Tomato Basil Turkey Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Stew
Browning the ground turkey before it enters the slow cooker sets up a rich foundation for this hearty stew. As the sweet potatoes slowly tenderize in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, they release their natural starch, lightly thickening the sauce without needing extra starches or flour. Adding delicate fresh basil right at the end brings a bright, aromatic contrast to the deeply simmered vegetables and savory turkey.
Why this one works
- Browning the turkey first builds savory fond and renders out excess fat before slow cooking.
- Sweet potatoes soften into tender, naturally sweet bites that balance the acidic crushed tomatoes.
- Chicken broth and tomato juices create a balanced braising liquid that naturally thickens as it simmers.
- Fresh basil stirred in right at the end provides an aromatic, vibrant lift to the rich stew.
- Hands-off slow cooking makes it easy to manage whether using the high or low heat setting.
What you’ll need
- 1 lb (450g) ground turkey Cook until no pink remains and drain thoroughly so the stew broth remains clean and not greasy.
- 2 cups (400g) cubed sweet potatoes Cut into uniform bite-sized cubes so they soften evenly during the long cook time.
- 1 cup (240ml) crushed tomatoes Provides body and acidity to the cooking liquid, balancing the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
- 1 cup (250ml) chicken broth Adds savory depth and thins the tomato base to keep the ingredients submerged and tender.
- 1/2 cup (15g) fresh basil leaves Wait until just before ladling into bowls to stir this in so the herb stays vibrant and fragrant.
- 1 small (100g) yellow onion, diced Finely diced pieces melt into the stew base during the slow simmer.
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What to have nearby
- Skillet for browning the ground turkey
- Slow cooker
- Chef's knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Step-by-step instructions
The process starts on the stovetop to brown and drain the meat, which prevents excess fat from diluting the braising liquid. Once everything except the fresh herbs is loaded into the slow cooker, the gentle heat breaks down the sweet potatoes until fork-tender.
- 1Step 1
Heat a skillet and brown the ground turkey until fully cooked, then drain excess fat.
- 2Step 2
Transfer the turkey to the slow cooker.
- 3Step 3
Add sweet potatoes, crushed tomatoes, onion, and chicken broth.
- 4Step 4
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- 5Step 5
Stir in fresh basil just before serving.
- 6Step 6
Serve hot in bowls.
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A few things worth knowing
- Break the ground turkey into smaller crumbles while browning to ensure even distribution throughout the stew.
- Keep sweet potato cubes roughly uniform in size so they become tender without dissolving completely.
- Resist opening the slow cooker lid during cooking, as releasing trapped steam lowers the internal temperature.
- Tear or roughly chop the basil leaves immediately before stirring them into the hot stew to prevent bruising.
Ways to make it your own
- Garnish with extra whole basil leaves or cracked black pepper right before serving.
- Ladle over a scoop of warm brown rice or quinoa for a heartier bowl.
Serving suggestions
Serve this stew piping hot in wide, shallow bowls to show off the colorful contrast of sweet potatoes and green basil. A slice of crusty artisan bread is ideal for soaking up the savory tomato broth, while a light green salad with a simple lemon or red wine vinaigrette offers a refreshing crunch alongside the tender stew.
Storage & reheating
Allow any leftover stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and refrigerating. When reheating, warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the sweet potatoes have absorbed much of the liquid.
Nutrition notes
Nutrition is provided as a general estimate for the listed recipe. Brands, exact portions, and ingredient swaps can change the numbers.
Quick recipe answers
Can I put raw ground turkey directly into the slow cooker without browning?+
Browning the turkey first is essential to develop flavor and allow you to drain off excess fat, which keeps the finished stew from becoming greasy or clumpy.
Why should the basil only be added at the very end?+
Fresh basil is delicate; cooking it for hours in the slow cooker would dull its vibrant green color and diminish its fresh, aromatic flavor.
How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done?+
The potatoes are ready when a fork slides easily into the center of the largest cube with little to no resistance.
With minimal prep work at the stove and a steady simmer in the slow cooker, this turkey and sweet potato stew delivers a nourishing, deeply flavorful dinner with vibrant herbal notes in every bite.
Tomato Basil Turkey Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Stew
Tender sweet potatoes, browned ground turkey, and rich crushed tomatoes simmer slowly before finishing with fragrant fresh basil for an easy, warming meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground turkey
- 2 cups (400g) cubed sweet potatoes
- 1 cup (240ml) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup (250ml) chicken broth
- 1/2 cup (15g) fresh basil leaves
- 1 small (100g) yellow onion, diced
Instructions
- Heat a skillet and brown the ground turkey until fully cooked, then drain excess fat.
- Transfer the turkey to the slow cooker.
- Add sweet potatoes, crushed tomatoes, onion, and chicken broth.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- Stir in fresh basil just before serving.
- Serve hot in bowls.
Nutrition
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