Easy Crockpot Apple Cider Turkey Stew Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a slightly thicker sauce, you can whisk a teaspoon of cornstarch into a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the stew during the final 15 minutes of cooking. This will help bind the apple cider and onion soup mix into a more substantial gravy. If you prefer a lighter, more broth-like consistency, skip this step entirely and serve the stew as is.

The choice of potatoes makes a difference in the final texture of the dish. Baby red potatoes hold their shape well during long cooking times, preventing the stew from becoming mushy.

If you choose to use russet or other starchy potatoes, be aware that they may break down more significantly and thicken the sauce naturally. Adjust the cooking time slightly if you notice the potatoes becoming too soft earlier than expected.

Variations

• Savory Herb Twist: Add a teaspoon of dried thyme and a half teaspoon of dried rosemary to the onion soup mix before pouring over the apple cider to add a classic earthy note.
• Root Vegetable Medley: Incorporate cubed parsnips or sweet potatoes along with the baby red potatoes to add a subtle sweetness and a variety of textures to the finished stew.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming hot, or microwave in a covered bowl, stirring occasionally.

Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature for no more than two hours before transferring them to an airtight container. Properly stored, the stew will maintain its quality in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, ensure the stew is heated until it is steaming hot throughout to maintain food safety. Do not reheat the same portion more than once.

You can prepare the ingredients in advance by chopping the turkey and vegetables and storing them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

When you are ready to cook, simply assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker as directed. This approach saves time on busy days, allowing you to have a warm, home-cooked meal ready with almost zero effort.

Serving ideas

Serve this stew in warm, shallow bowls to best enjoy the aromatic broth. A side of crusty bread or a simple side salad makes an excellent accompaniment, helping to balance the savory notes of the onion soup mix.

The stew is a complete meal on its own, but a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cracked black pepper can provide a nice visual contrast and a hint of brightness before serving.

For a more formal presentation, you can ladle the stew into individual serving bowls and garnish each with a small sprig of fresh herbs. Ensure the bowls are warm before plating, as this helps maintain the serving temperature for longer.

The combination of tender turkey and root vegetables makes this dish satisfying for any occasion, whether it is a casual family dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Easy Crockpot Apple Cider Turkey Stew

Prep 10 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 15 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb turkey breast, cut into cubes
• 1 cup baby carrots
• 1 cup baby red potatoes, halved
• 1 packet onion soup mix
• 1 cup spiced apple cider

Instructions

1. Place the cubed turkey breast into the bottom of the slow cooker insert. Add the baby carrots and halved baby red potatoes on top of the turkey. Ensure the ingredients are distributed evenly to allow for consistent cooking throughout the process.
2. Sprinkle the onion soup mix over the turkey and vegetables. Pour the spiced apple cider over the top of the mixture, ensuring it covers the ingredients well to create a flavorful braising liquid. Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
3. Cook on low heat for 4 hours until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once finished, turn off the heat and let the stew rest for at least 5 minutes before serving in warm bowls.

Contains: gluten

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

35 g

Carbohydrates

30 g

Fat

6 g

Fiber

3 g

Sugar

12 g

Sodium

850 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.