Why Make This Recipe
Leftover turkey soup is a fantastic way to bring warmth and comfort to your family’s dinner table. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something nutritious and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Using leftovers from that big holiday feast not only reduces waste but gives your family a delicious meal that feels special. Plus, you can customize it based on what you have at home. That’s a win-win, right?
How to Make Easy Leftover Turkey Soup
Making this turkey soup is a breeze, and you can have it ready in under an hour. The beauty of this recipe is simplicity; it requires minimal prep work and uses everyday ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth (feel free to use vegetable broth if you prefer)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup corn (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Directions:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the shredded turkey, chicken broth, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add the frozen peas and corn (if using) and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning if needed and serve warm.
It really is that simple! You can easily adapt it to your family’s tastes or dietary needs.
How to Serve Easy Leftover Turkey Soup
Serve this soup with a warm crusty bread, or if you’re feeling particularly cozy, consider some grilled cheese sandwiches to dip in! A sprinkle of fresh herbs on top can really elevate the dish, too. For younger kids, you might want to keep the soup a bit chunky so they can enjoy those delicious bites without it being too soupy.
How to Store Easy Leftover Turkey Soup
This soup keeps well in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days, making it a great make-ahead meal. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—perfect for busy nights when you don’t feel like cooking!
To reheat, simply warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick.
Tips to Make Easy Leftover Turkey Soup
- For added flavor, consider using homemade turkey stock if you have some.
- If you want to add some greens, spinach or kale could easily be stirred in during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Got older veggies in your fridge? Throw them in! Potatoes or even zucchini can add texture and nutrition.
Variation
If you’re looking for a slightly different twist, you can add a can of white beans for extra protein and fiber. Or, stir in a splash of apple cider vinegar just before serving to brighten the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use turkey breast instead of shredded turkey?
Absolutely! Any cooked turkey will work. Just make sure it’s shredded or diced so it mixes well with the soup.
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
No worries! You can substitute with vegetable broth or even water combined with some seasonings. A little splash of apple cider vinegar really helps enhance the flavors.
Is this soup kid-friendly?
Yes! The flavors are mild, and you can make it as chunky or smooth as your family prefers. Plus, kids love dipping bread into warm soup!
By incorporating leftovers into a quick and easy soup, you’re not only saving time but also making sure your family enjoys a delicious meal together. Happy cooking!
Print
Easy Leftover Turkey Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None specified
Description
A warm and comforting soup made with leftover turkey, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup corn (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the shredded turkey, chicken broth, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add the frozen peas and corn (if using) and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning if needed and serve warm.
Notes
For added flavor, use homemade turkey stock if available. You can also stir in spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: turkey soup, leftover turkey, comfort food, easy dinner, quick recipe