Easy Slow Cooker Turkey Taco Potato Stew Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

If you find the stew is too thin at the end of the cooking process, you can leave the lid off for the last fifteen minutes of the high setting to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the stew, allowing it to cook for an additional ten minutes until it reaches your desired thickness.

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, you can add diced jalapeños or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes during the layering phase. If you prefer a milder flavor, ensure your taco seasoning blend does not contain excessive chili powder or cayenne. Remember that the flavors will meld and intensify as the stew sits, so it is often even more delicious when reheated the following day.

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground turkey with an additional two cups of black beans or plant-based protein crumbles. If using plant-based crumbles, add them during the last hour of cooking to prevent them from becoming too soft.
• Creamy Taco Stew: Stir in a half cup of cream cheese or sour cream just before serving. This will transform the tomato-based broth into a rich, creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with the tender potatoes.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until steaming hot throughout.

Allow any leftover stew to cool completely within two hours before transferring it to an airtight container. Keep the container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

For longer storage, the stew can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw the stew in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it thoroughly on the stovetop or in the microwave until it reaches a safe temperature.

This dish is an excellent candidate for making ahead. You can prepare the ingredients and layer them in the slow cooker insert the night before, then keep the insert in the refrigerator.

In the morning, simply place the cold insert into the slow cooker base and start the cooking cycle. This saves significant time on busy mornings and ensures dinner is ready when you return home.

Serving ideas

To serve, ladle the hot stew into deep bowls. It is delicious on its own, but can be elevated with a variety of toppings. Consider adding a dollop of sour cream to provide a cooling contrast to the savory spices, or sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese over the top for a decadent finish.

Fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice can also add a bright, acidic note that cuts through the richness of the tomato-based sauce.

If you want to add crunch to your meal, serve the stew with a side of tortilla chips or warm flour tortillas. For a more substantial dinner, pair the stew with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette.

The versatility of this stew makes it a great choice for casual family dinners or for hosting friends, as it is easy to portion out and can be customized with various toppings based on individual preferences.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Easy Slow Cooker Turkey Taco Potato Stew

Prep 10 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 10 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 3 cups diced potatoes
• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup yellow corn
• 2 tbsp taco seasoning
• 2 cups tomato sauce

Instructions

1. Place the raw ground turkey into the bottom of the slow cooker insert, ensuring it is crumbled evenly. Add the diced potatoes, black beans, and yellow corn on top of the meat.
2. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the vegetable layer. Pour the tomato sauce over everything. Do not stir yet; let the ingredients layer naturally to ensure even cooking.
3. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. Once finished, ensure the ground turkey has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

22 g

Carbohydrates

38 g

Fat

8 g

Fiber

6 g

Sugar

4 g

Sodium

750 mg

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