Turkey and Dumplings Stew is a hearty, comforting dish packed with tender chunks of turkey and fluffy dumplings swimming in a rich, savory broth. The vegetables add a nice bit of color and sweetness, while the dumplings soak up all the yummy flavors. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.
I love making this stew when I want something that feels special but is still easy to throw together. One of my favorite parts is letting the dumplings cook right on top of the turkey and veggies so they soak up all the tasty juices. It’s always a crowd-pleaser, and I find myself making extra because it’s just that good the next day.
When I serve Turkey and Dumplings Stew, I like to keep it simple with a side of crusty bread for dipping. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner with family or friends, especially when everyone is ready for a warm, filling meal. This dish always brings a sense of home and comfort to the table, and I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I do!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey: Using cooked turkey makes this stew quick and flavorful. If you don’t have turkey, chicken works well too. Leftover roast turkey is perfect.
Broth: Turkey or chicken broth adds rich depth. For a lighter option, use low-sodium broth or vegetable broth.
Dumplings: Buttermilk gives dumplings a tender texture and slight tang. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix milk with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Herbs: Thyme and sage bring that classic comforting taste. Feel free to use fresh herbs if available or swap sage for rosemary.
How Can I Make Soft, Fluffy Dumplings Every Time?
Making dumplings perfect is all about gentle mixing and careful cooking:
- Mix flour, baking powder, and seasonings first. Add buttermilk and melted butter just until combined—no overmixing, or dumplings get tough.
- Drop dough by spoonfuls onto simmering stew without stirring to keep them fluffy.
- Cover the pot tightly to trap steam, cooking dumplings for about 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Check doneness by gently poking a dumpling; if it springs back, it’s ready.
Taking your time and keeping the lid closed are key for dumplings that puff up tender and light every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot or Dutch oven – I prefer this because it’s perfect for simmering all ingredients together and steaming the dumplings.
- Mixing bowls – useful for preparing the dumpling batter without mess.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to keep your ingredients just right for consistent results.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – helps gently stir and keep everything from sticking.
- Ladle or spoon – for dropping the dumpling batter onto the stew easily.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add chopped peas or green beans for extra veggies and color.
- Stir in some cooked potatoes or sweet potatoes for heartiness.
- Use different herbs like rosemary or thyme fresh, for more aromatic flavor.
- Mix in a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream at the end for added richness.
Turkey and Dumplings Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 pound cooked turkey meat, shredded or diced
- 4 cups turkey or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
For the Dumplings:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to cook, including making the stew and steaming the dumplings. In under an hour, you’ll have a delicious, hearty meal ready to enjoy.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Vegetables:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 5 to 7 minutes.
2. Add Turkey and Broth:
Stir the shredded turkey into the pot and cook for another 2 minutes to warm it up. Then, pour in the turkey or chicken broth. Add the dried thyme, dried sage, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 15 minutes so the flavors blend and the vegetables become tender.
3. Make the Dumpling Dough:
While the stew simmers, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Add the buttermilk and melted butter, stirring just until the dough comes together. Be sure not to overmix to keep the dumplings light and fluffy.
4. Cook the Dumplings:
Drop spoonfuls (about 2 tablespoons each) of the dumpling dough gently onto the surface of the simmering stew. Space them apart to leave room for steaming. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let the dumplings cook without lifting the lid for about 15 minutes. This will allow them to steam properly and puff up.
5. Finish and Serve:
After 15 minutes, check that the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor. Serve the stew hot, optionally with crusty bread on the side for dipping.
Can I Use Frozen Turkey for This Stew?
Yes! Just make sure the turkey is fully thawed before adding it to the stew. Thaw frozen turkey in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave for quicker thawing.
Can I Substitute Buttermilk in the Dumplings?
Absolutely. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix ¾ cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This will mimic the tangy flavor and acidity of buttermilk.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover stew with dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to avoid overcooking the dumplings.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
To prep ahead, make the stew base without dumplings and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, bring the stew to a simmer and add the dumplings, cooking as directed.