If you ever find yourself wondering how to transform those Thanksgiving leftovers into something truly spectacular, the Day After Thanksgiving Stew Recipe is your perfect answer. This hearty, soul-warming stew breathes new life into your turkey and roasted vegetables by combining them with wild rice, fragrant herbs, and a silky cream finish. It’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that honors the comfort of the holiday while making every spoonful feel fresh and exciting. Whether you’ve got a fridge full of turkey or just a few scraps, this stew brings everything together into one delicious pot of goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Day After Thanksgiving Stew Recipe calls for simple ingredients that work together to create a beautiful balance of taste, texture, and vibrant color. Each element has its role, from tender turkey to the aromatic garlic and herbs, adding depth and richness to the dish.
- Cooked turkey (~3 cups, shredded or chopped): The star protein loaded with comforting flavor and perfect leftover reuse.
- Roasted vegetables (3-4 cups): Carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, green beans, or your choice add sweetness and texture.
- Turkey gravy (up to 1 cup, optional): Adds magic moisture and depth—never underestimate leftover gravy!
- Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage): These bring warmth and complexity unique to Thanksgiving flavors.
- Olive oil or butter (1 tbsp): Used to sautée aromatics for a golden, flavorful base.
- Medium onion, diced (about 1 cup): Adds a subtle sweetness and foundation to the stew.
- Carrots, diced (about 1 cup, optional): Use if you need more veggies beyond your roasted mix.
- Celery, diced (2 sticks, about 1 cup): Adds crunch and savory notes to balance the sweetness.
- Garlic cloves, minced (2): Brings pungency and aroma that deepens the stew’s flavor profile.
- Dry sherry or white wine (½ cup, optional): Lifts and brightens the stew, enhancing complexity.
- Turkey or chicken broth (4-6 cups): The cooking liquid that builds the stew’s body and comfort factor.
- Wild rice (1 cup, uncooked): Adds nutty flavor and a wonderful chewy texture.
- Heavy cream and cornstarch slurry (½ cup cream + 1 tbsp cornstarch): Gives the stew a luscious, silky finish and slight thickness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to bring all the flavors into harmony.
How to Make Day After Thanksgiving Stew Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Gather up your leftovers and fresh ingredients, and make sure your 5-6 quart Dutch oven or large pot is ready. Shred the turkey, chop your roasted vegetables, and dice your onion, carrots, and celery. Having everything ready makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Heat the olive oil or butter in your pot until shimmering. Add diced onion, carrots if using, and celery with a pinch of salt, cooking gently for 6-8 minutes until tender and fragrant. Toss in the minced garlic and fresh herbs and give it another minute to release those irresistible aromas.
Step 3: Deglaze with Sherry or Wine
Pour in the dry sherry or white wine to lift the tasty browned bits from the pan bottom and infuse the stew with a subtle acidity. Let it bubble away for 1-2 minutes so the alcohol cooks off and the flavors deepen.
Step 4: Add Wild Rice and Broth
Stir in the wild rice along with the broth, and bring everything up to a rolling boil. Then cover the pot, reduce heat, and allow it to gently simmer for 35 to 45 minutes until the rice becomes tender and plump.
Step 5: Add Turkey and Roasted Vegetables
Fold in the shredded turkey and roasted vegetables. If you have leftover gravy, pour in up to a cup to add extra richness. Let the stew simmer for another 5-10 minutes so all the flavors meld together and the stew heats through perfectly.
Step 6: Adjust Texture and Finish
Reduce heat to low and stir in your cornstarch and heavy cream slurry. Warm it gently, making sure not to boil, until the stew thickens to a luscious consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more herbs. Now your stew is ready to ladle out and enjoy with your favorite Thanksgiving accompaniments.
How to Serve Day After Thanksgiving Stew Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or sage for a burst of color and freshness. Toasted leftover stuffing crumbs or crispy bread cubes make for delightful texture contrasts. You can also drizzle a little extra cream or a spoonful of gravy over the top for a touch of indulgence.
Side Dishes
The beauty of this stew is that it’s a complete meal, but if you want to add something extra, roasted Brussels sprouts, a crisp green salad, or some buttery mashed potatoes are perfect. Leftover rolls toasted with garlic butter turn into irresistible dippers that soak up every bit of the stew’s goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the stew in individual rustic bowls for a cozy, homey feel. For a fun twist, hollow out mini pumpkins or large bread bowls and ladle the stew inside — it’s festive and adds a surprising touch of elegance to your leftovers feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, transfer the leftover Day After Thanksgiving Stew Recipe into airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, making it an excellent choice for quick lunches or dinners after the holiday rush.
Freezing
This stew freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving some room for expansion. Frozen, it will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if it feels too thick. Avoid boiling after adding cream to keep the texture smooth and velvety. You can also reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use leftover stuffing in the Day After Thanksgiving Stew Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover stuffing makes a fantastic crunchy garnish or can be stirred in as a thickener to add even more holiday flavor and texture variety.
What if I don’t have wild rice? Can I use something else?
Yes, you can substitute wild rice with brown rice, quinoa, or even pearl barley. Just adjust cooking times as needed because different grains absorb liquid differently.
Is it okay to skip the wine or sherry?
Definitely. While it adds lovely brightness, you can simply omit it or replace it with a splash of apple cider vinegar or extra broth for a similar depth without alcohol.
Can I make this stew vegetarian?
The classic Day After Thanksgiving Stew Recipe relies on turkey, but you can omit the meat and gravy and use vegetable broth instead. Add hearty mushrooms or beans for protein and richness.
How thick should the stew be at the end?
It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still spoonable and comforting. The cream and cornstarch slurry help achieve this perfect texture—just warm gently and don’t boil.
Final Thoughts
This Day After Thanksgiving Stew Recipe is a shining star when it comes to turning leftovers into something extraordinary. It welcomes you with warmth, celebrates every leftover note, and gives you a new reason to look forward to the day after Turkey Day. Give it a try and discover how simple ingredients can come together to create pure comfort in a bowl.
Print
Day After Thanksgiving Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup/Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Day After Thanksgiving Stew is a comforting and hearty recipe designed to make the most of your Thanksgiving leftovers. Combining shredded turkey, roasted vegetables, wild rice, and a creamy broth enhanced with fresh herbs and optional sherry, this stew is a delightful way to transform last night’s feast into a warm, satisfying meal for the whole family. Perfect for chilly evenings, it balances rich flavors with fresh aromas and a velvety texture.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- ~3 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
- 3–4 cups roasted vegetables (carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, green beans, etc.)
Aromatics and Base
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 2 carrots, diced (optional; about 1 cup)
- 2 sticks celery, diced (about 1 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh herbs: thyme, rosemary, sage (to taste)
Liquids and Grains
- ½ cup dry sherry or white wine (optional)
- 4–6 cups turkey or chicken broth (or more if needed)
- 1 cup uncooked wild rice or wild rice blend
- Up to 1 cup turkey gravy (optional but highly recommended)
- ½ cup heavy cream whisked with 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep: Gather all ingredients. This stew works best in a 5-6 quart Dutch oven or large soup pot. Prepare vegetables by dicing onion, carrots, and celery, and shred or chop the leftover turkey.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter in the Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot (if using), and celery with a pinch of salt. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. Add minced garlic and fresh or dried herbs; cook for an additional minute to release their flavors.
- Deglaze: Pour in ½ cup dry sherry or white wine, if using. Let it bubble and reduce for 1 to 2 minutes to cook off the alcohol and lift flavor from the bottom of the pot.
- Add wild rice and broth: Stir in 4 to 6 cups of turkey or chicken broth along with the uncooked wild rice. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
- Add turkey and roasted vegetables: Once the rice is cooked, stir in the shredded turkey, roasted vegetables, and any leftover turkey gravy you have. Let the stew simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes, allowing all flavors to meld and the ingredients to heat through.
- Adjust texture: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cream and cornstarch slurry carefully, ensuring the stew does not boil to prevent curdling. Warm the stew just until it thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and additional herbs as necessary. Serve hot, optionally topping with leftover stuffing croutons, toasted rolls, or fresh herbs.
Notes
- If you don’t have roasted vegetables, increase the diced carrots in the sauté step for more body.
- The sherry or white wine is optional but adds wonderful depth; substitute with additional broth if preferred.
- Use wild rice blend if you want a faster-cooking or more varied grain texture.
- The cream and cornstarch slurry adds richness and thickness; omit or replace cream with a lactose-free alternative if desired.
- Leftover stuffing or toasted bread makes an excellent garnish to add crunch and absorb flavors.
