Slow Cooker Turkey Peanut Stew (Mafé)

Transform simple ingredients into a sophisticated, soul-warming meal with this effortless turkey peanut stew. Perfect for busy days, this one-pot recipe balances savory depth with a creamy, nutty finish that makes every bite feel special.

This West African-inspired peanut stew, known as Mafé, is a masterclass in simplicity. By using a slow cooker, you allow the turkey to become succulent while the peanut butter and tomato broth meld into a rich, velvety sauce.

It is an ideal solution for those seeking a hearty, flavorful dinner without constant monitoring. Whether you are a novice cook or looking for a reliable weeknight staple, this recipe delivers consistent, delicious results every single time you prepare it.

Ingredients

Why this recipe works

The slow cooking method is essential for transforming lean turkey breast into incredibly tender, flavorful bites. As the meat cooks in the tomato and peanut broth, it absorbs the aromatics from the onion and carrots, ensuring moisture is locked in while the flavors deepen over several hours of gentle heat.

The combination of creamy peanut butter and savory tomato broth creates a unique, complex base that provides a rich mouthfeel without needing heavy creams or fats.

This balance of acidity from the tomatoes and richness from the peanuts creates a sophisticated sauce that coats the turkey beautifully, resulting in a dish that feels far more labor-intensive than it actually is.

Notes and substitutions

For the best results, use a high-quality creamy peanut butter without added sugars or hydrogenated oils to ensure the cleanest flavor profile.

If the peanut butter is very firm, bringing it to room temperature before adding it to the slow cooker will help it dissolve more evenly into the broth during the initial stages of cooking.

Regarding equipment, any standard slow cooker with at least a four-quart capacity will work perfectly for this recipe. Ensure that the lid fits tightly to maintain consistent internal moisture levels throughout the cooking time.

If you find the sauce is too thin at the end of the process, simply remove the lid for the final thirty minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate and the sauce to thicken.

• Turkey breast: Chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Tomato-based vegetable broth: Chicken stock mixed with 2 tablespoons of tomato paste

Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Chef's knife
• Glass measuring cup
• Silicone spatula