One Pot Turkey Stroganoff Recipe

This One Pot Turkey Stroganoff Recipe has quickly become a favorite in my household. I absolutely love having a go-to list of one-pot meals for those busy weeknights when cooking feels like a chore.
It reminds me of the classic comfort food I grew up with, but this version is lighter and so much healthier than the boxed stuff.
It’s incredibly satisfying to whip up something so creamy, delicious, and wholesome in about 30 minutes with minimal cleanup. I find myself making it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need For One Pot Turkey Stroganoff Recipe
Here are the simple ingredients you’ll need to create this comforting dish.
- 1 pound 99% fat-free ground turkey: This keeps the dish light and lean without sacrificing protein.
- 8 ounces dried egg noodles: These are classic for stroganoff and cook perfectly right in the pot.
- 10 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced: Cremini mushrooms have a deeper, earthier flavor than white button mushrooms, which really enhances the sauce.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Provides a sweet, aromatic base for the stroganoff.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Freshly minced garlic is always best for a potent, delicious flavor.
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour: This is our thickening agent for that rich, creamy sauce.
- 1 tsp paprika: Adds a touch of warmth and color to the dish.
- 1 tsp dried thyme: An essential herb that pairs beautifully with mushrooms and turkey.
- 1 tsp kosher salt: To enhance all the flavors.
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper: For a little bit of gentle spice.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: This adds a wonderful depth and umami flavor that is key to a good stroganoff.
- 3 1/2 cups fat-free chicken stock: Using stock instead of water infuses the noodles and sauce with more flavor from the start.
- 2 ounces light cream cheese: This is the secret to a creamy sauce without all the heavy cream. Let it soften a bit before adding it.
- 1/2 cup fat-free, plain Greek yogurt: Adds a final touch of creaminess and a slight tang. Make sure it’s plain and not flavored!
Note: These ingredient quantities will yield approximately five servings.
Variations
This recipe is fantastic as is, but you can easily customize it to your liking.
- Go Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend and use your favorite gluten-free egg noodles or pasta.
- Make it Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and a plain, unsweetened dairy-free yogurt (like almond or soy) to finish the sauce.
- Boost the Veggies: Feel free to add a handful of fresh spinach or some frozen peas during the last few minutes of cooking for an extra dose of nutrients.
- Switch the Protein: If you don’t have ground turkey, lean ground beef or ground chicken would also work beautifully in this recipe.
- Enhance the Flavor: A splash of dry white wine after cooking the turkey can add another layer of complexity to the sauce. Just let it cook off for a minute before adding the stock.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Large Dutch oven or stockpot: This is essential for a one-pot meal, giving you enough space to cook everything without crowding.
- Knife and cutting board: For chopping your onion, mushrooms, and garlic.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure you get the ingredient ratios just right for a perfect sauce.
- Spatula or wooden spoon: For sautéing the ingredients and stirring everything together.
How to Make One Pot Turkey Stroganoff?
This simple, flavorful meal comes together in just a few easy steps. It’s a perfect dish for any night of the week when you want something comforting without a lot of fuss. The best part is watching the simple ingredients transform into a rich and creamy pasta dish right before your eyes.
Sauté the Vegetables
In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, spray a light coating of cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and chopped onion. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and slightly browned. This step builds the first layer of flavor for the dish.
Cook the Turkey and Spices
Add the ground turkey, minced garlic, flour, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot with the vegetables. Use your spoon to break up the turkey and mix everything together. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, or until the turkey is fully cooked, crumbled, and browned.
Combine and Simmer
Pour in the Worcestershire sauce and chicken stock, then add the dried egg noodles. Stir everything gently, making sure the egg noodles are mostly submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, until the noodles are tender but not overly mushy.
Finish the Creamy Sauce
Remove the pot from the heat. Add the light cream cheese and Greek yogurt to the pot. Stir gently but continuously until the cream cheese has completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Let the stroganoff sit, partially covered, for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the noodles to absorb more of the sauce, thickening it to perfection. Give it a final taste and add more salt and pepper if needed.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
- I find that letting the cream cheese soften on the counter while the noodles cook makes it melt into the sauce much more smoothly.
- Don’t be tempted to crank up the heat to cook the noodles faster. A gentle simmer is key to preventing them from getting mushy and sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- I always taste the dish right before serving. Sometimes it needs an extra pinch of salt or a little more pepper to make the flavors pop.
- If the sauce seems a little too thick after it rests, I just stir in a splash of chicken stock to reach the perfect consistency.
How to Serve One Pot Turkey Stroganoff?
One Pot Turkey Stroganoff is best served in shallow bowls or deep plates so the creamy sauce coats the noodles beautifully. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a bright pop of color. Add a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for extra richness. Pair it with garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up the sauce, and balance the meal with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. Serve family-style straight from the skillet for cozy vibes.
Nutritional Information
Here is a quick look at the nutritional estimates for this recipe.
- Calories: 338 kcal
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 4g
Make Ahead and Storage
This dish is great for meal prep and leftovers are just as delicious.
Storage: To store, let the stroganoff cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: For freezing, you can store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. The sauce may separate slightly upon reheating, but it will still taste great. It’s best to cook the noodles al dente if you plan to freeze them.
Reheat: To reheat, you can warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen the sauce as it heats up, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Here are a few reasons why this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.
- Quick and Easy: With only 30 minutes from start to finish and minimal cleanup thanks to the one-pot method, it’s a lifesaver on busy nights.
- Healthy Comfort Food: It delivers all the creamy, comforting flavor of classic stroganoff but uses lighter ingredients like ground turkey, Greek yogurt, and light cream cheese.
- Budget-Friendly: The recipe uses common pantry staples and affordable ingredients, making it a great meal that won’t break the bank.
- Great for Leftovers: This dish reheats beautifully, and the flavors meld together even more overnight. It’s perfect for packing as lunch the next day.