Turkey-Meatball Stew
A hearty turkey-meatball stew packed with vegetables and savory gravy, perfect for comforting family dinners or weeknight meals with wholesome flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, seasoned dry bread crumbs, and egg, mixing gently until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat.
- Add as many meatballs as will fit into the pan without crowding, and cook, turning to brown on all sides.
- As they are browned, remove meatballs to paper towels to drain.
- Discard excess fat from the pan.
- Add turkey gravy mix, water, and bay leaf to the pan, and bring to a boil.
- Return the meatballs to the pan and reduce heat to simmer.
- Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add frozen whole baby carrots and frozen cut green beans, and simmer covered for an additional 8 minutes.
- Stir in no salt added corn kernels until heated through.
- Discard the bay leaf and serve the stew over hot noodles.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter option, substitute ground turkey with lean ground chicken. If you prefer a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. Make sure to gently mix the meatball ingredients to avoid tough meatballs. If you have leftover bread, you can make your own breadcrumbs for an extra flavor boost. This stew can also pair beautifully with Mostaccioli Vegetable Salad for a refreshing contrast.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the turkey-meatball stew over hot noodles or rice for a hearty meal. A sprinkle of fresh parsley can add a lovely touch. For an added crunch, consider serving with crusty bread. This dish is also delightful alongside Tai Cabbage for a balanced dinner. Feel free to top it with grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the stew on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. Adding a splash of water can help keep it from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Turkey-Meatball Stew contains roughly 781 calories, with 29g protein, 150g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (201% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (121% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (100% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2387mg per serving (104% 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 make this stew in advance?
Yes, this stew can be made a day ahead. Prepare it, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when you're ready to serve.
What can I substitute for the frozen vegetables?
If you don't have frozen vegetables, fresh vegetables work great too. You can use diced carrots, green beans, and corn. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they cook through without becoming mushy.
Is there a way to make this stew gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the seasoned dry bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats. Additionally, ensure that your turkey gravy mix is labeled gluten-free, or make your own gravy from scratch using cornstarch as a thickener.
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).