Slow Cooker Sweet Paprika Turkey Stew for Easy Weeknight Dinners Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper flavor, you can lightly toast the sweet paprika in a dry pan for 30 seconds before adding it to the slow cooker, though this is optional. This process helps to release the essential oils in the spice, creating a more intense aroma.

Be careful not to burn the paprika, as it can turn bitter very quickly. This extra step is worth the effort if you have a spare moment while preparing the ingredients.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove a small portion of the liquid after cooking, whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch to create a slurry, and stir it back into the stew. Let it cook for another 10 minutes on high to allow the starch to activate and thicken the sauce. This is a simple trick to adjust the consistency to your personal preference without altering the fundamental flavor of the dish.

Variations

• Smoky Paprika Variation: Replace half of the sweet paprika with smoked paprika to introduce a deeper, wood-fired flavor profile that pairs exceptionally well with the turkey and bell peppers.
• Hearty Vegetable Addition: Add 2 cups of diced potatoes or carrots during the initial layering step to create a more substantial, one-pot meal. Ensure the vegetables are cut into 1-inch pieces to cook through evenly.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container 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 on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until steaming throughout. Add a splash of water if the sauce becomes too thick during reheating.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the stew cools down to room temperature within 2 hours of cooking before placing it into the fridge.

To maximize freshness, store the stew in small, shallow containers, which allows it to cool more rapidly and prevents the growth of bacteria. Label the containers with the date to keep track of their freshness and ensure they are consumed within the recommended timeframe.

This stew is an excellent candidate for making ahead, as the flavors often intensify after sitting in the refrigerator overnight. You can prepare the entire dish, let it cool completely, and then store it in the refrigerator.

When you are ready to serve, simply reheat the stew on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until it is steaming throughout. This makes it a perfect option for meal prepping for the week ahead, saving you time during busy days.

Serving ideas

Serve this stew hot, ideally accompanied by a side of crusty bread or over a bed of steamed rice to soak up the flavorful tomato and paprika sauce.

The brightness of the bell peppers pairs well with a side of fresh steamed green beans or a crisp green salad, adding texture and contrast to the meal. The simplicity of the dish allows it to work well for both casual family dinners and more relaxed weekend gatherings.

Consider topping each portion with a small amount of fresh chopped parsley to add a pop of color and freshness. The herbal note of the parsley complements the sweet paprika and the acidity of the tomatoes beautifully. If you enjoy a bit of creaminess, a small dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can be added just before serving, which balances the spice and adds a luxurious texture to the sauce.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Sweet Paprika Turkey Stew for Easy Weeknight Dinners

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

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lb raw turkey breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 large red bell peppers, sliced
• 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp sweet paprika
• 14 oz crushed tomatoes

Instructions

1. Place the cubed turkey pieces at the bottom of the slow cooker to ensure even cooking and direct contact with the heating element. Distribute the sliced red bell peppers and yellow onions evenly over the top of the turkey to allow the aromatics to soften and infuse the meat with flavor during the cooking process.
2. Sprinkle the sweet paprika evenly over the vegetables and turkey. Pour the crushed tomatoes over the entire mixture, ensuring the spices are well-incorporated into the liquid base. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set to low heat for 4 hours, or until the turkey is cooked through and tender.
3. Check that the turkey has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest piece. Once cooked, let the stew rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to settle. Serve hot on a plate.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

38 g

Carbohydrates

18 g

Fat

10 g

Fiber

4 g

Sugar

9 g

Sodium

450 mg

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