Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe

This soup is both comforting and delicious, combining the rich taste of leftover turkey with tender vegetables and herbs in a flavorful broth. It’s simple to make, requiring minimal prep, and fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Plus, it’s a great way to repurpose Thanksgiving leftovers for a nutritious, satisfying meal.

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Ingredients:

  • 2 cups leftover turkey meat, shredded or diced
  • Turkey bones or carcass (optional, for a richer broth)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 3 celery stalks, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 cup potatoes, diced
  • 6 cups chicken or turkey broth (or water if using the turkey carcass)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup cooked rice or noodles (optional, for added heartiness)
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Broth: If you have a leftover turkey carcass, place it in a large pot with 6 cups of water or chicken broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30–40 minutes. Remove the bones and set the strained broth aside.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and cook for about 5 minutes, until softened. Add garlic, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf, stirring for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Combine Ingredients: Add the diced potatoes and prepared broth (or water if not using a carcass). Season with salt and pepper, then bring the soup to a simmer. Cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
  4. Add Turkey and Rice/Noodles: Stir in the shredded turkey and cooked rice or noodles, if using. Allow the soup to simmer for another 5 minutes, until everything is warmed through.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy!

Calories:

Approximately 250–300 calories per serving (without rice or noodles). Calories will vary based on the type and amount of turkey used.

left over turkey soup recipe

Leftover Turkey Soup

This comforting Leftover Turkey Soup is a perfect way to use up Thanksgiving turkey. With a rich broth, tender vegetables, and a touch of herbs, it’s a warm, satisfying meal for chilly days. Easy to make and packed with flavor, this soup transforms leftovers into a delightful dish the whole family will enjoy.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 260 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups leftover turkey meat shredded or diced
  • Turkey bones or carcass optional, for a richer broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 3 carrots sliced
  • 3 celery stalks sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 cup potatoes diced
  • 6 cups chicken or turkey broth or water if using the turkey carcass
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup cooked rice or noodles optional
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Broth: If using a turkey carcass, place it in a large pot with 6 cups of water or broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30–40 minutes. Remove bones and set broth aside.
  • Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, cooking for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf, cooking until fragrant.
  • Combine Ingredients: Add diced potatoes and prepared broth. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 15–20 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
  • Add Turkey and Rice/Noodles: Stir in shredded turkey and cooked rice or noodles. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.
  • Garnish and Serve: Ladle into bowls, garnish with parsley, and enjoy!