Go Back

Harvest Stew

This Harvest Stew is a hearty and wholesome dish featuring lean turkey burger and an abundance of fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, zucchini, and squash. Simmered in a rich tomato base with aromatic herbs and broth, it's a comforting and customizable meal, perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner that serves a crowd.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 10 people
Calories 815.2 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Dutch Oven or Stockpot Essential for browning meat and simmering the stew.
  • 1 Chef's knife For efficient chopping of all vegetables.
  • 1 Cutting Board
  • 1 Wooden Spoon or Spatula For stirring and scraping the bottom of the pot.
  • 1 Ladle For serving the finished stew.

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 1 pkg Lean Turkey Burger
  • 2 cups carrots chopped (I use the Salad Master for this recipe)
  • 1 stalk celery chopped
  • 1 small yellow onion chopped
  • 1 zucchini chopped
  • 1 yellow squash chopped
  • 5 tomatoes diced (Or 2 cans diced tomatoes)
  • 1 6 oz can tomato paste
  • 2-4 cups water more or less depending upon how stew or soup-like you want it
  • 1 can beef broth or 1 Tbls Beef Bouillon optional
  • 2 tbls salt
  • 1 tbls pepper
  • 1/2 tbls basil
  • 1/2 tbls oregano

Instructions
 

  • Chop all vegetables: carrots, celery, onion, zucchini, yellow squash, and dice tomatoes if using fresh.
  • In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, brown the lean turkey burger over medium-high heat, breaking it apart, until fully cooked; drain any excess fat.
  • Add the chopped carrots, celery, and onion to the pot with the browned turkey and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften.
  • Stir in the chopped zucchini, yellow squash, and diced tomatoes (or canned diced tomatoes) along with the tomato paste.
  • Pour in 2-4 cups of water (adjusting for desired consistency) and the beef broth or bouillon.
  • Season generously with salt, pepper, basil, and oregano.
  • Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30-45 minutes, or until all vegetables are tender.
  • Taste the stew and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs to your preference.
  • Serve the Harvest Stew warm, garnished if desired.

Notes

For a richer flavor profile, ensure the lean turkey burger is properly browned and caramelized before adding vegetables; this builds a strong flavor base. When sautéing the vegetables, allow them to soften slightly to release their aromatic compounds. If using fresh tomatoes, consider peeling and seeding them for a smoother texture. Adjust the amount of water or broth to achieve your desired consistency – less for a thicker stew, more for a soup-like result. Always taste and adjust seasonings, especially salt and pepper, towards the end of cooking to balance the flavors. A touch of acidity, like a splash of red wine vinegar or lemon juice at the end, can brighten the stew's overall taste.