Love this recipe? Save it to Pinterest before you forget!
Why You'll Love This wholesome slow cooker turkey and winter squash stew for family
- Easy to Make: This recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few minutes of prep time and a slow cooker to do the rest.
- Healthy and Nutritious: This stew is packed with nutritious ingredients, including lean turkey, winter squash, and a variety of vegetables.
- Customizable: You can customize this recipe to suit your family's tastes and dietary needs, adding or substituting ingredients as you see fit.
- Slow Cooker Friendly: This recipe is perfect for busy families, as it can be made in a slow cooker and left to simmer all day.
- Delicious and Flavorful: The combination of turkey, winter squash, and spices creates a delicious and flavorful stew that's sure to become a family favorite.
- Perfect for Large Gatherings: This recipe makes a large batch of stew, perfect for feeding a crowd or for meal prep.
- Cost-Effective: This recipe is budget-friendly and uses affordable ingredients, making it a great option for families on a budget.
- Comforting and Warm: This stew is the perfect comfort food, providing a warm and cozy meal that's sure to soothe the soul.
Ingredient Breakdown
The key ingredients in this recipe are the turkey breast, winter squash, onions, garlic, and chicken broth. The turkey breast provides lean protein, while the winter squash adds natural sweetness and creamy texture. The onions and garlic add a depth of flavor, while the chicken broth provides moisture and richness. When selecting these ingredients, choose fresh and high-quality options to ensure the best flavor and texture. For the turkey breast, look for organic and hormone-free options. For the winter squash, choose a variety that's sweet and tender, such as butternut or acorn squash. For the onions and garlic, choose fresh and firm options, and for the chicken broth, choose a low-sodium option to control the salt content.
How to Make wholesome slow cooker turkey and winter squash stew for family
Chop the onions and garlic, and slice the winter squash into 1-inch cubes. Season the turkey breast with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, and sear the turkey breast until browned on all sides. Remove the turkey from the skillet, and set it aside.
Reduce the heat to medium, and cook the onions and garlic until they're softened and fragrant. Add a pinch of salt to help bring out their natural sweetness.
Add the sliced winter squash to the skillet, and cook until it's tender and lightly browned. Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs.
Add the seared turkey breast, cooked onions and garlic, and roasted winter squash to the slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth, and season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs.
Cook the stew on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The turkey should be tender and falling apart, and the winter squash should be creamy and tender.
Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs and crusty bread on the side. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors and the love that goes into making this recipe.
Tips for Perfect Results
Choose fresh and high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor and texture. This includes organic turkey breast, fresh winter squash, and low-sodium chicken broth.
Cook the turkey breast until it's tender and falling apart, but avoid overcooking it. This can make the meat dry and tough.
Add aromatics like onions, garlic, and herbs to the stew for added depth of flavor. These ingredients will simmer and meld together, creating a rich and savory broth.
Choose a slow cooker that's large enough to hold all the ingredients, but not so large that the stew is too thin. A 6-quart slow cooker is perfect for this recipe.
Let the stew simmer for at least 6 hours to allow the flavors to meld together and the turkey to become tender. This will also help to break down the connective tissues in the meat, making it fall-apart tender.
Experiment with different spices and herbs to add unique flavors to the stew. Some options include dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves, or a pinch of cumin and paprika.
Serve the stew with crusty bread on the side to mop up the flavorful broth. This adds a satisfying texture and helps to soak up all the delicious juices.
Make this recipe a family affair by involving everyone in the cooking process. Let the kids help with chopping the vegetables, or have them stir the stew and add the spices.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Overcooking the Turkey:
Fix: Cook the turkey breast until it's tender and falling apart, but avoid overcooking it. This can make the meat dry and tough.
-
Not Browning the Turkey:
Fix: Brown the turkey breast on all sides before adding it to the slow cooker. This will create a rich and savory crust on the meat.
-
Not Using Enough Liquid:
Fix: Use enough liquid to cover the ingredients and create a rich and flavorful broth. This can include chicken broth, water, or a combination of the two.
-
Not Seasoning Enough:
Fix: Season the stew liberally with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices. This will add depth and complexity to the dish.
Variations & Substitutions
Substitute the turkey breast with roasted vegetables, such as eggplant, zucchini, and red bell peppers. Add some chickpeas or cannellini beans for protein and fiber.
Use gluten-free chicken broth and omit the wheat-based ingredients, such as bread or pasta. You can also substitute the turkey breast with gluten-free sausage or chicken.
Add some heat to the stew by incorporating spicy ingredients, such as diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes. You can also use spicy sausage or chicken for added flavor.
Add some Mediterranean flair to the stew by incorporating ingredients, such as Kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, and feta cheese. You can also use lemon juice and oregano for added brightness and flavor.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Store the stew at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, refrigerate or freeze it to prevent bacterial growth.
Store the stew in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently over low heat, or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
Store the stew in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, or reheat it from frozen in the slow cooker or on the stovetop.
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 use frozen winter squash?
Yes, you can use frozen winter squash, but it's best to thaw it first and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the stew. Frozen squash can be more watery than fresh, so adjust the amount of liquid accordingly.
Can I add other ingredients to the stew?
Yes, you can customize this recipe to suit your family's tastes and dietary needs. Some ideas include adding diced carrots, potatoes, or green beans, or using different types of protein, such as chicken or beef.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check the ingredients of your chicken broth and any store-bought spices or seasonings to ensure they are gluten-free.
Can I make this in a Dutch oven?
Yes, you can make this recipe in a Dutch oven on the stovetop or in the oven. Brown the turkey and cook the vegetables in the Dutch oven, then add the liquid and simmer until the stew is hot and flavorful.
Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?
Yes, this recipe makes a large batch of stew that's perfect for feeding a crowd. You can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a larger group, and it's a great option for potlucks or family gatherings.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, or reheat them from frozen in the slow cooker or on the stovetop.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, this recipe is a healthy and nutritious option for a weeknight dinner. The turkey breast provides lean protein, while the winter squash and vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The stew is also low in calories and fat, making it a great option for those watching their diet.
wholesome slow cooker turkey and winter squash stew for family
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless turkey breast or thighs
- 2 medium winter squash (such as butternut or acorn), peeled and cubed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the ingredients. Peel and cube the winter squash, chop the onion, and mince the garlic. Season the turkey with salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Step 2: Brown the turkey. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the turkey and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the turkey from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: Sauté the onion and garlic. Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Step 4: Add the squash and cook until tender. Add the cubed winter squash to the skillet and cook until tender, about 10-12 minutes.
- Step 5: Add the remaining ingredients to the slow cooker. Add the browned turkey, cooked squash and onion mixture, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. 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 chopped fresh parsley.
Recipe Notes
- Storage tip: Cool the stew to room temperature, then refrigerate or freeze for later use.
- Make ahead: Prepare the ingredients and cook the stew up to a day in advance.
- Substitution: Swap the winter squash for sweet potatoes or carrots if desired.
- Pro tip: Use a slow cooker liner to make cleanup easier.
- Variation: Add other vegetables, such as diced bell peppers or chopped kale, to the stew for added flavor and nutrition.
- Leftovers: Use leftover stew as a filling for sandwiches or as a topping for baked potatoes.
