Turkey Stew
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After the Thanksgiving feast, there’s usually a mountain of leftover turkey. But fear not, because this delicious Turkey Stew is here to rescue your fridge! This hearty and comforting stew is the perfect way to transform leftover turkey into a whole new meal. It’s surprisingly simple to make, ready in under an hour, and uses all those leftover bits and bobs of turkey you might have stashed away. Plus, it tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for meal prepping!

Why You’ll Love Turkey Stew
- Quick and Easy: This stew comes together in about 45 minutes, making it a great weeknight meal option.
- Leftover Friendly: It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover turkey, preventing food waste.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or herbs to personalize the flavor profile.
- Healthy and Hearty: This stew is loaded with protein and vegetables, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This stew reheats well, making it ideal for meal prepping for busy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Ingredients Needed To Make Turkey Stew
Make sure to scroll all the way down to the recipe card for the exact measurements and instructions!
- Cooked turkey, cubed
- Celery stalks, chopped
- Carrots, sliced
- Onion, diced
- Kale, stems removed and chopped
- Turkey stock – chicken or vegetable stock can be substituted
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Thyme leaves
- Garlic powder
- Parsley
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Butter
- Red potatoes, diced
How To Make Turkey Stew
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large stockpot over medium-low heat, melt the butter and add the onion and celery.Sauté for 5 minutes, or until the onions become translucent.
- Add Ingredients: Add the cooked turkey, carrots, kale, turkey stock, salt, pepper, thyme, garlic powder, parsley,onion powder, smoked paprika, and red potatoes to the pot.
- Simmer and Serve: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer the stew for 30-45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Serve immediately and enjoy!




Variations & Substitutions
- For a brighter flavor: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
- Veggie Swap: Feel free to include your favorite seasonal vegetables, such as green beans, corn, or peas.
- Herb Garden Switch-Up: Experiment with different fresh herbs like rosemary or sage to create a unique flavor profile.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I use leftover Thanksgiving turkey for this stew?
Absolutely! This recipe is a fantastic way to use leftover turkey and prevent food waste.
Can I freeze this stew for later?
Yes! This turkey stew freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers and freezing for up to 3 months.
Can I use other greens besides kale?
Absolutely! Spinach, collard greens, or Swiss chard can be excellent substitutes for kale.


Turkey Stew
Equipment
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Knife
- Cooking spoon
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked turkey cubed
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 2 cups carrots sliced
- 1 large onion diced
- 4 cups kale stems removed and chopped
- 6 cups turkey stock substitute with chicken or vegetable stock
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp thyme leaves
- ¾ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp parsley
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 ½ cups red potatoes diced
Instructions
Sauté Aromatics
- Place a large stockpot over medium-low heat and add the butter, onion, and celery.
- Sauté for 5 minutes until onions are translucent.
Add Ingredients
- Add all the remaining ingredients to the pot, including cooked turkey, carrots, kale, turkey stock, salt, pepper, thyme, garlic powder, parsley, onion powder, smoked paprika, and red potatoes.
Simmer
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30-45 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
Serve
- Once the potatoes are tender, the turkey stew is ready to be served.
- This stew is even better the next day as flavors meld together.
Notes
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for a refreshing twist.
- Include your favorite seasonal vegetables for added variety.
- Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or sage for a unique flavor profile.
Nutrition
This easy turkey stew is a delicious and budget-friendly way to enjoy leftover turkey or create a satisfying meal any night of the week. With minimal prep time and customizable options, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. So, grab your leftover turkey, gather your fresh ingredients, and get ready to simmer up a pot of comforting goodness!

