There’s something truly magical about a meal that simmers all day, filling your home with warmth and promise. This slow cooker turkey and dumplings recipe delivers just that – a hearty, soul-satisfying dish that wraps you in a culinary hug. Imagine tender, slow-cooked turkey, soft, pillowy dumplings, and a rich, savory broth brimming with vegetables. It’s the kind of comfort food that reminds us how a little patience in the kitchen can create the most extraordinary flavors and textures.
I remember chilly afternoons in Grandma’s kitchen, the scent of her simmering stews mingling with the sweet aroma of her apple pie. She always said the best meals were made with love and time, and this recipe for hearty turkey and dumplings certainly embodies that spirit. It’s a dish that brings back memories of family gatherings, laughter, and the simple joy of sharing a homemade meal.
This recipe is wonderfully easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights, and it’s a guaranteed family favorite that will bring everyone to the table. For the most flavorful results, I always recommend using a good quality broth – it truly makes all the difference in the depth of your stew.
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Crafting this comforting dish starts with simple, wholesome ingredients. We’re talking about succulent boneless, skinless turkey breast, a robust chicken or turkey broth, and that comforting touch of condensed cream of chicken soup to create a rich base. Add in the classic trio of onion, carrots, and celery, and you have the makings of an incredibly flavorful slow cooker turkey and dumplings. The full list of ingredients and precise measurements are waiting for you in the recipe card below!
How to Make slow cooker turkey and dumplings
Whipping up this delightful slow cooker turkey and dumplings is a breeze, letting your slow cooker do most of the work! You’ll begin by preparing your savory turkey stew base right in the slow cooker, layering in the turkey, vegetables, and seasonings with the broth and soup. Then, simply set it to cook low and slow for hours, allowing all those wonderful flavors to meld. Towards the end, you’ll quickly prepare a simple, tender dumpling dough and drop spoonfuls right into the simmering stew, letting them steam to fluffy perfection before adding a final touch of frozen peas and thickening the broth if desired.
Hearty Slow Cooker Turkey and Dumplings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker, combine the cubed turkey breast, chicken or turkey broth, condensed cream of chicken soup, chopped onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, dried thyme, poultry seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the turkey is cooked through and tender, and the vegetables are soft.
- About 30-45 minutes before the stew is done, prepare the dumplings. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender, two knives, or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the cold milk, stirring with a fork until a shaggy dough forms. Do not overmix.
- Drop the dumpling dough by tablespoonfuls directly onto the hot turkey stew. Ensure the dumplings are mostly submerged in the liquid.
- Re-cover the slow cooker and continue to cook on HIGH for another 20-30 minutes, or until the dumplings are puffed up, cooked through, and no longer doughy in the center.
- Stir in the frozen peas. If desired, in a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes on HIGH, or until the stew has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Ladle the hearty slow cooker turkey and dumplings into bowls and serve hot.
Notes
Pro Tips for Making This slow cooker turkey and dumplings
Crafting the perfect slow cooker turkey and dumplings is all about those little touches that elevate a good meal to a truly memorable one. Here are some tips I’ve gathered over the years to ensure your dish is nothing short of spectacular.
- Tender Turkey Every Time: For the most tender turkey breast, resist the urge to peek and stir too often during the long cooking process. Let your slow cooker work its magic undisturbed for truly fall-apart, delicious results.
- Flavorful Broth is Key: While any broth works, I always recommend using a low-sodium chicken or turkey broth. This allows you to control the seasoning precisely, adding salt to taste at the end, ensuring your hearty slow cooker turkey and dumplings isn’t overly salty.
- My Secret Trick: When making the dumpling dough, I always use cold butter and cold milk. This keeps the butter from melting too quickly, resulting in light, fluffy dumplings that absorb all that wonderful stew flavor without becoming dense.
- Dumpling Perfection: Don’t overcrowd your slow cooker when adding the dumplings. Give them enough space to expand and cook evenly. If your slow cooker is on the smaller side, you might need to cook them in two batches.
Fun Variations for slow cooker turkey and dumplings
One of the joys of cooking is making a recipe truly your own, and this slow cooker turkey and dumplings recipe is wonderfully adaptable! Don’t be shy about experimenting with flavors and ingredients to suit your family’s preferences.
Herbaceous Twists
Consider adding fresh herbs like a sprig of fresh rosemary or a handful of chopped fresh parsley along with the dried thyme. My friend, Emily, always throws in a bay leaf at the beginning for an extra layer of savory depth, removing it before serving.
Veggie Boost
While carrots, celery, and onions are classics, feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables during the last hour. Sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or even a handful of spinach wilting into the hot stew can add both color and nutrients. My sister loves when I sneak in some diced sweet potato for a hint of sweetness!
Spice It Up!
For a subtle kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes added with the dried thyme can awaken the flavors without making it overly spicy. Or, for a deeper, earthier note, a dash of smoked paprika can transform the stew base beautifully.
What to Serve With slow cooker turkey and dumplings
This comforting slow cooker turkey and dumplings is truly a meal in itself, but a few simple accompaniments can round out the dinner perfectly. I often think about what my grandma would have served alongside, always something that complemented without overpowering.
A simple, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is always a wonderful contrast to the rich, hearty stew. It adds a refreshing brightness that cleanses the palate. My mom always had a basket of warm, crusty bread on the table, perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious, savory broth. Sometimes, I’ll even make a quick batch of cornbread; the slightly sweet notes pair beautifully with the savory turkey. And for a super quick serving idea, a sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley over each bowl adds a pop of color and fresh flavor right before serving.
How to Store slow cooker turkey and dumplings
Knowing how to properly store your slow cooker turkey and dumplings means you can enjoy this comforting meal for days to come! It’s wonderful to have leftovers ready for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
Fridge Storage
Once cooled, transfer any leftover slow cooker turkey and dumplings to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day!
Freezer Friendly
Yes, you can absolutely freeze this meal! Once completely cooled, place the stew and dumplings in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Just be aware that the dumplings might become a little softer in texture after freezing and thawing, but they’ll still be delicious!
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, simply warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If it seems too thick, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. My personal tip? I like to add a fresh sprinkle of herbs like parsley or chives after reheating; it really brightens up the flavors again!
Nutritional Benefits
Embracing this slow cooker turkey and dumplings means enjoying a treat that’s both satisfying and nourishing. The boneless, skinless turkey breast provides a lean source of protein, essential for muscle health, while the abundance of vegetables like carrots, celery, and peas contributes valuable vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. It’s a wonderful example of how you can combine indulgence with simple, wholesome ingredients for a truly comforting and beneficial meal.
FAQs
Can I use chicken instead of turkey in this recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs can be used as a direct substitute for the turkey in this slow cooker turkey and dumplings recipe. The cooking time will remain similar, and the flavor will be just as comforting.
How do I prevent my dumplings from becoming gummy?
To avoid gummy dumplings in your slow cooker turkey and dumplings, ensure your stew is actively simmering when you add them. Also, don’t overcrowd the pot; give them enough space to cook evenly. Resist the urge to lift the lid too often during their cooking time.
Can I make the dumpling dough ahead of time?
While it’s best to add freshly made dough, you can prepare the dry ingredients for the dumplings ahead of time. Simply combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. When ready to cook, just cut in the cold butter and add the cold milk for your slow cooker turkey and dumplings.
Is this recipe good for meal prepping?
This slow cooker turkey and dumplings recipe is excellent for meal prepping! It reheats beautifully, and the flavors deepen overnight. Simply portion out leftovers into individual containers for easy, comforting meals throughout the week.
Conclusion
There’s truly nothing quite like gathering around the table for a heartwarming bowl of slow cooker turkey and dumplings. This recipe, born from simple ingredients and a little patience, offers a taste of home, a comforting embrace that nourishes both body and soul. It’s my hope that as you bring this dish to life in your own kitchen, you’ll discover the immense joy and sweet memories that come from creating homemade desserts and meals with love. Happy baking, and happy cooking!
