Leftover Turkey Soup

When we have leftover turkey we usually make Easy Turkey Pot Pie Recipe, Turkey Salad Recipe or Easy Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe. But using the turkey leftovers in this soup makes for a delicious and comforting soup that everyone loves.

If you have made out Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup then you need to make this leftover turkey soup. This one pot recipe is ready in less than 30 minutes.

Why This Recipe Works

I get excited when we have leftover turkey. The leftovers can be used in many ways but this soup is one of my favorite ways to enjoy. We always have a large crowd over for Thanksgiving and I love to have everyone over the next day to enjoy leftovers.

This soup has the perfect flavor and is loaded with veggies and turkey and all cooked in a delicious broth.

Ingredients

• Olive Oil – Use oil of your choice
• Onion, Celery, and Carrots – Chopped into bite-size pieces
• Garlic Cloves – Learn How to Mince Garlic Cloves
• Leftover Turkey Meat – Use Slow Cooker Whole Turkey Recipe to make a delicious turkey
• Cauliflower – Learn How to Cut Cauliflower into Florets
• Turkey or Chicken Broth – You can also use Homemade Turkey Stock made from turkey carcass

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.

Variations Ideas

• Cauliflower – If you prefer cauliflower rice instead of florets, add it in the last 5 minutes of cooking to prevent it from becoming too mushy.
• Additions – This soup is great with a additions of egg noodles, white rice, brown rice, wild rice and vegetables such as peas, green beans and more.

How to Make Leftover Turkey Soup

Step 1 – Heat olive oil in a large pot or dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrots. Cook until vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2 – Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3 – Stir in chopped turkey and cauliflower florets.

Step 4 – Pour in the broth and add diced tomatoes, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, smoked paprika, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until cauliflower is tender.

Step 5 – Add baby spinach and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until wilted.

Step 6 – Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Discard the bay leaf. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired and enjoy! 

Expert Tips

• Soup Consistency – For a thicker soup, you can puree 1-2 cups of the soup and stir it back into the pot.
• Chopping Veggies – We recommend chopping vegetables about the same size pieces so they cook evenly. We like to us this Vegetable Chopper as it is quick and easy and even my kids can help.
• Cooking Soup – Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your cauliflower. We like to allow the soup to simmer for at 20 minutes for the best flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This Easy Turkey Soup Recipe is delicious served with Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe to dip into the delicious broth.

We also love to serve with Easy Homemade Artisan Bread Recipe to make sure to get every last drop. If you have leftover 30 Minute Dinner Rolls from your Thanksgiving dinner, then this is the perfect what to serve them.