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