Love this recipe? Save it to Pinterest before you forget!
Why You'll Love This slow cooker turkey and cabbage stew for comforting family dinners
- Easy to Make: This recipe is incredibly simple, requiring just a few minutes of prep time and then letting the slow cooker do the rest.
- Hearty and Comforting: This stew is the perfect comfort food, filled with tender turkey, crunchy cabbage, and a rich, flavorful broth.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices to make this recipe your own.
- Perfect for Busy Families: This recipe is a great option for busy families, as it can be prepared in the morning and then cooked throughout the day, ready to be enjoyed when you need it.
- Affordable: This recipe uses affordable ingredients and makes a large batch, perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.
- Healthy: This stew is a healthy option, filled with lean protein, plenty of vegetables, and a low amount of added salt and sugar.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This recipe can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use, making it perfect for meal prep or planning ahead.
- Delicious Leftovers: This stew is just as delicious the next day, and can be reheated and enjoyed for lunch or dinner.
Ingredient Breakdown
The key ingredients in this recipe are ground turkey, cabbage, carrots, potatoes, and diced tomatoes. The ground turkey provides a lean source of protein, while the cabbage adds a nice crunch and a bit of sweetness. The carrots and potatoes add natural sweetness and a comforting element to the stew, while the diced tomatoes add a burst of juicy flavor. When selecting these ingredients, be sure to choose fresh, high-quality options. For the ground turkey, look for a lean option with a low fat content. For the cabbage, choose a firm head with crisp leaves. For the carrots and potatoes, select firm, fresh options with no signs of spoilage. The diced tomatoes can be fresh or canned, depending on your preference.
How to Make slow cooker turkey and cabbage stew for comforting family dinners
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
Chop the cabbage, carrots, and potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Be sure to remove any tough or fibrous parts from the cabbage.
Add the browned turkey, chopped vegetables, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth to the slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook the stew on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The stew is done when the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Serve the stew hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream, if desired. Enjoy!
Let the stew cool completely, then refrigerate or freeze for later use. Reheat and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Results
Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor and texture in your stew.
Be sure to check the stew regularly to avoid overcooking. The vegetables should be tender, but still crisp.
Add some aromatics, such as onions, garlic, or bay leaves, to the stew for added depth of flavor.
Feel free to experiment with different spices and seasonings to make the stew your own.
Choose a slow cooker that is large enough to hold all of the ingredients and has a reliable temperature control.
Let the stew rest for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Garnish the stew with chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, for a fresh and flavorful touch.
Serve the stew with a side of crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a hearty and comforting meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Not Browning the Turkey:
Fix: Be sure to brown the turkey before adding it to the slow cooker, as this will add flavor and texture to the stew.
-
Overcooking the Vegetables:
Fix: Check the stew regularly to avoid overcooking the vegetables. They should be tender, but still crisp.
-
Not Adding Enough Liquid:
Fix: Be sure to add enough liquid to the stew to cover the ingredients and allow for even cooking.
-
Not Seasoning Enough:
Fix: Be sure to season the stew regularly as it cooks to ensure the best flavor.
Variations & Substitutions
Add some diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes to the stew for an extra kick of heat.
Replace the ground turkey with some sautéed mushrooms or tofu for a vegan version of the stew.
Add some smoked paprika or chipotle peppers to the stew for a smoky, savory flavor.
Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or sweet potatoes, to add some variety to the stew.
Add some heavy cream or coconut milk to the stew for a rich, creamy texture.
Feel free to experiment with different proteins, such as ground beef, pork, or chicken, to add some variety to the stew.
Storage & Make-Ahead
The stew can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Be sure to keep it covered and away from direct sunlight.
The stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Be sure to keep it covered and refrigerate it within 2 hours of cooking.
The stew can be frozen for up to 3 months. Be sure to freeze it in airtight containers or freezer bags and label it with the date and contents.
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 ground beef instead of turkey?
Yes, you can use ground beef instead of turkey. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly. Ground beef can be cooked to a higher temperature than turkey, so be sure to check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches a safe minimum internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Can I add other vegetables to the stew?
Yes, you can add other vegetables to the stew. Some options include diced carrots, sliced bell peppers, or chopped zucchini. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly, and add the vegetables at the right time to ensure they are tender but not overcooked.
Can I make this recipe in a Dutch oven instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this recipe in a Dutch oven instead of a slow cooker. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly. Brown the turkey and cook the vegetables in the Dutch oven, then add the remaining ingredients and simmer over low heat for 30-40 minutes, or until the stew is hot and the flavors have melded together.
Can I freeze the stew for later use?
Yes, you can freeze the stew for later use. Just be sure to cool it to room temperature, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags and label it with the date and contents. Frozen stew can be stored for up to 3 months.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by replacing the ground turkey with some sautéed mushrooms or tofu, and using a vegan broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add some vegan protein sources, such as tempeh or seitan, for added texture and nutrition.
Can I serve this stew with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes?
Yes, you can serve this stew with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes. In fact, these are two of the most popular ways to enjoy this stew. The crusty bread can be used to mop up the flavorful broth, while the mashed potatoes can help to soak up the juices and add some extra creaminess to the dish.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker with a timer?
Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker with a timer. Just be sure to set the timer according to the cooking time and temperature recommended in the recipe, and let the slow cooker do the rest. This is a great way to have a hot, delicious meal ready and waiting for you when you come home from work or school.
slow cooker turkey and cabbage stew for comforting family dinners
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless turkey breast or thighs
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the ingredients. Chop the onion, garlic, cabbage, carrots, and potatoes. Season the turkey with salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Step 2: Brown the turkey. Heat 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 aromatics. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Step 4: Add the vegetables. Add the chopped cabbage, carrots, and potatoes to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are slightly tender, about 5 minutes.
- Step 5: Assemble the stew. In a large slow cooker, add the browned turkey, sautéed aromatics, and vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine.
- Step 6: Cook the stew. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- Step 7: Serve and enjoy. Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
Recipe Notes
- To make this recipe ahead of time, prepare the ingredients and assemble the stew, but do not cook. Refrigerate or freeze until ready to cook.
- You can also use ground turkey or ground beef in place of the turkey breast or thighs.
- For a spicy kick, add a diced jalapeño pepper to the stew.
- To make this recipe in a Dutch oven, brown the turkey and cook the stew on the stovetop or in the oven.
