This easy leftover turkey soup recipe is fast, simple, and healthy. Full of veggies and flavor!
This easy turkey soup recipe hits the spot on a cold day. The potatoes melt in your mouth and make this soup extra comforting. A splash of cream makes the broth taste even better without going overboard on the extra calories. I think you’ll love this light but creamy turkey vegetable soup.
My method of making turkey soup is simple, and I don’t add the turkey in until nearly the end since it’s already cooked and I don’t want it to dry out further.
This is a quick soup that won’t feel taxing after you’ve gone through the production of putting on a Thanksgiving feast!
I’m just going to put it out there that this recipe would work well with cooked chicken as well. Doesn’t have to be turkey! Or even leftover turkey breast meat (that’s actually what I used in here).
I confess I did not cook a whole turkey this year. Or last year. Oh darn. Must have forgotten. It’s ok if you didn’t either.
Here in Canada we had our Thanksgiving back in October, so for me as a food blogger, it’s like this huge drawn-out experience where I’m turkey’d out without even having to roast one. π
At least I’m providing you with some leftover turkey ideas this year. I try.
Looking for more leftover turkey recipes? Try my easy creamy leftover turkey pasta recipe.
How to make turkey soup with leftover turkey
SautΓ© onions; add the garlic, celery, carrots, potatoes, vegetable broth, water, and seasoning. Bring to a gentle boil; reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
Add the turkey meat and simmer for an additional 10 minutes or so. Taste, then add the cream and salt & pepper as needed.
So easy!
Will you make this leftover turkey soup?
What’s your favorite way to use up turkey meat?
Easy Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe
This easy leftover turkey soup recipe is fast, simple, and healthy. Full of veggies and flavor!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 4 sticks celery chopped
- 3 large carrots peeled & sliced
- 1.5 pounds little potatoes cut into halves
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 4 dashes Italian seasoning
- 2 + cups cooked turkey meat
- 1/2 cup heavy/whipping cream
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot on medium-high heat. Add the onion and sautΓ© until it's lightly browned (5-7 minutes).
- Add the garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Add the celery, carrots, little potatoes, veg broth, water, and Italian seasoning. Increase the heat to high and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar. Let the soup simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the turkey meat and allow the soup to simmer for another 10 minutes or so.Β
- Stir in the cream and season with salt & pepper to taste.Β
Recipe Notes
- You don't need to use little potatoes... regular ones are fine as long as the weight is similar. I just find them easy.Β
- I used 2 cups cooked turkey, but you could definitely add a lot more if you need to!
- Serves 4-6.
Marissa says
I was just talking with my mom about what we’ll do with leftover turkey this year – this looks perfect!
Natasha says
Thanks so much!! I hope you like it. π
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
Love how hearty and comforting this looks! So PERFECT for all those leftovers Natasha!
Matt Robinson says
I want a big comforting bowl of this the day after Thanksgivinf!
Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy says
My fave way to use leftovers!
Leslie says
Could I use coconut cream instead if heaven cream?
I’m lactose intolerant.
Natasha says
You could definitely try that, Leslie! Enjoy.
Leigh Ann says
Looks so comforting and delicious! What a great way to use leftovers!
Natasha's Sister says
Can you make this without turkey and bring it to me at work?
Natasha says
No.
Jennifer Farley says
Thanks for this awesome leftovers idea!
Natasha says
Youβre welcome! βΊοΈ
Amanda says
Trying this today with half and half because thatβs all I have in the fridge. Hope it turns out as well as yours looks. Thank you so much for the recipe! Happy Holidays
Natasha says
Half and half will be delicious, I’m sure. π Thanks, Amanda. Hope you like the recipe. Happy holidays to you as well.
Robert Henderson says
I MADE THIS TONIGHT AND IT WAS DELICIOUS. MY WIFE LOVED IT. THANKS FOR THE RECIPE.
Natasha says
So glad to hear it! Thank you
Danielle says
Hi, instead of whipping cream could I use cream of chicken soup or would that change the recipe? (I’m just looking in my cupboard for a substitute).
Natasha says
Hi Danielle! I wouldn’t add the cream of chicken soup, but do you have milk?
Michelle Lowell says
This was amazing!!!! I made it with leftover chicken. So simple but so good!
Natasha says
So happy you liked it, Michelle!!
Doris says
Hi,
Would it be okay to use Almond Milk? Haven’t made this yet but it looks really good.
Thanks,
Natasha says
Hi Doris! I haven’t tried it with almond milk, but if it’s something you’re comfortable adding to soups (I don’t often cook with it), then I don’t see why it wouldn’t work. π Hope you enjoy the recipe!