Grilled Turkey Stew: The Easiest One-Pot Recipe

January 27, 2026

By:

Grilled turkey stew. Those three words conjure up a memory of a crisp autumn evening, the scent of wood smoke mingling with savory spices. My grandmother always made it after Thanksgiving, a delicious way to transform leftover turkey into something new and exciting. This grilled turkey stew is a modern twist on her classic, adding smoky char to the turkey for an even deeper flavor.

This recipe is perfect for those cooler days when you crave something comforting and hearty. It’s also incredibly easy to make, proving that delicious food doesn’t need to be complicated. This grilled turkey stew is way better than canned soup and you already know it.

Why You Will Love This grilled turkey stew Recipe

There are so many reasons to fall in love with this recipe. First, it’s incredibly comforting, filled with tender turkey and flavorful vegetables in a rich, savory broth. The grilling step adds a depth of flavor that you just can’t get any other way.

Second, it’s surprisingly quick and easy to make. Perfect for busy weeknights! The use of leftover turkey cuts down on prep time, and the stew simmers to perfection in under an hour.

Third, the flavour! The combination of smoky grilled turkey, aromatic vegetables, and warm spices creates a truly unforgettable taste. Fourth, it’s easily customized to your preferences; add more or less spice, swap vegetables, and create something completely your own. Follow us on Pinterest for more great recipe ideas!

grilled turkey stew - Detail or variation — Close-up detail

Ingredients Needed for This grilled turkey stew Recipe

For the Turkey:

* 2 tablespoons olive oil * 1 pound cooked turkey, cut into 1 inch cubes * 1 teaspoon smoked paprika * 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder * Salt and pepper to taste

For the Stew:

* 1 tablespoon olive oil * 1 large onion, chopped * 2 carrots, peeled and chopped * 2 celery stalks, chopped * 4 cloves garlic, minced * 8 cups chicken broth * 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained * 1 teaspoon dried thyme * 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary * 1 bay leaf * 1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed * 1 cup frozen peas * Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make This grilled turkey stew Recipe

1. Prepare the Turkey: In a large bowl, toss the cubed turkey with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Grill the Turkey: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Grill the turkey for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly charred and heated through.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add Garlic and Herbs: Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried rosemary to the pot and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
5. Simmer the Stew: Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Add the bay leaf. Bring to a simmer.
6. Add Potatoes: Add the cubed potatoes and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
7. Add Turkey and Peas: Stir in the grilled turkey and frozen peas. Cook for another 5 minutes, until the peas are heated through.
8. Season and Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

If you’re looking for an alternative way to use up leftover turkey, consider making Sheet Pan Turkey Stew for easy cleanup. Or, for a different experience altogether, try Grilled Shrimp Stew.

How to Serve This grilled turkey stew Recipe

This grilled turkey stew is delicious served on its own as a hearty and complete meal. For a more substantial meal, try serving it with crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful broth.

Consider serving it with a side salad for a lighter option. Top with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese for added richness. For plating, ladle the stew into bowls and garnish generously with fresh parsley.

How to Store This grilled turkey stew Recipe

Refrigeration: Allow the stew to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the grilled turkey stew. Transfer the cooled stew to freezer safe containers or bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Reheating: Thaw frozen stew in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.

Tips to Make This grilled turkey stew Recipe

Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to swap out vegetables according to your preferences. Corn, green beans, or spinach would all be great additions. You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
Success Tips: Don’t skip the grilling step! It adds so much flavor to the turkey. Be sure to dice the potatoes into even sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid: Overcooking the potatoes can cause them to become mushy. Simmer until they are just tender.
Pro Tips: For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth. A splash of white wine can add a nice acidity to the stew (add it after sautéing the vegetables).

Helpful Notes for This grilled turkey stew Recipe

Turkey Details: You can use any type of cooked turkey for this recipe, including leftover roasted turkey or smoked turkey. If you don’t have leftover turkey you can buy and grill turkey tenderloins.
Chicken Broth Details: Use low sodium chicken broth to control the amount of salt in the stew.
Equipment Recommendations: A Dutch oven or large pot is ideal for making this stew, but any large pot will work. Grilling is easier with a grill basket to prevent smaller pieces falling through.

Variation of This grilled turkey stew Recipe

Seasonal Twists:

Fall: Add pumpkin chunks or butternut squash for a fall flavor.
Winter: Incorporate root vegetables like parsnips and turnips for added warmth.
Spring: Use fresh spring vegetables like asparagus and peas.

Optional Versions:

Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for some heat.
Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half and half at the end of cooking for a creamier texture. A squeeze of Lemon Stew 2 will give it an extra zest!
Smoked: Use smoked turkey and add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for an even smokier flavor.

What is grilled turkey stew?

Grilled turkey stew is a hearty dish made by grilling turkey and then simmering it in a flavorful broth with vegetables and spices. It’s a great way to use leftover turkey.

How can I make grilled turkey stew?

First grill your turkey for a smoky flavor. Then, combine it with vegetables and broth in a pot to simmer until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together. You can find a detailed recipe online.

What ingredients are typically in grilled turkey stew?

Common ingredients include grilled turkey, onions, carrots, celery, potatoes, broth, and various spices like thyme, paprika, and bay leaf. You can also add other vegetables like corn or green beans.

Can I make grilled turkey stew without a grill?

Yes, you can still achieve a smoky flavor by using liquid smoke or smoked paprika if you don’t have a grill. Alternatively, you can pan-sear the turkey to get some browning before adding it to the stew.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy this new take on Grandmother’s classic. This grilled turkey stew is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of family, flavor, and the joy of cooking. Take the leap. Try it out and let me know what you think. I think you’re going to love it. Remember, good food doesn’t need to be complicated, and this recipe proves just that.