Love this recipe? Save it to Pinterest before you forget!
Why You'll Love This Comforting Slow Cooker Turkey Stew with Kale and Carrots for Families
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or weekends.
- Healthy and Nutritious: The addition of kale and carrots provides a boost of vitamins and antioxidants, making this stew a great option for families.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients or spices to make this recipe your own.
- Slow Cooker Friendly: This recipe is designed to be cooked in a slow cooker, making it easy to prepare and forget.
- Comforting and Delicious: The combination of tender turkey, flavorful broth, and nutritious vegetables creates a comforting meal that's sure to become a family favorite.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe makes a large batch, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
- Budget-Friendly: This recipe uses affordable ingredients, making it a great option for families on a budget.
- Freezer-Friendly: This recipe can be frozen for up to 3 months, making it a great option for future meals.
Ingredient Breakdown
The key ingredients in this recipe are the turkey breast, kale, carrots, onions, garlic, and chicken broth. The turkey breast provides lean protein, while the kale and carrots add a burst of color and nutrition. The onions and garlic add a depth of flavor, and the chicken broth helps to create a rich and savory sauce. When selecting these ingredients, choose fresh and high-quality options to ensure the best flavor and texture. For the turkey breast, look for a lean cut with minimal fat. For the kale and carrots, choose fresh and crisp options. For the onions and garlic, choose sweet and flavorful options. As for the chicken broth, use a low-sodium option to control the salt content of the dish.
How to Make Comforting Slow Cooker Turkey Stew with Kale and Carrots for Families
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the turkey breast and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the turkey from the skillet and set aside.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the sliced onions to the skillet. Cook until the onions are softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Add the chopped kale and sliced carrots to the skillet. Cook until the kale is wilted and the carrots are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the browned turkey, cooked onions, garlic, kale, and carrots to the slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth and add any desired spices or seasonings.
Cook the stew on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Tips for Perfect Results
Browning the turkey breast before adding it to the slow cooker adds a rich and depthful flavor to the stew.
Cooking the stew for too long can result in tough and dry turkey. Cook it until the turkey is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
Adding aromatics like onions, garlic, and carrots to the skillet before cooking the turkey adds a depth of flavor to the stew.
Using fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary adds a bright and fresh flavor to the stew.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices and seasonings to find the perfect flavor combination for your family.
Serve the stew with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes to make it a filling and satisfying meal.
This stew freezes beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or future meals.
Add some heat to the stew by adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Overcooking the Turkey: Cooking the turkey for too long can result in tough and dry meat. Cook it until it's tender and juicy.
Fix: Check the turkey regularly and remove it from the slow cooker when it's cooked through.
-
Not Browning the Turkey: Not browning the turkey breast before adding it to the slow cooker can result in a lack of flavor.
Fix: Brown the turkey breast in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker to add a rich and depthful flavor.
-
Not Using Fresh Herbs: Using dried herbs instead of fresh herbs can result in a lack of flavor.
Fix: Use fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary to add a bright and fresh flavor to the stew.
-
Not Experimenting with Spices: Not experimenting with different spices and seasonings can result in a boring and flavorless stew.
Fix: Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices and seasonings to find the perfect flavor combination for your family.
Variations & Substitutions
Replace the turkey breast with portobello mushrooms or eggplant to create a vegetarian version of the stew.
Replace the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour to create a gluten-free version of the stew.
Replace the heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative like almond milk or coconut cream to create a dairy-free version of the stew.
Add diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes to the stew to give it a spicy kick.
Add canned diced tomatoes to the stew to create a tomato-based version.
Add a cup of white wine to the stew to create a rich and flavorful sauce.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Store the stew at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After 2 hours, refrigerate or freeze the stew to prevent bacterial growth.
Store the stew in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the stew to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Store the stew in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw the stew overnight in the refrigerator and reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this recipe up to 2 days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving. The flavors actually improve as they meld together overnight.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes! This recipe freezes beautifully. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
What type of turkey breast should I use?
You can use either boneless, skinless turkey breast or turkey tenderloin. If using a bone-in turkey breast, make sure to remove the bones before serving.
Can I add other vegetables to the stew?
Yes! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the stew. Some great options include diced bell peppers, sliced zucchini, or chopped spinach.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten intolerance or sensitivity. Just be sure to use gluten-free chicken broth and check the ingredients of any store-bought spices or seasonings.
Can I make this recipe in a Dutch oven?
Yes! You can make this recipe in a Dutch oven on the stovetop or in the oven. Simply brown the turkey and cook the vegetables in the Dutch oven, then add the chicken broth and simmer until the stew is hot and bubbly.
How do I reheat the stew?
You can reheat the stew in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven. Reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Can I serve this stew at a party?
Yes! This stew is perfect for a party or gathering. Serve it with some crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a filling and satisfying meal.
Comforting Slow Cooker Turkey Stew with Kale and Carrots for Families
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless turkey breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 cups chopped kale, stems removed and discarded, leaves coarsely chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients. Chop the onion, carrots, and kale. Mince the garlic. Cut the turkey into 1-inch pieces.
- Step 2: Brown the Turkey. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the turkey and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the turkey from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: Soften the Onions and Carrots. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the chopped carrots and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Step 4: Add the Garlic and Thyme. Add the minced garlic and dried thyme to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Step 5: Assemble the Stew. In the slow cooker, combine the browned turkey, softened onions and carrots, garlic and thyme mixture, chopped kale, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Step 6: Cook the Stew. Cook the stew on low for 6 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Step 7: Serve and Enjoy. Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Recipe Notes
- To make ahead, prepare the ingredients and assemble the stew, but do not cook. Refrigerate or freeze until ready to cook.
- To freeze, cool the stew to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Label and date the container or bag. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, thaw the stew overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the slow cooker or on the stovetop until hot and steaming.
- You can also make this recipe in a Dutch oven or large pot on the stovetop. Brown the turkey and cook the vegetables, then add the remaining ingredients and simmer until the stew is hot and the flavors have melded together.
