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If you have Thanksgiving Leftovers make this Leftover Turkey Soup. It is loaded with flavor, easy to make and made with simple ingredients.

Turkey Soup with vegetables and cooked spinach in a large pot with a serving on a ladle
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When we have leftover turkey we usually make Easy Turkey Pot Pie 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

Ingredients - Olive oil, onion, celery, carrots, garlic, leftover turkey, cauliflower, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, rosemary, salt, paprika, pepper, bay leaf, spinach lemon juice, parsley

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

Chopped onions, carrots, celery in a large pot

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.

Cooked chopped celery, carrots, and onions in a large pot topped with minced garlic

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

Chopped cauliflower and shredded cooked turkey in a large pot

Step 3 – Stir in chopped turkey and cauliflower florets.

Broth poured into the pot with chopped cauliflower and turkey topped with seasoning and diced tomatoes

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.

Fresh spinach added to the large pot with the broth and other turkey soup ingredients

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

Turkey Soup in a large pot with a bay leaf on a wooden spoon

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.
Turkey Soup in a large pot

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long After Cooking Turkey Can You Make Soup?

We recommend making the leftover Turkey Soup within about 1-2 days of cooking turkey. Leftover Turkey last about 3-4 days so this will give time to enjoy the soup if you have leftovers.

How to Store Leftovers Turkey Soup

Store the leftovers in an airtight container or up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Can You Freeze Turkey Soup?

Yes, you can freeze turkey soup in a freezer safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy again, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Turkey soup in a bowl

More Leftover Turkey Recipes

We love to hear from you. If you make this Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe, please leave us comment or a star review.

Leftover Turkey Soup

5 from 1 vote
If you have Thanksgiving Leftovers make this Leftover Turkey Soup. It is loaded with flavor, easy to make and made with simple ingredients.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 6
Cuisine American
Course Soup
Calories 291

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 2 celery stalks chopped
  • 2 carrots peeled and diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 4 cups leftover turkey chopped
  • 1 medium head cauliflower cut into small florets
  • 6 cups turkey or chicken broth
  • 1 can 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish optional
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Instructions

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrots. Cook until vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in chopped turkey and cauliflower florets.
  • 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.
  • Add baby spinach and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until wilted.
  • Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.
  • Discard the bay leaf.
  • Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

For a thicker soup, you can puree 1-2 cups of the soup and stir it back into the pot.
If you prefer cauliflower rice instead of florets, add it in the last 5 minutes of cooking to prevent it from becoming too mushy.
I included chicken broth in the recipe but you can use turkey broth as well if you have any available.
Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 291kcal, Carbohydrates 14g, Protein 31g, Fat 13g, Saturated Fat 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat 3g, Monounsaturated Fat 6g, Trans Fat 0.1g, Cholesterol 106mg, Sodium 1416mg, Potassium 855mg, Fiber 4g, Sugar 6g, Vitamin A 4641IU, Vitamin C 61mg, Calcium 97mg, Iron 3mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

5 from 1 vote

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  1. Casey says:

    5 stars
    This soup was the perfect way to use leftovers!