As the leaves turn and a chill settles in the air, most stews stick to vanilla recipes. But what if you could turn to your slow cooker for something with a surprising twist? Enter the Crockpot Turkey & Pumpkin Stew – a cozy, autumnal dish that combines savory turkey with the sweet richness of pumpkin. Its gentle simmer unlocks unexpected layers of flavor, making it perfect for those craving warmth and novelty.

This recipe is a little bit nostalgic, a little bit chaotic, and wholly satisfying. The smell of cinnamon and herbs mingling with roasted pumpkin will fill your kitchen with a comforting aroma. It’s a dish that invites you to slow down and savor the season, whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself after a busy day.

WHY I LOVE THIS RECIPE?

The perfect harmony of sweet pumpkin and savory turkey ignites my autumn senses.

It feels like sneaking a bit of Thanksgiving into a simple, weeknight meal.
The slow cooker does all the work—no fuss, just incredible aroma wafting through the house.

The texture of tender turkey pieces paired with velvety pumpkin is irresistible.
It’s a nostalgic reminder of cozy family dinners with a modern twist.

AVOID MY DISASTER (You’re Welcome)

FORGOT to brown the turkey? The stew lacked depth—quickly sear before adding to the crockpot.
DUMPED in too much liquid? Keep an eye on your broth—you can always add more later.

OVER‑TORCHED the pumpkin? It turned to mush. Use gentle heat and keep it covered.
FORGOT the spices? The flavor was bland. Always toast your cinnamon and thyme first for extra punch.

QUICK FIXES THAT SAVE YOUR DAY

When the stew is too watery, splash in a cornstarch slurry and simmer until thickened.
Shield the stew from burning by stirring often and reducing heat as needed.
When the turkey is underdone, add 15 more minutes and check again—you want it falling apart.

Patch blandness with a splash of soy sauce or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
When the aroma is dull, stir in a pinch more cinnamon or a dash of smoked paprika for depth.

This Crockpot Turkey and Pumpkin Stew comes at just the right moment—crisp air, cozy sweaters, and the craving for something wholesome yet slightly unexpected. It’s a neat way to elevate a familiar fall ingredient into a meal that surprises and comforts at once.

Plus, the simplicity of slow cooking means you can focus on other things while this fragrant stew develops. It’s the perfect low-effort, high-reward dish, echoing the quiet beauty of the season. Nothing beats the smell of it simmering, promising a warm, flavorful return after a chilly day.

Crockpot Turkey & Pumpkin Stew

This hearty stew combines tender chunks of turkey and creamy pumpkin cooked slowly in a crockpot. The dish develops a rich flavor with the aroma of cinnamon and herbs, resulting in a thick and velvety final texture with visible chunks of meat and pumpkin throughout.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 4

Total Time 4

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

1.5 pounds ground turkey or turkey pieces
2 cups fresh pumpkin or canned pumpkin puree if using fresh pumpkin, roast and then mash

1 cup chicken broth or turkey broth
1 cup diced onion for flavor base
2 cloves garlic minced
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon to add warmth
0.5 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary if preferred
Salt & black pepper to taste

Equipment

Slow cooker
Chef's knife

Method

Dice the onion and mince the garlic, then set aside.

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground turkey until it develops a golden exterior and is cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Transfer to the crockpot once browned.
Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent. Pour these into the slow cooker with the turkey.
Pour in the chicken broth, then add the pumpkin puree, ground cinnamon, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to combine well.

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld. The stew will thicken slightly and develop a rich, velvety appearance with tender chunks of turkey and pumpkin.
Once done, stir the stew gently, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. It should have a hearty, thick consistency with lovely aroma and visible chunks of meat and pumpkin.

Notes

For added texture, serve with crusty bread or sprinkle with fresh herbs. Feel free to customize with additional spices or vegetables.

In a season that celebrates harvest and homecomings, dishes like this remind us how versatile and comforting seasonal ingredients can be. Each bowl is a small celebration of the flavors, textures, and memories that make fall meals so special. Cooking with the slow cooker also offers a little peace amid the chaos of busy days, helping you savor the true essence of autumn.

Whether enjoyed alone or shared around the table, this stew is a gentle reminder to slow down and appreciate simple pleasures. Its lingering aroma and hearty richness are the perfect capstone to a crisp evening. Here’s to cozy nights, fragrant kitchens, and those quiet moments that make fall so memorable.

Anjali Arora

Hi, I’m Anjali Arora — the curious heart behind Feast Chase.

To be honest, I’ve always felt most at ease in my own company. I’m not exactly a people-person (small talk still makes me cringe), but there are two things I’ve always loved deeply: animals and food.