Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Turkey and Lentil Stew
Tender lean ground turkey slow-simmered with brown lentils, zucchini, and aromatic herbs in a savory broth. A comforting batch meal designed for easy weeknight dinners and reliable lunch leftovers.
Prep
15 min
Cook
360 min
Total
375 min
Makes
6 servings
Created together. Shared with you.
Made by Maureen + Lila
Maureen created this recipe with Lila and shared it with the perimenopause community.
The feel-good payoff
Why this meal can feel especially good in perimenopause
Think practical wins: steadier energy, comfortable fullness and one less food decision. Your response is personal, so use the prompts below to notice what works for you.
Perimenopause symptoms and relief · Office on Women’s HealthComfortably satisfied
Fullness that has staying power
This meal is designed to feel substantial, so finishing it can feel like the meal is complete rather than the start of an evening of grazing.
Notice: fullness 2–3 hours later
Steadier energy
Feel fueled, not flattened
A complete meal with protein, carbohydrates and fats is designed to offer more staying power than a quick carb-only fix.
Notice: energy 1–3 hours later
Digestive comfort
A portion that works for you
Fiber and plants can support digestion, but more is not always better overnight. Start with a comfortable portion and build gradually.
Notice: comfort + portion
Everyday strength
Support the basics consistently
A nourishing meal supports the protein, energy and overall nutrition that help you keep showing up for daily movement.
Notice: energy for movement
Setup
Get set up
Choose your servings, gather what you need, then cook along below.
Prep
15 min
Cook
360 min
Total
375 min
How many are you cooking for?
The ingredient amounts update automatically.
Equipment
Large skillet
Time saver
Make-Ahead Ease: Divide the cooked stew evenly into individual glass containers for quick grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
Do these three things first
- 1Set out all ingredients before cooking
- 2Measure the pantry ingredients before heating the pan
- 3Read through the steps once before you begin
Ingredients
Gather as you go
Ingredients
Cook along
Instructions
0 of 8 steps complete
Next: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat…
- 01
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat…
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat on the stovetop and lightly warm olive oil for 1 minute.
Allow: 1 minute
Tap card to mark done - 02
Add lean ground turkey and yellow onion…
Add lean ground turkey and yellow onion to the skillet, breaking up meat with a wooden spoon for 6 to 8 minutes until turkey is browned and onion is translucent.
Look for: turkey is browned and onion is translucent
Tap card to mark done - 03
Transfer the browned turkey and onion mixture…
Transfer the browned turkey and onion mixture into the bottom of a 6-quart (5.7-liter) slow cooker.
Tap card to mark done - 04
Add brown lentils
Add brown lentils, zucchini, carrot, garlic clove, low-sodium chicken broth, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker.
Tap card to mark done - 05
Stir all ingredients until thoroughly mixed and…
Stir all ingredients until thoroughly mixed and lentils are submerged beneath the broth.
Look for: thoroughly mixed and lentils are submerged beneath the broth
Tap card to mark done - 06
Cover with the lid and cook on…
Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until lentils are tender to the bite and flavors are well blended.
Look for: lentils are tender to the bite and flavors are well blended
Tap card to mark done - 07
Uncover and stir in baby spinach and…
Uncover and stir in baby spinach and lemon juice, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until spinach is wilted and vibrant green.
Look for: spinach is wilted and vibrant green
Tap card to mark done - 08
Ladle one-sixth of the stew into bowls…
Ladle one-sixth of the stew into bowls to serve, or divide into airtight glass containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Ready when: everything is assembled and ready to enjoy
Tap card to mark done
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