Slow Cooker Turkey Meatball and Potato Stew Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper flavor, you can sauté the carrots briefly in a pan before adding them to the slow cooker, although this is optional.

Adding a touch of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme right before serving can brighten the heavy, savory notes of the tomato and onion gravy, providing a fresh contrast that elevates the overall profile of the dish for your dinner guests.

If you prefer a thinner gravy, you can stir in a small amount of beef or vegetable broth during the final thirty minutes of cooking.

This adjustment allows you to customize the consistency of the sauce to your preference, whether you enjoy a thick, stew-like consistency or something more similar to a hearty soup that is perfect for serving over mashed potatoes or rice.

Variations

• Spicy Tomato Stew: Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce to the tomato soup before cooking for a gentle, warming heat that complements the turkey.
• Herbed Vegetable Stew: Stir in two teaspoons of dried Italian seasoning or a mix of rosemary and thyme with the onion soup mix to add a complex, earthy aroma to the final stew.

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 in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave until steaming hot throughout, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When cooling the stew, do not leave it out at room temperature for more than two hours; move it to the refrigerator promptly to ensure food safety. If you intend to keep it longer, freezing is a viable option, though the texture of the potatoes may change slightly upon reheating.

This dish is an excellent candidate for making ahead, as the flavors often improve after sitting for a day. You can prepare the ingredients and keep them in the slow cooker insert in the refrigerator overnight, then simply start the cooking process in the morning.

This saves significant time on busy days and ensures a delicious, home-cooked meal is ready when you return home.

Serving ideas

Serve this stew hot in shallow bowls to showcase the hearty meatballs and colorful vegetable coins. It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the tomato-onion gravy. Because the dish is already quite filling, a light side dish is usually sufficient to round out the meal.

For a more substantial meal, consider serving the stew over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or even buttered egg noodles.

The gravy from the stew acts as a wonderful sauce for these starches, making the dish go further and providing a comforting, classic feel that is perfect for cold evenings or when you need a truly satisfying, filling dinner option.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Turkey Meatball and Potato Stew

Prep 10 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 10 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb frozen precooked turkey meatballs
• 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
• 2 cups carrots, sliced into coins
• 1 packet onion soup mix
• 1 can (10.5 oz) tomato soup (10.5 oz)

Instructions

1. Place the frozen precooked turkey meatballs in the bottom of the slow cooker insert, spreading them out to form an even layer.
2. Add the halved baby potatoes and sliced carrot coins on top of the meatballs. Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the vegetables, then pour the tomato soup over the entire mixture.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 hours, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

350

Protein

22 g

Carbohydrates

38 g

Fat

12 g

Fiber

4.5 g

Sugar

6 g

Sodium

850 mg

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