In just an hour, on the stove-top, in one pan, this Turkey Meatball Stew is cooked to perfection. It’s an ideal, scrumptious comfort food dinner for the cooler months. 
When my husband started eating meat again after being a vegetarian for twenty-one years, I had a celebration of sorts. Remember, my Blackberry-Thyme Roasted Chicken?
Well, now he can’t get enough. Any time I ask him if he wants anything from the market, his response is always, “meat.” And by meat, he means any animal protein. It’s pretty funny.
In addition, he’s been getting all sorts of specific carnivorous cravings. I mean come on, wouldn’t you if you had stuck to plants for all those years!? 😉 (I’m joking! I’m guessing most Vegans and Vegetarians are quite satisfied with their diet.)
This super delicious recipe satisfied my husband’s recent longing for meatballs. Have you ever pined for a meatball? It can happen.
This stove-top Turkey Meatball Stew recipe might just be the “mother of all comfort foods,” too. It’s so warm and cozy with tasty spices and soft textures.
Really, in a word . . . yum!
What do I serve with Stove-Top Turkey Meatball Stew?
Here’s the deal, this is a one pan meal, so instinctively I want to say “nothing.” However, there are a few things that could nicely complete this one pan meal . . .
Enjoy every last bit of this Turkey Meatball Stew, either with one of these add-ons, or all by itself.
If you try my turkey meatball stew, or any of my other recipes, I’d love to hear what you think about it in the comments below. I love hearing from you! You can also follow on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest to see more of my mouth-watering recipes!
In just an hour, on the stove-top, in one pan, this Turkey Meatball Stew is cooked to perfection. It's an ideal, scrumptious comfort food dinner for the cooler months.
- 2 pounds ground turkey
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground oregano
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme, divided
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- olive oil for the pan
- 1 1/2 cups red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 2 cups Yukon Gold potatoes, washed and dried, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 1/2 cups carrots, peeled, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 (28-ounce) can tomato purée
- 1 cup peas, frozen and thawed
- 1 cup loosely packed basil leaves, washed and dried, roughly chopped
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Combine the ground turkey with the egg, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, 1 teaspoon on the dried thyme, salt and a pinch or two of pepper. Mix only until combined. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside.
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Coat the bottom of a very large sauté pan with olive oil and place it over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook until the onions are soft and beginning to caramelize, about 5 minutes. Add the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried thyme and stir to blend.
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Turn the heat to the lowest setting and add the potatoes and carrots. Cover the pan with a fitted lid or foil to let them steam until they're tender, about 15 minutes. (Open the lid and stir from time to time to be sure they aren't getting too brown or burning on the bottom.)
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Add the tomato purée to the sauté pan with the vegetables. Bring to a boil, then immediately turn the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
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Season the sauce to taste with salt and pepper. (Here's How to Season to Taste.)
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Keeping the heat low, shape the turkey mixture into approximately 1/4 cup-sized meatballs, gently adding them to the pan as you go. (Clear an area for each one, by moving the sauce around a bit.) Cover the pan until they are cooked through, about 16 minutes. They should be turned over gently midway through the cooking time.
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Gently mix in the peas and basil.
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Serve!
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I’m always pining for meatballs. GREG
Love it, Greg! Come get some. 😉
Terrific comfort food! Adore the heady mix of spices, no wonder your husband is so happy!
Thank you, Deb. He’s easy to please 😉
Having a bowl right now after a day of housecleaning and cooking. I don’t care that it was 80° today, it’s delicious and hitting the spot!
Kaye, that makes me so happy! Yay!. The weather and I are having communication problems! 😉
This looks so much like my mother’s meatball casserole which she served over mashed potatoes. Comfort food to the nth degree! xo
David, how perfect over mashed potatoes! Smart mom! Next time I might leave out the potatoes in the stew and serve them that way. Hope you and Mark had a lovely Valentine’s Day. xo
I made this last night and took another’s recommendation to serve on top of mashed potatoes and it was awesome. I LOVE smoked paprika so the way it seeps into the sauce when the meatballs go in is delish. I goofed up and put the tomatoes and carrots in at the same time, but it worked out fine as I left the lid on for about 1/2 hour while they softened and then they cooked a little more with the meatballs. A keeper! Thanks!
Hi Lisa! Thank you so much for sharing this! I’m thrilled you loved the recipe, and yes, perfect on mashed potatoes. I will do that myself next time. Smoked paprika might just be my favorite spice — it’s all over my recipes. 🙂 Happy Holidays to you & happy cooking!
Turkey Meatballs are a huge hit in our house! These look wonderful!
Thanks, Caitlyn! 🙂
My kids love turkey meatballs and I love “one pot” – thanks for sharing!
Yay! Win-win. Thank you!
This looks like the perfect thing for a cold winter day- and those meatballs could be used with spaghetti, on a sandwich, or just by themselves! What a great recipe!
Thanks, Katie! The meatballs can be here, there, or anywhere. 😉
This looks really good and perfect for this time of the year. I have not really thought about a turkey meatball soup before, but I am going to try it.
I hope you love it, Louise! Thank you!
Such a delicious way to elevate comfort food! Tucking this recipe away for colder weather.
Thanks, Ellen. Stay warm. 🙂