One Pot Turkey Stew: Easiest Comfort Food Recipe

December 14, 2025

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One pot turkey stew. Doesn’t that sound like the ultimate comfort food? This hearty dish is a complete meal in a bowl, perfect for those chilly evenings when you crave something warm and satisfying. Made entirely in one pot turkey stew is a dream come true for busy weeknights and lazy weekends alike.

Growing up, my grandmother always had a pot of something bubbling on the stove. Often, it was a hearty stew, and this recipe is inspired by those memories. It’s a simple, flavorful dish that brings back feelings of warmth, family, and delicious homemade food. Now, let's get cooking!

Why You Will Love This one pot turkey stew Recipe

This one pot turkey stew recipe is designed to bring joy to your kitchen and smiles to your dinner table. It’s incredibly comforting, packed with savory flavors, and surprisingly quick to put together. The best part? Cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks in a single pot!

I remember one particularly frantic week when I was juggling deadlines and travel. A friend brought over a similar stew, and it was a lifesaver. It was wholesome, delicious, and required minimal effort. That’s the feeling I want to share with you through this recipe simple comfort when you need it most. You can also simplify the cleanup even further by skipping the separate sides and find it all in one dish. Think of it as a complete meal that is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.

Ingredients Needed for This one pot turkey stew Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious one pot turkey stew. Don’t worry if you need to substitute an ingredient or two; stews are very forgiving!

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 pound cooked turkey, cubed
4 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 bay leaf
1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make This one pot turkey stew Recipe

Follow these simple steps to create a hearty and flavorful one pot turkey stew that your whole family will love.

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 7 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Sautéing the garlic before the other ingredients, lets your ingredients absorb all of the flavors. Doing it in this order is important for the overall balance of the dish.

Stir in the cubed cooked turkey, chicken broth, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes. It is important to simmer, and not boil after adding broth, as that will change the consistency. Make sure to keep a close eye.
Add the cubed potatoes and continue simmering for another 15 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. The tenderness of the potatos adds a softness to the overall texture of the stew.
Stir in the frozen peas and chopped fresh parsley. Cook for a few more minutes until the peas are heated through.

Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Ensure every bowl is as flavorful as can be!

How to Serve This one pot turkey stew Recipe

This one pot turkey stew is fantastic served on its own as a complete meal. However, here are a few ideas to elevate the experience:

Bread: Serve with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls for soaking up the broth.
Toppings: Offer a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for added richness. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like dill or chives can also enhance the flavor.
Sides: A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty stew.

How to Store This one pot turkey stew Recipe

Proper storage will keep your leftover one pot turkey stew tasting delicious for days.

Refrigeration: Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 4 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the stew in individual portions using freezer safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 2 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat the stew on the stovetop over medium heat, or in the microwave. If frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Tips to Make This one pot turkey stew Recipe

Here are some tips to ensure your one pot turkey stew turns out perfectly every time:

Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to substitute vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Carrots and celery can be swapped for parsnips, the choice is yours!
Success Tips: Don’t overcook the potatoes. They should be tender but not mushy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid: Avoid adding too much salt, as the chicken broth can already be quite salty. Taste and adjust as needed.
Pro Tips: For a thicker stew, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot.

Helpful Notes for This one pot turkey stew Recipe

A few extra notes for ensuring your one pot turkey stew is a success:

Turkey: You can use leftover roasted turkey, rotisserie turkey, or even ground turkey.
Broth: For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth.
Herbs: Fresh herbs will add a brighter flavor, but dried herbs work well too. Adjust the amount to your liking.
Consistency: If your stew is too thick, add more broth. If it’s too thin, simmer it uncovered for a bit to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.

Variation of This one pot turkey stew Recipe

Want to mix things up a bit? Here are a few variations to try with your one pot turkey stew:

Seasonal Twists: In the fall, add butternut squash or pumpkin for a sweeter flavor. In the spring, add asparagus or spinach for a fresher taste.
Optional Versions: Make it spicy by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño.
Creative Modifications: Try adding different grains like barley or quinoa for a heartier stew.

Remember, Follow us on Pinterest for more delicious and easy recipes! Also, for another delicious one-pot recipe, consider trying these One Pot Turkey Tacos. If you're in the mood for beef, give our One Pot Beef Casserole a try! You might even enjoy our Stir Fry Beef Stew.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you thicken one pot turkey stew?

You can thicken turkey stew by adding a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and cold water) towards the end of cooking. Stir it in gradually until the desired consistency is reached. Alternatively, you can mash some of the potatoes in the stew to naturally thicken it.

What vegetables go well in turkey stew?

Common vegetables that work well in turkey stew include carrots, celery, potatoes, onions, and peas. You can also add other vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or green beans to customize the stew to your liking.

Can I freeze one pot turkey stew?

Yes, turkey stew freezes well! Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

How long does one pot turkey stew last in the fridge?

Properly stored in an airtight container, one pot turkey stew will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Ensure the stew has cooled completely before refrigerating to prevent bacterial growth.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy this one pot turkey stew as much as my family and I do. It’s a simple, comforting, and incredibly versatile recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and make it your own. I'd love to hear about your experiences with this one pot turkey stew! Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out.