Turkey and Mushroom Dumpling Stew Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you’re going to absolutely love this Turkey and Mushroom Dumpling Stew Recipe. It’s perfect for using up leftover turkey (thanksgiving, anyone?) and turning it into something truly special. The combination of tender turkey, earthy mushrooms, fluffy dumplings, and a rich, creamy broth makes this stew a family favorite around my kitchen table. Stick with me—I’ll walk you through every step so your stew turns out just right every single time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This stew is all about layering flavors with fresh herbs, savory bacon fat, and tender turkey. Each ingredient plays a role, from the mushrooms adding that subtle earthiness to the cream that rounds it all off beautifully. When shopping, look for good-quality chicken stock and fresh herbs—you’ll taste the difference!

• Cooked turkey breast: Leftover turkey works best for juicy, tender pieces that soak up the broth.
• Bacon: Adds smoky depth and renders fat that flavors the veggies perfectly.
• Cremini mushrooms: These little gems bring earthiness and texture.
• Sweet onion: Adds subtle sweetness and softens the stew’s base.
• Carrots: Provide a gentle sweetness and vibrant color.
• Garlic: Essential for warmth and aroma.
• Fresh rosemary and thyme: These herbs bring that woodsy, savory note that elevates the stew.
• All-purpose flour: Used twice—once to thicken the stew and again for the dumplings.
• Low-sodium chicken stock: Keeps the broth flavorful but not overly salty.
• Heavy cream: Makes the broth silky and rich without being too heavy.
• Eggs and buttermilk: These go into the dumplings, keeping them light and tender.
• Baking powder: Helps the dumplings puff up just right.
• Salt and pepper: For seasoning. Don’t skimp—you’ll want to taste as you go!

Variations

I love making this Turkey and Mushroom Dumpling Stew Recipe exactly as is, but it’s super flexible—feel free to personalize it to your taste or dietary needs. Experimenting with different add-ins or swaps always makes it feel new and fun.

• Swap turkey for chicken: When I don’t have turkey on hand, shredded cooked chicken works beautifully with the same comforting vibe.
• Vegetarian twist: Skip the bacon and turkey, and use extra mushrooms and hearty greens like kale or spinach for a veggie-packed stew.
• Herb variations: Try adding sage or parsley for a fresh twist—I’ve found a little sage pairs ridiculously well with mushrooms.
• Gluten-free dumplings: Use a gluten-free baking mix and flour blend; it’s a bit different in texture but still deeply satisfying.

How to Make Turkey and Mushroom Dumpling Stew Recipe

Step 1: Crisp the Bacon and Cook the Mushrooms

Start by heating a large pot over medium-low heat and add the chopped bacon. Cook it until it turns crispy and the fat renders out—that’s where all the flavor magic begins. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and let it drain on paper towels. Next, add the sliced mushrooms directly into the flavorful bacon fat. Cook them until soft and juicy, stirring occasionally—about 6 to 8 minutes. Once done, scoop the mushrooms into a bowl and set aside. This step develops the umami base of the stew, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Herbs

Next up, toss in a couple tablespoons of butter into the pot. Add diced onion, sliced carrots, minced garlic, and your fresh chopped rosemary and thyme. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper, then cook everything gently over medium heat until the veggies soften—about 5 minutes. I love how the aroma fills the kitchen at this point; it’s such a comforting scent that promises goodness.

Step 3: Make and Add the Dumpling Dough

While the veggies are working their magic, whisk together the dumpling dough in a bowl. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate dish, lightly beat the eggs and mix with the buttermilk, then stir this wet mixture into the flour until just combined. Don’t overmix—the dough should be a bit shaggy. Set it aside for now while the stew base comes together.

Step 4: Thicken the Stew and Add Turkey and Mushrooms

Stir the 1/4 cup of flour into the sauteed veggies, coating everything evenly with a wooden spoon. Keep stirring for about 5 minutes until the flour cooks off and turns a lovely golden color. Next, slowly stream in the chicken stock—about a cup at a time—while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. This gradual process helps the stew thicken nicely. Toss in the cooked mushrooms and shredded turkey, then increase the heat to bring the stew to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for about 10 minutes so the flavors meld and the stew thickens to your liking.

Step 5: Add Cream and Cook the Dumplings

Stir in the heavy cream to make the stew silky smooth, then it’s dumpling time! Drop large spoonfuls of the dumpling dough all over the top of the simmering stew. I don’t worry too much about spacing them perfectly—you want the pot to look full and inviting. Cover and let the dumplings cook on a gentle simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Around the 10-minute mark, gently flip each dumpling over with a spoon to ensure they’re evenly cooked. Then, cover and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes until fluffy and fully cooked through.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve Immediately

Finally, sprinkle the reserved crispy bacon on top along with some fresh thyme and oregano for a pop of color and extra flavor. This stew is definitely dumpling-heavy, which I adore—the dough soaks up all the lovely broth while staying tender. Serve it hot and watch your family go crazy for it. I even love how this reheats the next day—just add a splash of stock or milk to loosen up the stew while warming.

How to Serve Turkey and Mushroom Dumpling Stew Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this stew with crispy bacon crumbles and a sprinkle of fresh thyme or oregano. It adds a pop of color and fresh herbaceous brightness that really lifts the creamy stew. Sometimes I add a dash of fresh cracked black pepper on top for a gentle kick at the end.

Side Dishes

While this Turkey and Mushroom Dumpling Stew Recipe is hearty enough on its own, I like pairing it with simple crusty bread to soak up every last drop of broth. A crisp green salad or roasted winter vegetables balance the richness nicely, especially if you want to round the meal out.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special gathering, I serve the stew in individual rustic bowls and top each serving with a sprig of fresh herbs and a small dollop of creme fraiche. It feels extra cozy and elegant—plus, the dumplings look irresistibly inviting peeking out of the stew. Trust me, your guests will notice the thoughtful touches!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually transfer leftover stew to an airtight container and refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. It keeps well for up to 3 days, but the dumplings soak up broth the longer they rest, so expect a thicker stew the next day—just add a splash of stock or milk when reheating for the best texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this stew a couple times with good results, but I tend to freeze the stew without the dumplings, then add fresh dumplings when reheating. Dumplings don’t always keep their texture perfectly after freezing, so this trick helps maintain that fluffy bite.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the stew gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, add a little chicken stock or milk to loosen it up. If you froze the stew without dumplings, you can drop fresh dumpling dough into the simmering stew and cook as usual for a fresh batch of dumplings.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this Turkey and Mushroom Dumpling Stew Recipe a try soon—it’s seriously one of those meals that feels like a comforting celebration any day of the week. When I first made it using leftover turkey, I was blown away by how the simple ingredients came together to create something so cozy and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a family or just want a filling dish on a chilly night, this stew is here to warm you from the inside out. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll be reaching for it again and again!

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