This easy Ground Turkey Stew recipe is hearty, thick, with subtle heat and sweetness from tomatoes, plus all kinds of goodies on every spoonful! And only 30 minutes start to finish.
If you like this stew recipe, check out our Chuck Wagon Stew – another family favorite!
Easy Turkey Stew Recipe
This ground turkey stew recipe is a flavor-packed one pot meal that really hits the spot on a chilly day. It’s like the best combination of a soup, spaghetti sauce, and chili.
The turkey and beans soak up all the tasty liquid from marinara sauce and chicken broth, and the carrots provide a built in vegetable – so hearty and delicious! If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, it reheats nicely for lunch the next day, too.
Ingredients Needed
You only need a handful of pantry items to make this stew.
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)
- Ground turkey – Lean ground turkey keeps this dish lighter and healthier without compromising flavor that you get from ground beef.
- Carrots, onion, garlic – For aromatics and flavor.
- Marinara sauce – Try our wonderful homemade Marinara sauce or a store-bought jar.
- Chicken broth – Opt for low-sodium to avoid the stew from being over salty.
- Cannellini beans – Drained and rinsed. These add additional protein and flavor.
- Small dried pasta – Ditalini or macaroni work great.
- Olive oil – To sauté the vegetables.
- Seasonings – Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and cracked red pepper season the soup.
Variations
- Use leftover holiday turkey. Instead of browning ground turkey, toss in some leftover cooked and shredded turkey at the end.
- Swap the broth. Use vegetable stock instead of the chicken stock.
- Try a different bean. Swap out the Cannellini beans for Navy beans or chickpeas.
- Change the consistency. Add more broth and less pasta and beans, if you like your stew looser.
How to Make Turkey Stew
This is a really easy one-pot soup that comes together in a few simple steps.
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)
- Sauté the vegetables. In a large pot, warm oil over medium-high heat; saute carrots and onion, until onion is translucent and carrots are tender. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add the ground turkey. Add in the turkey and cook for another 2-3 minutes until no pink remains, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Pour in the marinara and broth. Pour in marinara sauce, chicken broth, beans, cracked red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and salt.
- Add the pasta. Bring to a boil, then add in pasta. Reduce heat; gentle simmer for 10 minutes, or until pasta is tender.
- Serve. Taste and adjust seasonings, if necessary. Ladle into bowls, serve, and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
I don’t think this needs any crackers or bread because it’s so hearty from the beans and pasta. But some dutch oven bread to mop up the liquid would certainly be nice! You could also serve with a simple side salad for a soup and salad combo.
Proper Storage
- Storing leftovers. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- To freeze. Let cool completely, then freeze in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat. Reheat leftover stew on the stovetop or gently in the microwave.
More Hearty Soup Recipes:
I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!
Easy Ground Turkey Stew
Ingredients
- 3 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 large carrots , peeled and sliced into thin rounds
- 1 small sweet onion , diced
- 3 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- salt & pepper
- 3 cups homemade marinara sauce (or 24 ounce jar store-bought)
- 32 ounces low sodium chicken broth
- 15 ounce can cannellini beans , drained & rinsed
- 1/4 teaspoon cracked red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup dried small pasta , such as ditalini or macaroni
- fresh chopped parsley , for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, warm oil over medium-high heat; sauté carrots and onion, until onion is translucent and carrots are tender, about 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, 20 seconds.
- Add in the ground turkey and cook for another 3 minutes until no pink remains, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain off any grease. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Pour in marinara sauce, chicken broth, beans, cracked red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and salt. Bring to a boil, then add in pasta.
- Reduce heat; gently simmer for 10 minutes, or until pasta is tender.
- Taste and adjust seasonings, if necessary. Ladle into bowls, serve, and enjoy!
I must cook one of your recipes at least 3 nights a week!! I made this using whole chicken pieces and it was amazing!! So easy and cooked perfectly! I sprinkled parmesan cheese on top! Just wanted to share how much i appreciate your website and TikToks!
Blessings
This was great!! My family likes a very thick chunky soup, so this was perfect. It was delicious with some parmesan sprinkled on top.
This was delicious and a great recipe for a winter day. Thanks for sharing. Leftovers were delightful.
Healthy, real, delicious, uncomplicated. Loved it!
I totally had to laugh at the dog part. I’m not sure my dog would notice either! She’s smart about some things…but not about her own bodily excretions.
This exceeded my expectations. It has so much flavor. The brand of marinara sauce definitely matters, so use a high quality one.
Oh my stinkin’ liiiiiiife this looks so good.
So delicious! Was thrilled that even my kids ate this. I think it’s the marinara.