The Best Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe: Quick, Easy, and Delicious!

Turn your Thanksgiving or holiday leftovers into a comforting and satisfying meal with this Quick Leftover Turkey Soup. Packed with fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and tender turkey, this soup is the perfect way to use up leftover roast turkey and create a hearty dinner in minutes.

There’s something incredibly rewarding about transforming leftovers into a brand new culinary experience. Whether it’s reinventing last night’s meatballs or breathing new life into your Thanksgiving feast, using leftovers creatively is a fantastic way to reduce food waste and enjoy delicious, budget-friendly meals. When it comes to Thanksgiving leftovers, roast turkey is a versatile ingredient that can be easily transformed into a variety of delightful dishes.

From the ever-popular Best Leftover Turkey Salad, perfect for sandwiches or lettuce wraps, to a quick and flavorful 30-Minute Leftover Turkey Chili, ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner, and even a comforting Leftover Turkey Pot Pie with Cheddar Biscuit Crust for a special occasion, the possibilities are endless. And now, we’re adding another fast, fresh, and family-friendly recipe to the mix: Quick Leftover Turkey Soup!

This leftover turkey soup recipe is incredibly easy to make and is ready in under an hour. It’s a great way to use up leftover turkey after Thanksgiving or Christmas, and it’s also a healthy and comforting meal that everyone will enjoy.

How to Make Leftover Turkey Soup: Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating this delicious turkey soup is surprisingly simple. The key is to build layers of flavor, starting with a fragrant mirepoix. Here’s a detailed guide:

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large, heavy-bottomed stock pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables have softened, about 5 minutes. This process, known as creating a mirepoix, forms the base of many flavorful soups and stews.
2. Add Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and fresh thyme leaves to the pot and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly. The garlic will release its fragrant oils, infusing the vegetables with a delicious aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
3. Simmer with Broth: Pour in the chicken broth (or turkey stock for an even richer flavor) and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, stir in the uncooked couscous. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer until the couscous is tender, about 10 minutes. The couscous will absorb the flavorful broth and become plump and chewy.
4. Add Turkey and Season: Stir in the shredded leftover turkey (or rotisserie chicken). Season the soup generously with salt and pepper to taste. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a bright and zesty finish, similar to the tanginess of Quick Greek Lemon Chicken Soup.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and a lemon wedge. The Parmesan adds a salty and savory element, while the lemon juice provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the soup.

Couscous Alternatives: Options for Every Dietary Need

While this recipe calls for couscous, it’s easy to adapt it to your personal preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are some excellent alternatives:

• Short Pasta: Substitute your favorite short pasta shape, such as rotini, ditalini, or pastina. These small pasta shapes cook quickly and add a delightful chewiness to the soup.
• Short-Grain Rice: Opt for short-grain rice for a slightly creamier texture. Rinse the rice before adding it to the soup to remove excess starch.
• Quinoa: A great gluten-free option, quinoa is a complete protein and adds a nutty flavor to the soup.
• Barley: For a heartier soup, try adding barley. Keep in mind that barley takes longer to cook than couscous or pasta, so adjust the simmering time accordingly.

When using any of these alternatives, be mindful of the cook time to avoid undercooked or overcooked grains or noodles. Aim for an *al dente* texture for the best results.

How Long Does Homemade Turkey Soup Last? Safe Storage Tips

Proper storage is crucial to ensure the safety and quality of your homemade turkey soup. Here are some guidelines:

• Refrigeration: Turkey soup with a clear broth (i.e., without added dairy) will typically last in the refrigerator for about three days. While it may sometimes last longer, three days is a safe timeframe to ensure optimal freshness.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freezing is an excellent option. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Properly frozen turkey soup can last for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and reheat thoroughly on the stovetop.

Always remember to use your senses. If the soup has an unusual odor, color, or texture, it’s best to discard it.

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Main Course

Quick Leftover Turkey Soup

Got leftover turkey? You’re
already half way to a hearty, comforting dinner with this recipe for Quick Leftover Turkey Soup
that’s loaded with fresh veggies and herbs.

Author:
Kelly
Senyei

5 from 3
votes