Leftover Turkey Soup

Name: Leftover Turkey Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups leftover cooked turkey, shredded; 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth; 1 cup carrots, sliced; 1 cup celery, diced; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 cup pasta or rice (optional); 2 tbsp olive oil

Published: January 1, 2026

by william castellanos

Why You'll Love This Leftover Turkey Soup

This incredible Leftover Turkey Soup transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.

Ease of Preparation: With minimal chopping and one-pot cooking, this recipe saves you time and effort—perfect for busy weeknights.

Flavor Profile: A rich blend of spices and fresh herbs enhances the turkey’s natural flavor, creating a warm and comforting dish.

Visual Appeal: Colorful vegetables add vibrancy to the bowl, making every serving look as good as it tastes.

Versatility: Easily customize with whatever veggies or grains you have on hand for a personalized soup experience.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Leftover Turkey Soup:

Leftover Cooked Turkey: Shredded or diced turkey from your holiday feast adds depth and richness to the soup.
Vegetable Broth: Use low-sodium vegetable broth for a balanced flavor without overwhelming saltiness.
Carrots: Sliced carrots introduce natural sweetness and vibrant color to your soup.
Celery: Diced celery contributes crunchiness and a pleasant earthiness to the mix.
Onion: Chopped onion serves as the aromatic base that brings all the flavors together beautifully.
Garlic: Minced garlic adds a punch of flavor that makes everything better—because who doesn’t love garlic?
Dried Thyme: Thyme brings herby notes that complement the turkey wonderfully.
Pasta or Rice: Optional add-ins like pasta or rice can make this soup heartier and more filling.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Leftover Turkey Soup:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by chopping all vegetables: dice onions, slice carrots, and chop celery. Measure out leftover turkey if you haven’t already because preparation is key!

Step 2: Sauté Veggies

In a large pot over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Toss in onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until they soften—about five minutes—and let those aromas fill your kitchen like an aromatic hug.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Stir in minced garlic along with dried thyme. Cook for another minute until fragrant; seriously, you’ll want to bottle that smell!

Step 4: Mix in Broth

Pour in vegetable broth while bringing everything back to life. Scrape any brown bits off the bottom of the pot (that’s where flavor lives), then stir in your shredded turkey.

Step 5: Simmer

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil before reducing heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about twenty minutes so all those lovely flavors can mingle together like old friends at a reunion.

Step 6: Final Touches

If using pasta or rice, stir it into the pot now. Cook according to package instructions until al dente before serving! Transfer bowls to hungry souls eager for warmth.

Now grab some crusty bread or crackers on the side because every bowl deserves some dipping action! Enjoy your delicious masterpiece of Leftover Turkey Soup—the ultimate comfort food that turns holiday remnants into weeknight wonders!

You Must Know About Leftover Turkey Soup

This showstopping Leftover Turkey Soup delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting Cooking Process

Start your cooking adventure by sautéing aromatics like onions and garlic in a large pot. Next, add the turkey and broth, letting everything simmer before tossing in the veggies. Finally, stir in your favorite herbs right before serving for a burst of freshness.

Flavor Your Way

Feel free to customize your Leftover Turkey Soup by swapping out vegetables or adding beans for extra protein. Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary, and don’t shy away from a splash of hot sauce if you’re feeling adventurous!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover turkey soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally to keep things cozy.

Chef's Helpful Tips for Leftover Turkey Soup

This professional-quality Leftover Turkey Soup relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.

Nothing beats my cousin’s face when she took her first sip of my Leftover Turkey Soup at Thanksgiving; she claimed it was “like a hug in a bowl!” That moment made me realize how food can truly bring people together.

FAQs

What is Leftover Turkey Soup?

Leftover Turkey Soup is a delicious dish made from the remnants of turkey, often enjoyed after holiday feasts. It combines tender turkey meat with vegetables, herbs, and broth to create a comforting soup. This recipe is perfect for utilizing leftover turkey, reducing waste while delivering a flavorful meal. Many people add their choice of seasonings and ingredients, making it a versatile dish that can cater to various tastes and preferences.

How do I make Leftover Turkey Soup?

Making Leftover Turkey Soup is simple and quick. Start by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery in a large pot until softened. Then, add chopped turkey meat and your choice of broth. Incorporate seasonings like thyme and bay leaves for flavor. Simmer the soup for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. You can also add noodles or rice for extra heartiness.

Can I freeze Leftover Turkey Soup?

Yes, you can freeze Leftover Turkey Soup! To do this, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. Make sure to leave some space at the top of each container for expansion during freezing. The soup will keep well in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw and reheat on the stove.

What are some variations of Leftover Turkey Soup?

There are many tasty variations of Leftover Turkey Soup! You can customize it by adding different vegetables like green beans or corn. For a creamy version, consider stirring in some heavy cream or milk towards the end of cooking. Additionally, spice lovers might enjoy adding jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for heat. Each variation allows you to explore new flavors while using leftover turkey.

Conclusion

Leftover Turkey Soup is an excellent way to repurpose holiday leftovers into a hearty meal that everyone will love. By combining turkey with fresh vegetables and flavorful broth, you create a comforting dish that warms the soul. Whether you choose to freeze it or customize it with various ingredients, this soup remains versatile and satisfying. Enjoy your homemade Leftover Turkey Soup as a delicious way to minimize waste while delighting your taste buds!

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