There’s something special about making a warm, hearty leftover turkey stew from the remains of a delicious roasted turkey. Whether it’s the day after Thanksgiving or just a time when you have extra turkey on hand, this flavor-packed, comforting stew is the perfect way to use those leftovers.
This recipe transforms your shredded turkey into a rich, creamy, and savory stew with tender vegetables, fresh herbs, and a depth of flavor from white wine and broth. It’s a one-pot meal that’s easy to prepare, making it ideal for a cozy family dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Hearty Leftover Turkey Stew
- Perfect for Leftovers – A great way to use extra turkey from holiday meals.
- Rich & Comforting – A creamy, hearty texture with warming flavors.
- Easy One-Pot Recipe – Simple steps with minimal cleanup.
- Nutritious & Satisfying – Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins.
- Customizable – Add your favorite vegetables or swap ingredients based on what you have.
Ingredients for Hearty Leftover Turkey Stew
Here’s everything you need to make this flavorful and creamy turkey stew:
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Yellow onion, diced | 1 large |
| Cremini mushrooms, sliced | 8 oz |
| Carrots, peeled and chopped | 3 medium |
| Celery stalks, chopped | 2 medium |
| Garlic, minced | 4 cloves |
| Yukon gold potatoes, cut into chunks | 1 lb (2-3 potatoes) |
| Fresh sage sprigs | Small handful |
| Fresh thyme sprigs | Small handful |
| Olive oil | ¼ cup |
| Kosher salt | 1 ½ tsp |
| Black pepper, freshly ground | ¼ tsp |
| Low-sodium chicken or turkey broth | 4 cups, divided |
| Cornstarch | 2 tbsp |
| Dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or similar) | ¾ cup |
| Bay leaf | 1 |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | Small bunch |
| Shredded cooked turkey | 3 cups (about 1 lb) |
| Heavy cream | ⅓ cup |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Vegetables
- Dice the onion and slice the cremini mushrooms.
- Peel and chop the carrots, and chop the celery stalks.
- Mince the garlic.
- Cut the Yukon gold potatoes into medium-sized chunks.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat ¼ cup olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion, mushrooms, carrots, celery, and garlic.
- Sauté for 5–7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
3. Add the Potatoes and Herbs
- Add the potatoes to the pot.
- Tie the sage and thyme sprigs together with kitchen twine and add them in.
- Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
4. Simmer the Stew
- Pour in 3 cups of broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
5. Thicken the Stew
- In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 cup of broth with the cornstarch until smooth.
- Stir the mixture into the pot and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly until the stew thickens.
6. Add Wine and Bay Leaf
- Stir in the dry white wine and add the bay leaf.
- Simmer for another 5 minutes to enhance the flavors.
7. Finish the Stew
- Remove the herb sprigs and bay leaf from the pot.
- Stir in the shredded turkey and heavy cream.
- Cook for 5 more minutes, until the turkey is heated through.
8. Garnish and Serve
- Chop the fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the stew before serving.
- Serve hot, with extra fresh parsley for garnish, if desired.
Health Benefits of Hearty Leftover Turkey Stew
1. Packed with Protein
- Turkey is a lean source of protein, essential for muscle growth and overall health.
2. High in Vitamins and Minerals
- Carrots, celery, and potatoes provide vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium, which support immunity and heart health.
3. Rich in Healthy Fats
- Olive oil and heavy cream contribute healthy fats that help with brain function and energy.
4. Gut-Friendly Ingredients
- Garlic, onions, and broth contain compounds that promote digestion and gut health.
5. Perfect for Hydration and Comfort
- A warm bowl of stew hydrates the body while providing comforting nourishment.
Tips for the Best Hearty Leftover Turkey Stew
1. Use High-Quality Turkey
- The best stew comes from moist, well-seasoned leftover turkey.
2. Adjust the Thickness
- Add extra broth for a thinner consistency or mash some potatoes for a thicker texture.
3. Enhance the Flavor
- Try adding a splash of lemon juice or extra herbs before serving.
4. Make It Dairy-Free
- Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a creamy, dairy-free version.
5. Add More Vegetables
- Throw in peas, green beans, or corn for extra nutrition.
Tasty Variations to Try
1. Make It Spicy
- Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
2. Try a Different Protein
- Swap turkey for leftover chicken, ham, or even tofu.
3. Add Grains for Extra Heft
- Stir in cooked rice, quinoa, or barley to make it even heartier.
4. Make It a Slow Cooker Meal
- Cook on low for 6 hours for a hands-off approach.
5. Turn It Into a Pot Pie Filling
- Pour into a baking dish and top with puff pastry or biscuits for a classic pot pie.
Serving Suggestions
This Hearty Leftover Turkey Stew pairs well with:
- Crusty bread for dipping
- Garlic butter rolls for extra indulgence
- A fresh green salad for a lighter side
- Steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal
Storage & Reheating Tips
1. How to Store Leftovers
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months in portioned containers.
2. How to Reheat
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Yes! The flavors get even better the next day.
2. What’s the best wine to use?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works best.
3. Can I make this stew without cornstarch?
Yes! Use flour or mashed potatoes to thicken instead.
4. How do I keep the stew from being too salty?
Use low-sodium broth and season gradually.
5. Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes! Red potatoes or sweet potatoes work well too.
Final Thoughts
This Hearty Leftover Turkey Stew is a simple, delicious, and satisfying way to use up extra turkey. Whether it’s for a cozy dinner or meal prep, this dish is sure to become a favorite!
Try this recipe today and enjoy a warm, comforting bowl of homemade stew!
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Hearty Leftover Turkey Stew: A Comforting and Flavorful Dish
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Warm, creamy, and packed with rich flavors, this Hearty Leftover Turkey Stew is the perfect way to transform your holiday leftovers into a comforting meal. Made with tender shredded turkey, fresh vegetables, and a creamy broth, this stew is both nutritious and satisfying. Enjoy it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete and cozy meal.
Ingredients
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 medium celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound Yukon gold potatoes, cut into chunks
- Small handful of fresh sage sprigs
- Small handful of fresh thyme sprigs
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or turkey broth, divided
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¾ cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1 bay leaf
- Small bunch fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 cups shredded cooked turkey (about 1 pound)
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
Instructions
1. Prepare the Vegetables
- Dice the onion, slice the mushrooms, and chop the carrots and celery.
- Mince the garlic and cut the potatoes into chunks.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion, mushrooms, carrots, celery, and garlic.
- Sauté for 5–7 minutes until fragrant and softened.
3. Add the Potatoes and Herbs
- Stir in the potatoes, sage sprigs, and thyme sprigs.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
4. Simmer the Stew
- Pour in 3 cups of broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender.
5. Thicken the Stew
- In a small bowl, whisk the remaining 1 cup of broth with cornstarch until smooth.
- Stir the mixture into the pot and simmer until thickened.
6. Add Wine and Bay Leaf
- Pour in the dry white wine and add the bay leaf.
- Simmer for 5 minutes to enhance flavors.
7. Finish the Stew
- Remove the herb sprigs and bay leaf from the pot.
- Stir in the shredded turkey and heavy cream.
- Simmer for 5 minutes until heated through.
8. Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap heavy cream for coconut milk.
- Thicker Stew: Mash some of the potatoes or add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch.
- Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American