Easy & Hearty Ground Turkey Stew: A Weeknight Winner!

Are you searching for a simple, satisfying, and healthy meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen? Look no further than this easy ground turkey stew! This recipe is packed with flavor, loaded with vegetables, and incredibly versatile. It’s the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening or a busy weeknight.

This recipe caters to different tastes and dietary requirements. It’s naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, and it can easily be adapted to be Whole30 compliant or vegetarian (using plant-based ground “meat”).

## Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey Stew

* **Quick and Easy:** This stew comes together in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Packed with lean protein and lots of vegetables, it’s a wholesome meal you can feel good about.
* **Versatile:** Easily customizable to your liking. Swap out vegetables, add spices, or adjust the thickness to create your perfect stew.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Ground turkey is a cost-effective protein source, and you can use frozen vegetables to save even more money.
* **Freezer-Friendly:** Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for an easy meal later.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of ground turkey, vegetables, and spices creates a rich and satisfying flavor.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious ground turkey stew:

* **Ground Turkey:** The star of the show! Opt for lean ground turkey (93% lean or higher) to keep the fat content down. You can also use ground chicken or beef if you prefer.
* **Olive Oil:** For sautéing the vegetables. You can substitute with avocado oil or another cooking oil.
* **Onion:** Adds a savory base flavor to the stew. Yellow or white onion works best.
* **Garlic:** Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor. Freshly minced garlic is recommended, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch.
* **Carrots:** Adds sweetness and color to the stew. Peeled and chopped carrots are the easiest option, but you can also use baby carrots.
* **Celery:** Adds a subtle earthy flavor. Make sure to wash the celery thoroughly before chopping.
* **Potatoes:** Adds heartiness and body to the stew. Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well and hold their shape during cooking. Russet potatoes will also work but may become a bit more starchy.
* **Canned Diced Tomatoes:** Adds acidity and richness to the stew. Use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for an extra layer of flavor.
* **Tomato Paste:** Enhances the tomato flavor and adds richness to the stew.
* **Chicken Broth:** The base of the stew. Low-sodium chicken broth is recommended so you can control the salt level.
* **Worcestershire Sauce:** Adds a savory and umami flavor. If you’re gluten-free, make sure to use a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce.
* **Dried Thyme:** Adds an earthy and herbal flavor. You can substitute with other dried herbs, such as oregano or rosemary.
* **Bay Leaf:** Adds a subtle but important flavor. Be sure to remove the bay leaf before serving.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Start with a small amount and add more as needed.
* **Optional Add-ins:** Corn, peas, green beans, zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, kale, spinach, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, fresh thyme.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your own ground turkey stew:

**Step 1: Brown the Ground Turkey**

* Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
* Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned. Drain off any excess grease.

**Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables**

* Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

**Step 3: Add the Remaining Ingredients**

* Stir in the diced potatoes, canned diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato paste, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and bay leaf.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste.

**Step 4: Simmer the Stew**

* Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
* The longer the stew simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.

**Step 5: Adjust and Serve**

* Remove the bay leaf from the stew.
* Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or other spices to your liking.
* If the stew is too thick, add a little more chicken broth to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.
* Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme, if desired. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated cheese is also a delicious addition.

## Tips for Making the Best Ground Turkey Stew

* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pot:** If you’re making a large batch of stew, it’s best to brown the ground turkey in batches to prevent overcrowding the pot. Overcrowding can lower the temperature of the pot and prevent the turkey from browning properly.
* **Use Quality Ingredients:** The flavor of the stew will be directly affected by the quality of the ingredients you use. Choose fresh, high-quality vegetables and lean ground turkey.
* **Don’t Skip the Simmering Time:** The simmering time is crucial for allowing the flavors to meld together and for the potatoes to become tender. The longer the stew simmers, the better it will taste.
* **Adjust the Seasoning to Your Liking:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and seasonings to create your perfect stew. Taste the stew frequently and adjust the seasoning as needed.
* **Add a Thickening Agent (Optional):** If you prefer a thicker stew, you can add a thickening agent, such as a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) or a roux (equal parts butter and flour cooked together). Add the thickening agent to the stew during the last 15 minutes of simmering.
* **Add a Splash of Acid:** A splash of acid, such as lemon juice or vinegar, can brighten up the flavors of the stew. Add a tablespoon or two of lemon juice or vinegar during the last few minutes of simmering.

## Variations and Adaptations

This ground turkey stew recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas for variations and adaptations:

* **Spicy Ground Turkey Stew:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the stew for a spicy kick.
* **Italian Ground Turkey Stew:** Add Italian seasoning, oregano, and basil to the stew for an Italian-inspired flavor. You can also add some cooked Italian sausage.
* **Mexican Ground Turkey Stew:** Add chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika to the stew for a Mexican-inspired flavor. You can also add some corn and black beans.
* **Vegetarian Ground Turkey Stew:** Substitute the ground turkey with plant-based ground “meat” or lentils. Be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Whole30 Ground Turkey Stew:** Omit the potatoes and Worcestershire sauce (or use a Whole30-compliant version). Add more vegetables, such as cauliflower or sweet potatoes.
* **Instant Pot Ground Turkey Stew:** Brown the ground turkey in the Instant Pot using the sauté function. Then, add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
* **Slow Cooker Ground Turkey Stew:** Brown the ground turkey in a skillet. Then, add the ground turkey and remaining ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

## Serving Suggestions

This ground turkey stew is a complete meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to make it even more enjoyable:

* **Serve with crusty bread:** For dipping into the flavorful broth.
* **Serve with a side salad:** For a light and refreshing complement.
* **Top with sour cream or Greek yogurt:** For a creamy and tangy topping.
* **Top with grated cheese:** For a cheesy and comforting topping.
* **Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme:** For a pop of color and flavor.

## Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Leftover ground turkey stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the stew in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat, or in the microwave. Add a little chicken broth if the stew has thickened too much during storage.
* **Freezing:** Ground turkey stew can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw the stew overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used. However, a typical serving of ground turkey stew (about 1.5 cups) contains approximately:

* Calories: 300-400
* Protein: 25-35 grams
* Fat: 10-20 grams
* Carbohydrates: 25-35 grams
* Fiber: 5-10 grams

## Recipe Card

**Easy Ground Turkey Stew**

A hearty and flavorful stew made with lean ground turkey, vegetables, and aromatic spices. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 45 minutes
**Total Time:** 1 hour
**Servings:** 6

**Ingredients:**

* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 pound lean ground turkey
* 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 1.5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 2 tablespoons tomato paste
* 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (gluten-free if needed)
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 bay leaf
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

**Instructions:**

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain excess grease.
3. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, 5-7 minutes.
4. Add garlic; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. Stir in potatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
7. Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley, if desired.

**Notes:**

* For a thicker stew, simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce the liquid, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) during the last 15 minutes of simmering.
* For a spicy stew, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
* Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Enjoy this comforting and easy ground turkey stew! This will surely be a family favorite.