The moment I discovered this Crockpot Turkey Sweet Potato Stew, weeknight dinners suddenly felt like a warm hug after a long day. There’s something incredibly comforting about tender turkey mingling with the natural sweetness of slow-cooked sweet potatoes, all simmering effortlessly in one pot. What makes this recipe a true winner is its ease—just toss the ingredients into your crockpot and forget about dinner stress while flavors deepen over hours. Perfect for busy home cooks or anyone craving a wholesome, hearty meal without the fuss, this stew brings a cozy, homemade touch to your table that’s both nourishing and satisfyingly delicious.
Why love Crockpot Turkey Sweet Potato Stew?
Effortless Cooking: Just toss everything in your crockpot and let time work its magic—minimal prep, maximum flavor.
Hearty & Nourishing: Tender turkey and sweet potatoes create a filling, protein-rich meal that fuels your body kindly.
Comfort in a Bowl: Slow-cooked ingredients meld into a warm, soul-soothing stew perfect for any chilly evening.
Naturally Sweet & Savory: The sweet potatoes add a gentle sweetness that balances perfectly with savory turkey spices.
Family-Friendly: Mild flavors and wholesome ingredients make it a hit for everyone at the dinner table.
Versatile & Time-Saving: Ideal for batch cooking or busy days when you want a delicious homemade meal without standing over the stove.
Crockpot Turkey Sweet Potato Stew Ingredients
For the Stew
- Ground turkey – Choose lean or extra lean for a healthy protein base that cooks tenderly in the crockpot.
- Sweet potatoes – Peel and chop into cubes to add natural sweetness and creaminess as they soften slowly.
- Onion – Finely diced to infuse the stew with gentle, aromatic depth.
- Garlic cloves – Minced for a warm, savory punch that complements turkey beautifully.
- Carrots – Sliced or diced, they add color, subtle sweetness, and texture contrast.
- Celery stalks – Chopped to bring crunch and a fresh earthiness to the mix.
- Low-sodium chicken broth – Use as the flavorful cooking liquid that enhances the stew without overpowering.
- Diced tomatoes – Opt for canned with juices to lend a rich, tangy note and vibrant color.
- Ground cumin – Adds a smoky warmth that layers perfectly with the sweetness of the potatoes.
- Smoked paprika – Sprinkle in for a subtle heat and depth of flavor that lifts the whole dish.
- Salt and pepper – Season to taste, balancing all the natural flavors in the crockpot turkey sweet potato stew.
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley – Chopped to sprinkle on top, it adds brightness and a fresh herbal finish.
- Greek yogurt or sour cream – A dollop adds creaminess and a hint of tang when serving.
How to Make Crockpot Turkey Sweet Potato Stew
- Brown Turkey: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground turkey until lightly golden brown, about 5–7 minutes. Break up any clumps and drain excess fat before adding to the crockpot.
- Sauté Veggies: Add diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the skillet; sauté until softened and fragrant, about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally so colors meld and aromas fill your kitchen.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer turkey and sautéed vegetables into the crockpot and stir in sweet potato cubes, canned tomatoes with juices, and low-sodium chicken broth.
- Season Stew: Sprinkle in ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, then stir gently until spices are evenly distributed and colors deepen into a warm, inviting hue.
- Slow-Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until sweet potatoes are tender and flavors meld into a thick, comforting stew.
- Adjust & Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, then ladle stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra color and creaminess.
Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley or chili flakes for brightness and subtle heat.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Crockpot Turkey Sweet Potato Stew Variations
Feel free to make this cozy stew your own with these easy twists and substitutions designed for every palate!
- Vegetarian: Replace ground turkey with lentils or chickpeas for a hearty plant-based option that’s just as filling and full of flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to bring a delightful heat that complements the sweet potatoes beautifully.
- Herb-Infused: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to add fragrant layers of flavor that balloon with every slow-cooked hour.
- Creamy Addition: Stir in a splash of coconut milk or a dollop of cream cheese right before serving for a luxuriously creamy texture.
- Chunky Style: Instead of cubing the sweet potatoes, leave them in thicker slices for a heartier, rustic feel that showcases the stew’s rich flavors.
- Citrus Zest: Add the zest of an orange or lemon in the last hour of cooking for a bright burst of freshness that lifts the entire dish.
- Quinoa Boost: Toss in a half-cup of cooked quinoa to increase protein and add an unexpected nutty crunch that harmonizes beautifully.
- Smoky Flavor: Substitute smoked turkey sausage for ground turkey to infuse the stew with a smoky, deep flavor that warms the soul.
Whichever variation you choose, the comforting nature of this stew ensures your kitchen will be filled with inviting aromas as you create your personalized version!
How to Store and Freeze Crockpot Turkey Sweet Potato Stew
Fridge: Store leftover stew in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Freezer: Allow stew to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, warm the stew on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Portioning: Consider freezing in individual servings for quick, easy meals—perfect for busy weeknights craving homemade comfort!
What to Serve with Crockpot Turkey Sweet Potato Stew?
Imagine cozying up to a beautifully warm meal, where every bite feels like a comforting embrace on a chilly evening.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping, a slice of warm, crusty bread complements the stew’s thick texture beautifully.
- Green Salad: A fresh mixed greens salad adds a crisp, vibrant contrast, balancing flavors while boosting nutrients.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts provide a delightful crunch and earthy tones that play well with the stew.
- Quinoa: This nutty, protein-packed side boasts a lightness that perfectly offsets the hearty richness of the stew, making it quite satiating.
- Savory Cornbread: A slice of warm cornbread brings a touch of sweetness that enhances the dish’s comforting vibes.
- Red Wine: Pour a glass of fruity red wine for a lovely depth of flavor that harmonizes with the turkey and spices.
- Simple Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad creates a refreshing finish, cleansing the palate and introducing a splash of sweetness.
- Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks: Fun and gooey, they provide an irresistible cheesy taste that elevates the dinner experience.
- Apple Crisp: End your meal with a warm apple crisp, the sweet and cinnamon aroma bringing a nostalgic touch to your cozy evening.
Expert Tips for Crockpot Turkey Sweet Potato Stew
- Brown turkey properly: Browning the ground turkey before adding it to the crockpot deepens flavor and improves texture for the stew.
- Don’t overcook sweet potatoes: Slow-cook on low to avoid mushy sweet potatoes; they should be tender but hold their shape in your stew.
- Balance seasoning carefully: Add salt and spices gradually to bring out flavors without overpowering the natural sweetness of the sweet potato.
- Use fresh aromatics: Sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery first to unlock their full flavor before combining in the crockpot.
- Choose lean turkey: Lean or extra-lean turkey yields a lighter stew while keeping it hearty and satisfying, perfect for home cooking.
- Stir before serving: Give the stew a good stir to mix flavors evenly and check thickness, adding broth if it’s too thick after cooking.
Make Ahead Options
Preparing this Crockpot Turkey Sweet Potato Stew in advance is a game-changer for busy weeknights! You can chop your vegetables (like sweet potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion) and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can brown the turkey a day ahead and refrigerate it; just ensure it cools completely to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to cook, transfer all the prepared ingredients into the crockpot, add the remaining components, and slow-cook as directed. This way, you’ll save precious time while still enjoying a delicious, hearty meal that’s just as comforting when served!
Crockpot Turkey Sweet Potato Stew Recipe FAQs
How do I know when my sweet potatoes are ripe and good to use?
Choose sweet potatoes that feel firm and heavy for their size with smooth, unblemished skin. Avoid any with dark spots all over or sprouting eyes, as these indicate overripeness or spoilage.
What’s the best way to store leftover Crockpot Turkey Sweet Potato Stew?
Store your stew in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. Make sure to cool it down before refrigerating to keep flavors vibrant and food safe.
Can I freeze Crockpot Turkey Sweet Potato Stew? If so, how long will it last?
Absolutely! Cool the stew completely, then transfer into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Why did my sweet potatoes turn mushy after slow cooking? How can I fix that?
Sweet potatoes can become mushy if cooked too long or on too high heat. I recommend cooking the stew on low for 6–7 hours instead of high. If mushiness happens, try adding extra diced sweet potatoes toward the end of cooking next time for better texture balance.
Is this stew safe for pets or those with dietary restrictions?
This stew is made for human consumption and contains spices like cumin and smoked paprika, which aren’t suitable for pets. For those with allergies or restrictive diets, check ingredient labels carefully and substitute with allergen-friendly options when needed—turkey can often be swapped with other lean proteins like chicken breast if preferred.
Easy Crockpot Turkey Sweet Potato Stew That Warms Your Soul
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground turkey until lightly golden brown, about 5–7 minutes. Break up any clumps and drain excess fat before adding to the crockpot.
- Add diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the skillet; sauté until softened and fragrant, about 4 minutes.
- Transfer turkey and sautéed vegetables into the crockpot and stir in sweet potato cubes, canned tomatoes with juices, and low-sodium chicken broth.
- Sprinkle in ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, then stir gently until spices are evenly distributed.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until sweet potatoes are tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, then ladle stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
