The Ultimate Comfort Food for Cozy Evenings
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of hearty turkey stew to warm your soul. This Turkey Stew Recipe combines shredded turkey, tender Yukon gold potatoes, cremini mushrooms, and aromatic herbs like sage and thyme in a creamy, flavorful broth. It’s the perfect way to use up leftover turkey, making it a must-have for post-holiday meals or anytime you’re craving a comforting, home-cooked dish.
With just a bit of prep and a short simmer time, this recipe delivers a meal that feels like it’s been cooking all day. Serve it with crusty bread for dunking, and you’ve got a wholesome, satisfying dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Leftovers: A great way to transform leftover turkey into a hearty new dish.
- One-Pot Meal: Easy to prepare with minimal cleanup.
- Flavorful and Filling: Packed with tender vegetables, creamy broth, and aromatic herbs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Vegetables:
- 1 large yellow onion
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms
- 3 medium carrots
- 2 medium celery stalks
- 1 pound Yukon gold potatoes
Aromatics and Herbs:
- 4 garlic cloves
- Fresh thyme and sage
- 1 bay leaf
Other Essentials:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or turkey broth
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups shredded cooked turkey meat
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Ingredients:
- Dice the onion, quarter the mushrooms, and slice the carrots, celery, and garlic.
- Peel and chop the potatoes into 1-inch chunks.
- Chop the thyme and sage leaves.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onion, mushrooms, carrots, celery, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened and golden brown.
3. Deglaze with White Wine:
Pour in the white wine and bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer until almost evaporated, about 4 minutes.
4. Build the Broth:
Add the potatoes, cornstarch mixture (made by whisking 1/2 cup broth with 2 tablespoons cornstarch), remaining broth, sage, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10–15 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the broth thickens slightly.
5. Add Turkey and Cream:
Stir in the shredded turkey and cook until warmed through, about 3 minutes. Add heavy cream and stir until fully combined.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt if needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips for the Best Turkey Stew
- Use Leftover Turkey: This recipe is ideal for Thanksgiving leftovers, but rotisserie chicken works well too.
- Customize the Vegetables: Swap potatoes for sweet potatoes or add peas and green beans for variety.
- Skip the Wine: If you prefer, substitute the white wine with additional broth or a splash of apple cider for sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
- With Bread: Serve with crusty French bread, garlic bread, or dinner rolls for dipping.
- Over Rice: Spoon the stew over a bed of white or wild rice for a hearty meal.
- Comfort Food Pairing: Pair with a light green salad for a complete dinner.
Storing and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze portions for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to thin the stew.
Why This Recipe Will Be Your Go-To Comfort Dish
This Turkey Stew is more than just a way to use up leftovers—it’s a meal that brings everyone to the table. With its creamy broth, tender veggies, and hearty turkey, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for cold nights, meal prepping, or simply indulging in something warm and flavorful, this stew will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.