Baked Turkey Stew
Baked Turkey Stew offers a hearty, comforting dish combining tender turkey with flavorful vegetables and spices. The rich tomato base and aromatic herbs make it perfect for family dinners or cold evenings. Served over rice, it delivers warmth and satisfying flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1 medium red or green sweet pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. margarine or butter
- 4 tsp. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chili powder or less ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. dried thyme, crushed ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. dried rosemary, crushed ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. ground red pepper, if desired ⓘ
- 1 (14 1/2 oz.) can stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) can vegetable juice cocktail ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups chopped cooked turkey ⓘ
- 2 cups hot cooked rice ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook celery, sweet pepper, onion, and garlic in hot margarine or butter until tender.
- Stir in flour, chili powder, thyme, rosemary, and red pepper if desired.
- Add undrained stewed tomatoes and vegetable juice cocktail; cook and stir until bubbly.
- Add chopped cooked turkey and transfer to a 1 1/2-quart casserole.
- Cover and bake in a 375°F oven for 20 minutes or until heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper and serve over hot cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of cream or milk to the stew before baking. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked turkey or rotisserie chicken as a substitute. Alternatively, swap out the vegetables for your favorites or what you have on hand. For a spicier kick, increase the chili powder or add jalapeños. This dish is also a great way to use leftover turkey from a holiday meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty Baked Turkey Stew over hot cooked rice for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or crusty bread for soaking up the delicious juices. For a complete dinner, consider offering a light dessert, such as fruit salad or a slice of pie. You can also browse more American recipes to find complementary dishes to serve alongside.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the stew in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe dish, covered loosely, for about 2-3 minutes or until hot. If the stew thickens too much in the fridge, add a little vegetable juice cocktail or water when reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Turkey Stew contains roughly 951 calories, with 40g protein, 120g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (80% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value), and iron (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1681mg per serving (73% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be used in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them beforehand and drain any excess moisture. Using frozen vegetables can save time and still provide great flavor and nutrition. However, fresh vegetables will give a slightly better texture and taste.
How can I make this stew vegetarian?
To make this stew vegetarian, simply substitute the turkey with cooked beans or lentils. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for added substance. Use vegetable broth instead of vegetable juice cocktail for a richer flavor and ensure all other ingredients are vegetarian-friendly.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stew up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply preheat the oven and bake as directed. This can enhance the flavors as they meld together, making for an even tastier dish when served.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).