew was amazing! The whole family loved it. Will definitely make it again!
So glad your family loved it! This stew really is a keeper. I’m planning to try it this weekend!
Very good and easy. I added some peas too. Yum!
Peas sound like a great addition! I’ll have to try that next time.
I was skeptical about using turkey instead of beef, but this turned out great. Nice and hearty!
What can I use instead of thyme? I ain’t got none and don’t wanna buy! Help!
Too watery for me. I prefer a stew with thicker broth, but I guess it tasted okay.
Yea, but I actually think watery stews can be nice. They soak the bread better!
😊
I get what you mean! A thick stew is much more filling. Maybe try adding some cornstarch next time to thicken it up?
Simple and easy! I like how quick it is to make. Will be adding this to my regular meals! 🙂
Looks good, but I never can get my turkey to not be dry. Anyone else have that problem?
I made this last night and it was a hit with my family! So tasty and filling. Thanks for sharing!
I generally don’t like turkey, but this stew was surprisingly good. Who knew?
Do I really need to use low sodium broth? Seems kinda pointless if ya still add salt. Just sayin’
This stew is so warm and comforting! Perfect for a chilly day. I added some garlic for extra flavor, yum!
It was okay. Nothing special about it. Just taste like soup. Maybe I expected too much. Meh.
The seasoning was way off for my taste. I think the thyme is too strong. Might try to reduce it next time.
I personally love the thyme! It gives such a nice flavor to the stew. Maybe just try a pinch less next time?
I made this with chicken instead of turkey because that’s what I had. Still turned out great, but not sure if it’s the same.
But like, it’s called turkey stew for a reason. Is it still stew if it’s chicken? Idk, I’m skeptical.
I think it’s awesome you used chicken! Chicken always makes things taste good. No worries if it’s a bit different, as long as it tastes good, right?
Ok recipe but my turkey was dry. What did I do wrong?
I tried this and it was a little bland for my taste. Maybe more spices next time.
I totally get you! I added garlic and paprika to mine, and it was way better! 🥘
Bland? I thought it was fine. Maybe you just need to get used to less salt? 🤔
Stew should be thicker! Next time I’m adding a roux. 🍲
Finally, a turkey recipe that actually works! I was worried about the turkey being dry, but it was juicy! THANK YOU!
Too much chopping! I’m not a fan of chopping all those veggies 😩. But stew was comforting.
Made this last week—really comforting. Browning the turkey first makes a big difference, and the thyme flavor comes through nicely.
I don’t like thyme. Can I use oregano instead? Really want to try this.
I followed it, but mine felt a bit bland even after tasting and adjusting. Next time I’ll probably use more pepper and maybe salt earlier.
Maybe your turkey wasn’t browned enough? 5-7 mins can be short depending on the pot. Also, I always forget to add salt until the end and then it’s like… nope, bland again 😅 Next time try salt at the beginning with the veggies.
I’ve had that happen with lean turkey stews—usually it needs a longer simmer or a little extra seasoning early on. Adding pepper (or even a pinch of garlic powder) when you stir the broth in makes a big difference.
This was so easy! Even I could do it, and I usually burn toast. 😂
This stew was AMAZING! The turkey was so tender and the flavors were spot on! Definitely making it again. 😍
I’m so glad you loved it! This recipe is indeed a keeper. 😋
Was alright I guess. How many servings does this make? My family is big and we ate it all! 😂
I think I put too much thyme in it. Next time, less thyme, more chicken? What’s thyme even anyway? 😂
Thyme is just a herb! Don’t stress too much about it, just adjust next time. 😊
Haha, yeah thyme can do that! But I say there’s never too much seasoning. More flavor, right? 😂
Good basic recipe, but nothing special. I added a bay leaf and a splash of wine. Might try it again.
Not sure about simmering only 30 minutes after adding turkey—my potatoes were done but the turkey seemed slightly dry. Maybe I cubed them too small?
Maybe you overcooked it. Potatoes can get tender fast, but breast meat dries. I usually shred or dice turkey bigger and only simmer until the broth is nice and thick. Also make sure it’s not a hard boil.
I’ve had that happen too. 30 minutes after adding turkey breast can still dry it out a bit—especially if the cubes are small. Next time I’d keep the turkey cubes a bit larger and simmer more like 20 minutes (or until the stew is hot and the turkey’s just cooked through).
Turkey??? I thought this was a chicken recipe… confused 🤔
My favorite part was the potatoes, so creamy! But I feel like it needs something else. Maybe garlic?
Easy to make but I used chicken instead of turkey ’cause that’s what I had. Still turned out pretty good!
Sounds great! Chicken works just as well, I think. Thanks for sharing your tweak!
Delicious! Perfect for a cold day. Added some bay leaves too. Yum!
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Bay leaves add a nice flavor, don’t they? Perfect for winter! 🥰
Looks good but I don’t think turkey stew is that special. Chicken’s way better for this kind of recipe. 🤷♂️
I don’t know, it just didn’t taste like much. Maybe I need to add more seasoning next time? 🤔
Definitely try adding more seasoning! I usually go for two teaspoons of salt because I like it really flavorful. 🌶️
I thought it was fine! Maybe you just have a different taste? Sometimes simple is better. 🤷♂️
Yummy! My kids loved it!
This turkey stew is so good! My whole family loved it. Will definitely make again!
Yum! Easy enough for a weeknight.
Totally agree—weeknight-friendly but still tastes like it took way longer. I did 20 min simmer at the end and it was plenty tender.
Pretty solid stew base. I added a bay leaf and a pinch of garlic powder because… you know, for more flavor 😅 Turned out great.