Easy Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe – Best Comfort Food
As Thanksgiving leftovers pile up, it’s easy to feel stuck. But why not turn those tasty turkey scraps into a cozy soup? This easy leftover turkey soup recipe is the perfect way to make your holiday leftovers shine.
This soup is quick to make, with just 15 minutes of prep and 45 minutes to cook. It’s filled with tender turkey, fresh veggies, and a rich broth. It’s a classic comfort food that everyone will enjoy. Plus, it has a 4.97 out of 5 star rating from 76 votes, proving it’s a hit.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Transform Thanksgiving leftovers into a delicious meal with this easy turkey soup recipe.
- Made with rich broth, tender turkey, fresh vegetables, and noodles, it’s comforting and ready in just 45 minutes.
- This recipe takes only 15 minutes to prep and serves 6 people.
- It’s a perfect way to use up leftover roasted or smoked turkey and can be customized with various vegetables and seasonings.
- With a 4.97 out of 5 star rating, this soup is a proven crowd-pleaser.
Why This Leftover Turkey Soup Is The Perfect Post-Holiday Meal
After the holidays, a warm bowl of turkey noodle soup is just what you need. This turkey soup recipe uses leftover turkey and simple ingredients. It’s a great way to enjoy a healthy meal after the holidays.
Health Benefits of Homemade Turkey Soup
Homemade turkey soup is full of good stuff. The turkey gives you lean protein, and the veggies and broth are rich in vitamins and minerals. It’s a great way to boost your health and immune system after the holidays.
Time-Saving Benefits
This easy turkey soup recipe takes only 45 minutes to make. It’s quick to put together and cooks on its own, making it perfect for busy nights. It’s a quick and easy way to get a healthy meal.
Cost-Effective Solution for Leftovers
This simple turkey soup recipe is also budget-friendly. It uses leftover turkey and common ingredients, making it a smart way to use up holiday leftovers. It helps you save money and reduce food waste.
In short, this turkey noodle soup recipe is the ideal post-holiday meal. It’s healthy, quick, and won’t break the bank. It’s a great choice for any busy household.
Essential Ingredients for Best Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe Easy
Making the perfect turkey soup with noodles or leftover turkey bone broth soup starts with the right ingredients. The secret to a delicious and cozy homemade turkey broth recipe is in the simple, yet key components. Let’s look at the must-have ingredients for a tasty turkey soup that will warm your heart.
- Leftover cooked and shredded turkey (both white and dark meat) – the star of the show!
- Mirepoix (chopped celery, onions, and carrots) – the flavor foundation
- Uncooked elbow or egg noodles – for added texture and heartiness
- Chicken broth or homemade turkey stock – the liquid base
- Fresh thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper – essential herbs and spices
For a creamier soup, add a roux or some heavy cream. You can also add spinach, kale, peas, green beans, potatoes, or corn for more veggies. This recipe is flexible, so you can adjust it to your liking or what you have available.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Extra-virgin olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| White onion, diced | 1 medium |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 4 |
| Dried thyme | 1 teaspoon |
| Carrots, peeled and sliced | 3 medium |
| Celery stalks, sliced | 3 |
| All-purpose flour | 1/4 cup |
| Low-sodium chicken or turkey stock | 1 (32-ounce) box |
| Cooked turkey meat, shredded or cubed | 2 pounds |
With these ingredients, you’re set to make a delicious turkey soup with noodles, leftover turkey bone broth soup, or any other homemade turkey broth recipe. Get ready to enjoy the comforting flavors of this easy, yet satisfying dish.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Preparing the Base
To make a tasty turkey soup from scratch, start by melting 1 tablespoon of butter in a large pot. Heat it over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion, 1 large carrot, and 2 stalks of celery. Sauté them for 2-3 minutes until they’re soft.
Adding Vegetables and Seasonings
Next, pour in 1.5 liters (6 cups) of turkey or chicken stock. Bring it to a boil. Add 4 sprigs of fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 clove of minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
Final Cooking Instructions
After preparing the base, stir in 75 grams (1/2 cup) of giant/pearl couscous and 250 grams (2 cups) of cooked, shredded turkey or chicken. Simmer for another 10-12 minutes until the couscous is tender. For creaminess, make a roux with 1 tablespoon of flour and 1/4 cup of half-and-half. Stir it in near the end of cooking.
This whole process takes about 30 minutes. It makes a hearty, flavorful turkey soup perfect for leftover holiday turkey. Top it with chopped fresh parsley for a delicious, easy dish.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Butter | 1 tablespoon |
| Onion or shallots | 1 |
| Carrot | 1 large |
| Celery stalks | 2 |
| Garlic clove | 1 |
| Fresh thyme or dried thyme | 4 sprigs or 1/2 teaspoon |
| Turkey or chicken stock | 1.5 liters (6 cups) |
| Giant/pearl couscous | 75 grams (1/2 cup) |
| Cooked turkey or chicken | 250 grams (2 cups) |
| Bay leaves | 2 |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Chopped parsley | 1 tablespoon |
Creative Variations and Substitutions
Leftover turkey soup is a blank canvas for creativity. Try adding different veggies for texture and nutrition. Spinach, kale, peas, or corn are great options. If turkey is not available, use shredded leftover turkey soup stock or rotisserie chicken.
Play with seasonings to change the flavor. Add fresh parsley, sage, marjoram, rosemary, bay leaf, or poultry seasoning. For a creamy twist, use plant-based milk or cream instead of dairy.
For a heartier soup, replace noodles with cooked white rice, brown rice, or wild rice blend. This simple change makes the dish more filling. By experimenting with ingredients, you can make the turkey soup leftovers your own.
| Ingredient | Substitution |
|---|---|
| Turkey | Shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken |
| Cream or milk | Plant-based milk or cream |
| Egg noodles | Cooked white rice, brown rice, or wild rice blend |
| Vegetables | Spinach, kale, peas, or corn |
| Seasonings | Parsley, sage, marjoram, rosemary, bay leaf, poultry seasoning |
These changes let you tailor the leftover turkey soup stock to your liking. It’s a flexible recipe for any season.
Storage Tips and Freezing Guidelines
Enjoying leftover turkey soup doesn’t have to stop after the holidays. With the right storage and freezing, you can enjoy its comforting flavors for a long time.
Refrigeration Best Practices
Keep your leftover turkey soup fresh by storing it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge for up to 4 days after the turkey was cooked or thawed. This keeps the soup safe and tasty.
Freezing Methods
Freezing your leftover turkey soup is a great way to enjoy it later. Just make sure to freeze it without noodles or pasta, as they can get mushy. Put the soup in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating Instructions
When reheating your frozen turkey soup, make sure it’s hot enough before serving. Reheat it gently on the stovetop. Add noodles or pasta just before serving. This keeps the soup’s texture and flavor just right.
FAQ
What are the key ingredients for this easy leftover turkey soup recipe?
The main ingredients are leftover turkey, mirepoix (celery, onions, carrots), and noodles. You’ll also need chicken broth or turkey stock. Don’t forget herbs like thyme and spices like garlic powder.
Can I make substitutions or additions to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can add spinach, kale, or peas to the soup. Try using different grains like rice too. For a creamier soup, add a roux or heavy cream.
How long does this leftover turkey soup take to prepare?
It only takes 15 minutes to prep. The whole cooking time is about 30 minutes. So, you’ll have a delicious soup in just 45 minutes.
What are the health benefits of homemade turkey soup?
Homemade turkey soup is full of nutrients. It’s made with veggies and lean turkey. It’s also easy on your wallet and can be tailored to your taste.
How can I store and reheat the leftover turkey soup?
Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. For freezing, prepare it without noodles and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge, then reheat and cook noodles separately before adding.
