Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey is the gift that keeps on giving—and what better way to turn that leftover bird into a hearty, cozy meal than with a pot of comforting Turkey Stew? Picture this: chunks of tender turkey swimming with carrots, celery, tomatoes, and potatoes in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s the kind of stew that warms you up from the inside out while making your kitchen smell like comfort and home.
The best part? This Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey recipe comes together in just 25 minutes—perfect for when you’ve had enough of reheating plain turkey but still crave that post-holiday coziness. Whether it’s the day after Thanksgiving or a chilly weeknight in January, this stew is an easy, one-pot miracle that turns “leftovers” into something worth celebrating again.
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What is Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Stew?
Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Stew is a wholesome, hearty meal that transforms your leftover holiday turkey into a brand-new dish that tastes nothing like leftovers. It’s a thick, savory stew made with diced turkey, tender potatoes, carrots, celery, and tomatoes simmered in flavorful broth. Think of it as the comforting cousin of chicken soup, but richer, bolder, and far more satisfying. Unlike some leftover recipes that feel like repeats, this one truly reinvents the turkey—thanks to the depth of flavor from thyme, bay leaf, and a hint of garlic.
Plus, it’s naturally packed with nutrients, low in fat, and easy on the wallet. If you love dishes like Hearty One-Pot Lentil Stew or Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup, this recipe fits right in with that same rustic, wholesome vibe. It’s the kind of simple comfort food that makes you look forward to leftovers.
Reasons to Try Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Stew
Let’s be honest: by the Saturday after Thanksgiving, the sight of plain turkey can make anyone sigh. That’s where Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Stew swoops in to save the day. It’s quick (25 minutes from start to finish), incredibly filling, and perfect for using up all those bits of turkey without it feeling like a repeat of Thursday’s dinner. The flavors blend beautifully—the mild sweetness of carrots and onions, the tang of tomatoes, and that herby hit of thyme make every spoonful taste fresh and new. Plus, it’s family-friendly.
Even the kids who gave the turkey side-eye at Thanksgiving will happily dive into a bowl of this. Bonus: it freezes well and reheats beautifully, so you can portion it for future cozy nights. If you’re a fan of hearty dishes like Sweet Potato and Turkey Casserole or Butternut Squash Chili with Turkey, you’ll absolutely love this stew.
Ingredients Needed to Make Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Stew
- 1 tsp olive oil
- ½ white, yellow, or sweet onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup carrots (sliced)
- 1 cup celery (sliced)
- 6 cups chicken or turkey broth
- 16 oz diced tomatoes (drained)
- 2 red potatoes (cubed into 1-inch pieces)
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 cups cooked turkey (diced)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions to Make Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Stew
If you’ve ever wondered how to make the most out of your holiday leftovers, this Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Stew step-by-step guide will show you exactly how to turn those fridge treasures into a bowl of comfort and flavor. Follow along as we transform your leftover turkey into something warm, nourishing, and downright delicious—without any fuss.
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients Like a Pro
Before you even turn on the stove, take a few minutes to get organized. Dice your onion, mince the garlic, slice your carrots and celery, and cube your red potatoes. Having everything prepped before cooking makes this step-by-step process so much smoother—trust me, it’s the secret to keeping dinner stress-free! If you’re new to ingredient prep or want more time-saving tricks, check out my guide on Hearty One-Pot Lentil Stew for easy chopping and prepping ideas that make weeknight cooking simpler.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics for Flavor
Now, it’s time to build your flavor foundation. In a large Dutch oven (6 quarts works best), heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add your diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn soft and golden and the garlic fills your kitchen with that irresistible aroma. This step-by-step foundation is what gives your stew that rich, homemade flavor that tastes like it’s been simmering all day—even though it hasn’t!
Step 3: Add the Veggies and Broth
Here’s where your stew starts to come alive. Add in your sliced carrots and celery, letting them mingle with the onion and garlic for about a minute. Then, pour in the chicken or turkey broth, followed by the diced tomatoes, cubed potatoes, thyme, and bay leaf. Give it a good stir, then bring the pot to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This step-by-step simmering process allows the vegetables to soften and absorb all those comforting flavors. Want a fun twist? Swap the potatoes for sweet potatoes to add a little natural sweetness—just like in my Ground Turkey Sweet Potatoes recipe.
Step 4: Add the Star Ingredient – Leftover Turkey
Now for the main attraction—your leftover turkey! Add the diced cooked turkey directly into the pot and stir gently. This step is where the stew starts to feel like comfort in a bowl. The turkey soaks up all those savory, herby notes, giving it a whole new life. If you’re short on leftover turkey, you can easily substitute cooked chicken instead—similar to what I use in my Chicken Vegetable Soup. Keep stirring occasionally and let the stew simmer for another 5 minutes so the flavors can fully blend together.
Step 5: Thicken the Stew to Perfection
This step-by-step thickening trick is what makes the stew rich and satisfying. Scoop out about one cup of hot broth into a small bowl. Whisk in the flour until it’s smooth and lump-free (a fork works just fine if you don’t have a whisk handy). Slowly pour this mixture back into your pot while stirring. Turn the heat up slightly and let the stew bubble for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens. If you prefer a lighter consistency, skip this step or use cornstarch instead of flour for a gluten-free option. You can find more gluten-free swaps in my Creamy Vegan Potato Soup.
Step 6: Season and Taste-Test
Almost there! Once your stew reaches that cozy, thick texture, it’s time for the seasoning finale. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Don’t be shy here—seasoning brings everything together. Take a small taste (you’ve earned it!) and adjust as needed. A squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of chili flakes can also add brightness and a little kick, depending on your family’s taste. This step-by-step flavor check ensures your stew hits that perfect balance of savory, herby goodness.
Step 7: Serve, Garnish, and Enjoy
Finally, remove the bay leaf and get ready to serve your masterpiece. Ladle generous portions of your Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Stew into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. For an extra cozy touch, serve it with warm crusty bread or homemade biscuits. If you’re craving more fall comfort dishes, try pairing it with my Sweet Potato Soup Recipe or a slice of Spiced Apple Zucchini Bread for dessert.
And that’s it—a step-by-step Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Stew that’s simple, flavorful, and guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone at the table. Whether it’s your first time tackling leftovers or you’re a seasoned holiday cook, this guide makes turning turkey into comfort food as easy as pie (pumpkin pie, naturally).
What to Serve with Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Stew
Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Stew is hearty enough to stand alone, but if you want to make it feel like a full meal, pair it with something that complements its comforting vibe. A slice of Spiced Apple Zucchini Bread or a side of Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole makes for a cozy, balanced spread. For something lighter, serve it with a crisp green salad or even a baked sweet potato. Feeling extra indulgent? A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar on top of your bowl can take this stew to comfort-food heaven. And if you’re on the go, it also pairs beautifully with a simple sandwich for lunch the next day.
Key Tips for Making Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Stew
A few small tweaks make all the difference in this Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Stew. First, don’t skip sautéing the onions and garlic—they build the base flavor that ties everything together. If your stew feels too thick, just add a splash more broth until it reaches your favorite consistency. Fresh thyme adds a lovely fragrance, but dried works perfectly fine if that’s what’s in your pantry.
For extra richness, try swapping half the broth for a splash of milk or cream. And if you want to pack in more veggies, toss in peas, corn, or green beans during the last few minutes of cooking. This recipe is forgiving and flexible—perfect for busy weeknights when you need something nourishing and satisfying without a lot of fuss.
Storage and Reheating Tips Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Stew
You can store leftover stew (yes, leftovers of leftovers!) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making it even better the next day. For longer storage, freeze it in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much, add a bit of broth or water to loosen it back up. Microwave reheating also works in a pinch—just be sure to cover your bowl to prevent splatters. It’s the kind of dish that tastes homemade and comforting no matter when you serve it.
FAQs
Can I use other veggies? Absolutely! Peas, corn, or green beans work beautifully.
Can I use fresh turkey instead of leftover? Sure, just cook and dice it before adding.
Can I make it gluten-free? Yes—replace the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of turkey? Totally! It’s a great shortcut for busy nights.
Does it freeze well? Perfectly! Just cool completely before freezing.
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Stew isn’t just a recipe—it’s a small act of post-holiday kindness for yourself. It takes what’s already in your fridge and turns it into something comforting, healthy, and surprisingly fresh. Whether you’re winding down after a busy holiday or just want a cozy dinner without the fuss, this stew delivers every time. Want more feel-good soups to warm your week? Try my Creamy Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup or Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe next—they’re both crowd-pleasers.
Follow us on Pinterest for weekly slow cooker inspiration, or join the conversation over on our Facebook page where fellow food lovers share their favorite comfort meal.
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Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Stew – A Quick, Cozy Comfort Meal
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This cozy Turkey Stew is a hearty and healthy way to use up leftover turkey. Packed with vegetables like carrots, celery, potatoes, and tomatoes, it’s a comforting one-pot meal that comes together in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1/2 white onion (or yellow/sweet onion), diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 6 cups chicken broth or turkey broth
- 16 oz diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 red potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or substitute with dried thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 cups cooked turkey, diced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare and cut all ingredients.
2. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic. Sauté until golden brown and fragrant.
3. Add carrots and celery. Sauté for 1 minute.
4. Add chicken or turkey broth, diced tomatoes, potatoes, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 10 minutes or until potatoes are soft.
5. Add the diced cooked turkey and stir to combine.
6. Ladle 1 cup of hot broth from the pot into a cup. Whisk in the flour until mostly dissolved. Return this mixture to the pot.
7. Increase heat to medium-high and stir well. Let the stew boil and cook for a few minutes until it thickens.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Remove from heat. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
This recipe is ideal for using up leftover turkey from holidays or meal prep.
For a gluten-free version, use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to thicken.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Swap in other vegetables like green beans or peas if desired.
