Turkey and Dumplings Stew is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for chilly days. It features tender chunks of turkey simmered with soft, fluffy dumplings in a rich, flavorful broth loaded with vegetables like carrots and celery. The combination of the savory turkey and the pillowy dumplings makes this stew a true crowd-pleaser.
I love making this stew when I want something that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. The dumplings always remind me of family dinners, and I like to use leftovers from a roasted turkey to add even more flavor. One of my favorite things is watching the dumplings puff up as they cook—it’s like a little magic happening in the pot!
This Turkey and Dumplings Stew is fantastic served with a simple side of crusty bread to soak up every last bit of that delicious broth. It’s the kind of meal that everyone at the table will enjoy, and I find it’s perfect for sharing stories and laughter while you eat. If you ever have a day when you just want to slow down and enjoy good food, this stew is a wonderful choice.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey: Using cooked, shredded turkey gives this stew a great leftover-friendly twist. You can swap turkey for cooked chicken if you prefer or don’t have turkey on hand. Both work well with the broth and vegetables.
Broth: Turkey or chicken broth is the base for the stew’s flavor. If you want a richer taste, use homemade broth. Otherwise, low-sodium store-bought broth works fine, so you can control salt levels.
Vegetables: Onion, carrots, and celery add a classic, comforting flavor. Feel free to add peas or green beans for extra veggies, or use frozen mixed vegetables if fresh ones aren’t available.
Dumplings: The flour, baking powder, milk, and butter mixture creates light, fluffy dumplings. For a dairy-free option, swap milk with your favorite plant-based milk and use olive oil instead of butter.
How Do I Get Perfectly Fluffy Dumplings Every Time?
Making dumplings can feel tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll get fluffy results:
- Don’t overmix the dough. Stir just until ingredients come together to keep the dumplings tender.
- Drop dough by spoonfuls gently. Avoid stirring after adding dumplings so they can puff up properly.
- Cover during cooking. Keep the pot covered while dumplings cook to trap steam, which helps them rise and cook through.
- Cook over low simmer. Too high heat can toughen dumplings; a gentle simmer is best.
Waiting the full cooking time without lifting the lid is key. Peek too soon and steam escapes, which can make dumplings dense.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large heavy-bottomed pot – I prefer this because it cooks the stew evenly and can hold all the ingredients comfortably.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – makes stirring easy and gentle, so the vegetables don’t break apart.
- Measuring cups and spoons – helps you add each ingredient precisely for the best flavor.
- Mixing bowl – for making the dumpling dough; keeps ingredients organized and clean.
- Spoon or melon baller – for gentle dumpling dough drops onto the stew.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use cooked chicken instead of turkey for a different taste and quicker prep. It’s great when turkey isn’t available.
- Add frozen peas or green beans toward the end of cooking for extra color and flavor.
- Mix in a teaspoon of smoked paprika or rosemary for a smoky or herbaceous twist.
- Try different herbs like thyme or basil to change up the flavor profile depending on your mood or what’s in your pantry.
How to Make Turkey and Dumplings Stew?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups turkey broth or chicken broth
- 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Dumplings:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ¾ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then 25 minutes to cook the stew and dumplings together. It’s a simple and quick meal when you want a cozy, satisfying dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Vegetables:
Heat the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Stir occasionally and cook until the vegetables soften and the onion turns translucent, about 8 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until you can smell the lovely aroma.
2. Simmer the Stew:
Pour the turkey or chicken broth into the pot and bring it to a boil. Then, reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Stir in the shredded turkey, dried thyme, and dried parsley. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Let it simmer quietly while you get the dumplings ready.
3. Prepare the Dumpling Dough:
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and dried parsley. Pour in the milk and melted butter, stirring just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix—it should be thick and slightly sticky.
4. Cook the Dumplings in the Stew:
Drop about 6 spoonfuls of the dumpling dough gently onto the simmering stew. Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook undisturbed for about 15 minutes. This will allow them to puff up and become tender inside.
5. Finish and Serve:
Take off the lid, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor, then ladle the stew and dumplings into bowls. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting meal!
Can I Use Frozen Turkey for This Stew?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the turkey before shredding it for the stew. Thaw in the fridge overnight or use the cold water method for quicker thawing. This helps ensure even cooking and best texture in the stew.
Can I Make the Dumplings Ahead of Time?
It’s best to add and cook dumplings fresh in the stew to keep them light and fluffy. However, you can prepare the dough in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before dropping it into the stew.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Place leftover stew with dumplings in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to prevent dumplings from becoming tough or drying out.
Can I Adjust the Stew for Different Diets?
Absolutely! For a dairy-free version, swap milk and butter in the dumplings with plant-based alternatives. You can also use gluten-free flour blends to make the dumplings gluten-free.