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Turkey and Pumpkin Stew in Slow Cooker

This turkey and pumpkin stew is made using a slow cooker, combining tender pieces of turkey with creamy, roasted pumpkin and seasonal herbs. The dish develops a velvety, flavorful consistency with a rich broth, and the final appearance is a hearty, orange-hued stew with tender meat and soft pumpkin chunks.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 6 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food, Fall
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground turkey preferably lean
  • 1 pound pumpkin peeled, deseeded and cubed
  • 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Skillet

Method
 

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil, and brown the ground turkey until it develops a golden exterior and releases a fragrant aroma.
  2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the turkey, cooking until the onion turns translucent and the mixture smells savory—about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Transfer the cooked turkey mixture to the slow cooker, then add the cubed pumpkin, dried thyme, vegetable broth, and a drizzle of olive oil. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
  4. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for about 6 hours, or until the pumpkin is tender and the flavors meld into a rich, velvety broth.
  5. Open the lid and stir the stew carefully, noticing how the pumpkin pieces have softened and the broth has thickened slightly—look for a vibrant orange color and a comforting aroma.
  6. Season the stew with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste, stirring to incorporate the flavors evenly.
  7. Serve the turkey and pumpkin stew hot in bowls, enjoying its creamy texture and hearty consistency with a crusty bread on the side if desired.

Notes

For a creamier stew, blend a portion of the cooked pumpkin before combining back in. Adjust seasoning as needed, and consider adding fresh herbs like parsley at the end for a bright finishing touch.