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Slow Cooker Pumpkin and Turkey Stew Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 127 reviews

A comforting slow cooker stew that blends lean ground turkey with velvety pumpkin, warming spices, and a touch of cream or coconut milk for richness.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Turkey and Aromatics

  • 1 lb ground turkey (preferably lean)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Pumpkin Base

  • 4 cups pumpkin puree (fresh or canned)

Spices and Flavor

  • 1 tbsp turmeric (ground)
  • 1 tsp cinnamon (ground)
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

Liquid and Finish

  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Creaminess

  • Optional cream or coconut milk (for richer texture)

Instructions

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  • Prepare the base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Cook the turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
  • Aromatics and spices: Stir in minced garlic, turmeric, cinnamon, and smoked paprika; cook for another minute until the spices are fragrant.
  • Combine in slow cooker: Transfer the turkey mixture to the slow cooker, then add pumpkin puree, chicken broth, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine.
  • Slow cook: Cover and set the slow cooker to low. Let the stew simmer for 4 hours, until flavors meld and the pumpkin is velvety.
  • Adjust texture: Once cooked, open the lid and check the consistency. For a silkier texture, use a ladle to mash some pumpkin pieces or blend a portion of the stew gently.
  • Finish and serve: If desired, stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk for extra richness and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well and let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors before serving.
  • Serve: Scoop the hot stew into bowls, garnish as desired, and enjoy the comforting, velvety texture with tender pieces of turkey and pumpkin.
  • Notes

    • Can be made dairy-free by omitting cream or coconut milk.
    • Leftovers reheat well and can be frozen for up to 3 months.
    • For a thicker stew, mash more pumpkin or reduce the broth by 1/4 cup before finishing.

    Keywords: pumpkin soup, turkey stew, slow cooker, pumpkin puree, cozy fall recipe, one-pot