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Turkey Soup Recipe

Turkey Soup Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for tasty ways to use up leftover turkey after a big holiday feast. Let’s be real — there are only so many turkey sandwiches you can handle! That’s why I love this easy turkey soup recipe. It’s cozy, loaded with fresh veggies, and the perfect comforting way to turn leftover turkey into something everyone actually looks forward to eating.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Course: Dinner, Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Soup:
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 3 medium carrots peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 8 cups turkey stock or chicken broth homemade or store-bought
  • 2 cups cooked leftover turkey meat shredded or diced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley or 2 tablespoons fresh
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional Add-Ins:
  • 1 cup cooked wild rice brown rice, or egg noodles
  • 1 –2 cups baby spinach or kale stir in at the end
  • Fresh lemon juice for brightness

Method
 

  1. Sauté the Aromatics (5 minutes)
  2. In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  3. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies soften.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add Broth & Simmer (15–20 minutes)
  6. Pour in the turkey stock or chicken broth.
  7. Add dried thyme, parsley, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
  8. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 15–20 minutes, until the veggies are tender.
  9. Add the Turkey (5 minutes)
  10. Stir in the leftover turkey meat and cooked rice or noodles, if using.
  11. Cook for another 5 minutes, just until heated through. (Don’t overcook the turkey — it can dry out.)
  12. Finish & Serve
  13. Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  14. Stir in baby spinach or kale, if you’re adding greens.
  15. For extra brightness, squeeze in a little fresh lemon juice.
  16. Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and enjoy!

Notes

✅ Don’t Overcook the Turkey: Add cooked turkey at the end so it stays juicy and tender.
✅ Use Good Stock: A flavorful broth is the backbone of great soup. Homemade is amazing, but store-bought works too!
✅ Taste & Adjust: Always taste before serving — add more salt, pepper, or a splash of lemon juice to boost flavor.
✅ Use Leftovers Wisely: This is the best leftover soup for turkey meat, wild rice, or even veggies you have on hand.
✅ Make It Ahead: Turkey soup tastes even better the next day!