Description
This Slow Cooker Turkey and Dumplings recipe transforms leftover turkey into a comforting, hearty soup featuring tender vegetables and fluffy homemade dumplings. Slow-cooked to meld flavors perfectly, this dish is ideal for cozy family meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Ingredients
- 2 lbs. leftover turkey, shredded or cubed (about 3–4 cups)
- 6 cups turkey or chicken broth (can use leftover turkey drippings that have been degreased)
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery ribs, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp. fresh thyme leaves, or 1 teaspoon dried
- 1 tbsp. fresh sage, chopped, or ½ teaspoon dried (can substitute with oregano)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Dumpling Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 Tbsp. baking powder
- ½ tsp. salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker base: In a slow cooker, add the shredded or cubed leftover turkey, broth, chopped onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, minced garlic, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Stir well to evenly mix all ingredients.
- Slow cook the soup: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking process will allow the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender and flavorful.
- Make the dumpling dough: About 30 minutes before the soup has finished cooking, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Pour in the milk and melted butter, stirring gently until just combined to form a slightly sticky dough.
- Add the dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough evenly onto the surface of the soup in the slow cooker. Gently push the dumplings down so they are covered by the broth.
- Cook the dumplings: Cover the slow cooker again and cook on HIGH for an additional hour, keeping the lid closed the entire time. The dumplings will puff up and cook through during this time.
- Incorporate dumplings: Once the dumplings are fully cooked, gently stir the soup to incorporate the dumplings and distribute them evenly throughout.
- Serve: Ladle the turkey and dumpling soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme if desired. Serve hot and enjoy a comforting bowl of homemade goodness.
Notes
- Use leftover turkey or cooked turkey breast for best flavor.
- Degrease the turkey broth or drippings to reduce excess fat in the soup.
- Dumplings should be placed gently, and the slow cooker lid must remain closed during dumpling cooking to ensure proper rising and cooking.
- Fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme can be added as garnish for extra flavor and color.
- For a thicker soup, you can increase the amount of dumplings slightly or reduce the broth before adding dumplings.
Keywords: slow cooker turkey and dumplings, leftover turkey recipe, slow cooker soup, turkey dumplings, comfort food, easy slow cooker recipes