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Steaming bowl of turkey soup with shredded turkey, potatoes, and colorful vegetables in a creamy broth
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Turkey Soup

This is what we do with our leftover turkey meat. Absolutely delicious!

5.0 (3)
Prep
15 min
slowCook
10hr
Cook
25 min
Total
40 min
Serves
6
Style
💰 Everyday
Originally Published February 2023Last Updated February 2023

Ingredients

Servings:
6
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 4 stalks celery, chopped
  • 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups of frozen chopped vegetables, such as pea and carrot mix, corn
  • 2 cups shredded leftover turkey meat
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Leftover turkey carcass/bones
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 small carrot, peeled and left whole
  • 1 small onion, halved

Instructions

  1. Turkey Broth

    1

    Add the leftover turkey carcasses and bones to the crockpot. Add 2 bay leaves, a small carrot, and a small halved onion to the crockpot.

  2. 2

    Fill the crockpot with cold tap water. You'll need at least 6 cups (1440ml) of water so that the turkey bones are mostly covered. Cook on low for 8–12 hours.

  3. 3

    Strain the broth into a large bowl and chill until needed.

  4. Soup Assembly

    4

    Heat olive oil in a large soup pot.

  5. 5

    Cook the onions and celery until soft and translucent (not browned).

  6. 6

    Add the reserved turkey broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to maintain a simmer, stir in the potatoes, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until tender.

  7. 7

    Stir in the frozen vegetables and turkey meat. Cook for 5 more minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper. Serve and enjoy!

FAQ

Can I make turkey soup ahead of time and freeze it?+
Yes! This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months—just let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. You can also make and chill the broth up to 4 days ahead, then add the fresh vegetables and shredded turkey the day you plan to serve it.
What can I use if I don't have a turkey carcass?+
Chicken bones or a store-bought turkey or chicken broth work great as substitutes—just skip the 8-12 hour simmering step and use about 8 cups of broth directly. You'll still get delicious, comforting soup without the long cook time.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?+
Absolutely! Fresh peas, carrots, and corn add nice texture and flavor—just add them in the last 15-20 minutes of cooking so they don't get mushy. Fresh diced celery and onion work well too, though you may need to sauté them briefly in the olive oil for better flavor.
How do I make this soup less watery?+
If your broth seems thin, simmer the soup uncovered for 15-20 minutes to reduce the liquid, or mash some of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot to thicken it naturally. You can also add a slurry of cornstarch and water if you need a quicker fix.

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