Mild Turkey and Sweet Potato Stew with Fennel

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A gentle stew with lean turkey, sweet potatoes, and fennel, slow-cooked to soothe and nourish sensitive digestive systems. This general-inspired healthy bowls (high protein, anti-inflammatory) ready in about 50 minutes pairs (450 g) ground turkey, low-sodium chicken broth, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 lb ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink and starting to brown.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 medium thinly sliced fennel bulb and sauté with turkey for 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 medium diced sweet potatoes, 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth, 1 cup water, 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp ground black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer covered for 25 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender and stew is fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm as a comforting, inflammation-conscious main dish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Mild Turkey and Sweet Potato Stew with Fennel take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Mild Turkey and Sweet Potato Stew with Fennel?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (450 g) ground turkey from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mild Turkey and Sweet Potato Stew with Fennel?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Mild Turkey and Sweet Potato Stew with Fennel for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Mild Turkey and Sweet Potato Stew with Fennel high protein?

Yes — this recipe is tagged high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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