If you’re anything like me, the days after a big Thanksgiving feast are all about finding creative ways to use up every bit of that delicious turkey. One of my absolute favorite go-to recipes is this Leftover Turkey Soup . It’s a wonderful mix of hearty vegetables and tender turkey, all simmered together in a rich broth to create a comforting dish that’s just perfect for chilly days. My kids love it, and I relish how easy it is to whip up something so delicious with ingredients I already have at home. Trust me, you’ll feel warm and satisfied with every spoonful.
Feel free to also check out our crescent roll breakfast recipes for more kitchen inspiration!
Why you’ll love this recipe
You’re going to adore this soup! It’s a fantastic way to transform leftovers into something new and exciting. Plus, it’s super easy to make, requiring just a pot and a bit of chopping. It’s a warm, cozy dish that’s both nutritious and flavorful, which means it’s both good for the soul and the body!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken or turkey broth
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté them until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute to release those wonderful aromas.
- Pour in the broth, tossing in the green beans, thyme, rosemary, and shredded turkey. Stir until everything is well mixed.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes.
- Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Serve warm and enjoy the comfort.
Recipe tips & variations
You can customize this Leftover Turkey Soup to suit your taste! Swap out the green beans for peas or add a handful of spinach for extra greens. If you want a thicker broth, you might stir in some rice or leftover mashed potatoes. The variations are endless, ensuring this soup never gets boring.
Storage & reheating
To store, simply let your soup cool and then pop it into airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for about 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat it gently on the stove to enjoy all those flavors anew.
FAQs
Can I substitute the turkey with chicken?
Absolutely! This soup is just as delicious with shredded chicken, making it a versatile recipe for any time of year.
Is it possible to make this soup in a slow cooker?
You sure can! Just throw everything into your slow cooker and cook on low for about 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. It couldn’t be easier!
What’s the best way to add more flavor to the soup?
While it’s already so flavorful, you can always throw in a splash of lemon juice or some freshly chopped herbs just before serving for an extra burst of freshness.
Recipes you may like
Looking for more comforting recipes? Check out our breakfast potatoes recipe easy crispy and the delightful breakfast pizza recipe easy cheesy for even more homemade happiness.
So go ahead, whip up a batch of this Leftover Turkey Soup , and let it be one of your comforting family favorites. It’s all about creating delicious meals from what you already have, making it a true kitchen staple during the holiday season!
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Leftover Turkey Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A comforting and easy recipe for using up leftover turkey, filled with hearty vegetables and flavorful broth.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken or turkey broth
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté them until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute to release those wonderful aromas.
- Pour in the broth, tossing in the green beans, thyme, rosemary, and shredded turkey. Stir until everything is well mixed.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes.
- Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Serve warm and enjoy the comfort.
Notes
- Customize the soup by swapping green beans for peas or adding spinach.
- For a thicker broth, stir in rice or leftover mashed potatoes.
- Store in airtight containers; keeps in the fridge for about 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg