I like hearty stews with lots of tender meat and soft vegetables, but the magic in this Turkey and Potato Stew is the way the broth becomes rich and flavorful without being heavy, and the combination of herbs and spices gives it a subtle warmth and freshness that makes every spoonful comforting and satisfying. There’s something so comforting about a big, steaming bowl of turkey and potato stew. It’s hearty, warm, and perfect for chilly days when you want food that feels like a hug. The tender turkey pieces, soft potatoes, and sweet carrots swimming in a savory, aromatic broth make this stew one of my favorites.

This stew is also very flexible—you can add extra vegetables, swap herbs, or make it creamier with a touch of cream. I like to make a big batch so I can enjoy it for a few days, and it even tastes better the next day because the flavors continue to develop. It’s the kind of meal that’s perfect for family dinners, weeknight comfort food, or even when you have guests and want something homemade and satisfying.

I have always loved meals that are simple but feel special, I use fresh herbs, quality turkey, and good stock to bring depth to this dish. Always stir gently, taste often, and adjust seasoning slowly to get the stew exactly right.

You can serve this stew in big bowls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, some warm crusty bread or soft dinner rolls, also with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables to round out the meal.

Its Perfect For:

• Cozy weeknight dinners at home
• Family gatherings where everyone needs a filling meal
• Meal prep because it tastes even better the next day
• Comfort food after a long, busy day
• Holiday leftovers transformed into a warming dinner

Ingredients

• 1 lb turkey breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cups chicken or turkey broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for a richer stew)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Wooden spoon for stirring
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle for serving
• Mixing bowls for prepping ingredients
• Small saucepan (if you decide to thicken the broth)

How to Make Turkey and Potato Stew

Step 1

Prepare the turkey: Pat the turkey pieces dry with a paper towel, then season lightly with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and a pinch of thyme. This helps lock in flavor and gives a subtle aroma during cooking. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the turkey pieces in a single layer and sear them until golden brown on all sides, about 4–5 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pot—work in batches if necessary. Once browned, remove the turkey and set aside.

Step 2

Sauté the aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and carrots. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until the onions turn translucent and slightly golden, releasing their natural sweetness. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning. The combination of garlic, onion, and carrot forms the flavor base for your stew.

Step 3

Build the stew: Return the turkey to the pot. Add the diced potatoes, chicken or turkey broth, remaining thyme, rosemary, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 40–45 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The potatoes should be tender, the turkey fully cooked, and the broth infused with rich, hearty flavors.

Step 4

Finish the stew: If you like a creamy touch, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream at this stage, letting it warm through for 2–3 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. The stew should be thick, velvety, and comforting, with every bite offering tender turkey and soft, flavorful potatoes.

Step 5

Serve: Spoon the stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot, ideally with warm bread or a simple green salad on the side. The combination of tender turkey, hearty potatoes, and aromatic broth makes this stew perfect for cozy dinners or family gatherings.

Tips For Best Turkey and Potato Stew

• Always brown the turkey first to lock in flavor. It adds depth to the stew and prevents the meat from tasting bland. Don’t rush this step—take your time.
• Cut potatoes and carrots into uniform sizes. This ensures they cook evenly and all pieces have the perfect tender texture.
• Use low heat for simmering. Slow cooking allows flavors to meld and the meat to stay juicy. Avoid boiling, which can make the turkey tough.
• Taste and adjust seasoning often. Adding a little extra salt, pepper, or herbs near the end ensures a well-balanced stew.
• Add herbs at different stages. Include some at the start for deep flavor and some fresh ones at the end for brightness.
• Let the stew rest before serving. This helps the flavors settle and intensify, giving the stew a richer taste.
• Use high-quality broth or stock. It forms the base of your stew, and using good stock dramatically improves the final flavor.

Optional Ingredients

• Celery for extra crunch and natural sweetness
• Parsnips for a nutty, earthy flavor
• Peas added in the last 10 minutes for color and freshness
• Sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for variety
• A splash of cream for a richer, silkier stew
• Bay leaves for a subtle depth of aroma

How to Serve Turkey and Potato Stew

I usually serve this stew in generous bowls, making sure each serving has a perfect mix of turkey, potatoes, and vegetables. I like to sprinkle fresh parsley or thyme on top, which not only makes it look beautiful but adds a touch of herbal freshness to every bite. Sometimes I drizzle a tiny bit of olive oil for extra shine and richness.

I also love pairing it with warm bread, dinner rolls, or a crusty baguette. The bread is perfect for soaking up the savory broth. On the side, I sometimes serve a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the warmth and richness of the stew. If I’m feeling extra cozy, a small side of roasted root vegetables like carrots or parsnips completes the meal beautifully.

For leftovers, I reheat the stew slowly on the stovetop, adding a little water or broth if needed. I love serving it with a sprinkle of grated cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or even a dash of smoked paprika to refresh the flavors. Each bowl feels special, and the stew warms the heart as much as the stomach.

Is Turkey and Potato Stew Healthy?

Yes, turkey and potato stew is very healthy. Turkey is a lean protein that helps keep you full and supports muscle health.

Potatoes, carrots, and other vegetables provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The light broth keeps it low in fat, especially if you skip extra cream. This stew is nourishing and satisfying without being heavy.

Variations and Substitutions

• Chicken instead of turkey: Use chicken thighs or breasts. The cooking method remains the same, and you still get a hearty, flavorful stew.
• Vegetarian version: Replace turkey with chickpeas and add extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. Use vegetable broth as the base.
• Creamy stew: Stir in half a cup of cream at the end for a rich, velvety texture. Works well with mashed potatoes on the side.
• Spicy version: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika and a pinch of chili flakes. Gives the stew a subtle heat without overpowering flavors.
• Herb-forward: Use fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage generously. Adds a fragrant, almost garden-fresh aroma to each bite.
• Root vegetable mix: Include parsnips, turnips, or rutabaga along with potatoes. Adds variety in texture and flavor.
• Slow cooker version: Cook everything on low for 6–8 hours. The meat becomes incredibly tender, and the vegetables soak up all the flavors.
• Mashed potato topping: Turn the stew into a rustic casserole by topping it with mashed potatoes and baking until golden.

How to Store, How to Reheat

Store your turkey and potato stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion if freezing.

To reheat, gently warm the stew on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a little water or broth to loosen the consistency if needed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and heat until everything is piping hot. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, covering loosely and stirring halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey and Potato Stew

Can I use leftover turkey?
Yes, leftover cooked turkey works beautifully. Add it near the end of cooking so it doesn’t dry out. It’s perfect for turning last night’s dinner into a fresh, comforting stew.

Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the turkey first to keep it flavorful, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours, and you’ll get tender meat and perfectly soft vegetables.

Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables save prep time. Just reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid mushy textures. Peas or corn can be added in the last 10 minutes for freshness.

How thick should the stew be?
It should be thick enough to coat a spoon but still have a bit of liquid. If it’s too thick, add a little broth or water while reheating. If too thin, simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce the liquid.

Turkey and Potato Stew Recipe

Recipe by Maria MeyerCourse: Main CourseCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

1

hour 

Cozy up with this easy Turkey and Potato Stew recipe! Tender turkey, soft potatoes, and flavorful vegetables simmered in a savory broth. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or comforting weeknight meals.

Ingredients

• 1 lb turkey breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

• 2 carrots, sliced

• 1 onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 4 cups chicken or turkey broth

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for a richer stew)

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

• Prepare the turkey: Pat the turkey pieces dry with a paper towel, then season lightly with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and a pinch of thyme. This helps lock in flavor and gives a subtle aroma during cooking. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the turkey pieces in a single layer and sear them until golden brown on all sides, about 4–5 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pot—work in batches if necessary. Once browned, remove the turkey and set aside.
• Sauté the aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and carrots. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until the onions turn translucent and slightly golden, releasing their natural sweetness. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning. The combination of garlic, onion, and carrot forms the flavor base for your stew.
• Build the stew: Return the turkey to the pot. Add the diced potatoes, chicken or turkey broth, remaining thyme, rosemary, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 40–45 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The potatoes should be tender, the turkey fully cooked, and the broth infused with rich, hearty flavors.
• Finish the stew: If you like a creamy touch, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream at this stage, letting it warm through for 2–3 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. The stew should be thick, velvety, and comforting, with every bite offering tender turkey and soft, flavorful potatoes.
• Serve: Spoon the stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot, ideally with warm bread or a simple green salad on the side. The combination of tender turkey, hearty potatoes, and aromatic broth makes this stew perfect for cozy dinners or family gatherings.