Leftover turkey from Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be a burden! In fact, it can be the star of a delicious, hearty soup that warms your soul and helps you save money while reducing waste. This leftover Thanksgiving turkey soup is an absolute lifesaver when you’re staring at that fridge full of turkey and wondering what to do with it. Trust me, it’s not just about using up leftovers; it’s about turning them into something comforting and delightful. Plus, with just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a bowl of goodness ready in no time!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients to whip up your leftover Thanksgiving turkey soup! You’ll need 2 cups of shredded turkey, which is perfect for using up those extra holiday morsels. Chop up 1 cup each of carrots and celery to add some crunch and sweetness. Don’t forget 1 onion, chopped finely, for that delicious base flavor. You’ll also need 4 cups of chicken broth to bring everything together and give it that rich, comforting taste. Finally, grab 1 cup of noodles and a teaspoon of thyme for seasoning. Salt and pepper to taste complete your ingredient lineup for a heartwarming soup!
How to Prepare Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Soup
Making this leftover Thanksgiving turkey soup is a breeze, and I promise you, it’ll become a cherished go-to for those chilly days! Let’s dive into the steps to create this comforting dish together!
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
First things first, grab a large pot and heat it over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil, then toss in your chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté these beauties for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re soft and fragrant. This step builds the foundation of flavor for your soup, so take your time and enjoy that aroma filling your kitchen!
Step 2: Add the Turkey
Now it’s time to stir in that shredded turkey. Just mix it into the sautéed vegetables and let it cook for a few minutes. This helps the turkey soak up all those delicious flavors from the veggies, making every bite extra tasty! Trust me, you’ll love this step!
Step 3: Incorporate Broth
Next, pour in the chicken broth and turn up the heat to bring everything to a nice boil. This transition is crucial because it allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together. Once it’s bubbling, you know you’re on the right track!
Step 4: Add Noodles and Seasoning
Now for the fun part—add your noodles and a teaspoon of thyme. Stir it all together and let it cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. During this time, your kitchen will smell heavenly, and you’ll be counting the minutes until you can dig in!
Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serving
Finally, taste your soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Serve it hot and watch everyone’s faces light up with joy! This soup is perfect on its own or with a side of crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy the warm, cozy feeling that comes with each bowl!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note: the nutritional information for this leftover Thanksgiving turkey soup can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While a typical serving contains around 250 calories, 5g of fat, and 20g of protein, these values are approximate. Always check the labels of your ingredients for the most accurate information, especially if you’re watching your diet!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Hearty flavor that warms you from the inside out.
- Low-fat, making it a healthier option for leftover turkey.
- Versatile—customize with your favorite veggies or spices!
- Great way to reduce food waste and save money.
Tips for Success
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your leftover Thanksgiving turkey soup turns out absolutely perfect! First, if you don’t have chicken broth on hand, feel free to use vegetable broth—it still gives that lovely depth of flavor. You can also swap in any vegetables you have lying around; green beans, corn, or even leftover holiday veggies work great! For a heartier soup, try adding some beans or lentils. As for storage, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days, or freeze it for up to 2 months. Just reheat gently on the stovetop for the best results!
Variations of Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes
Let’s get creative with your leftover Thanksgiving turkey soup! You can easily switch things up by adding different vegetables like spinach or kale for a nutrient boost. Feeling adventurous? Try tossing in some sweet potatoes for a touch of sweetness, or throw in a can of diced tomatoes for a lovely acidity. If you want a bit of spice, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to heat things up! The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store your leftover Thanksgiving turkey soup, let it cool down completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This will help keep it fresh and tasty! It can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days, so you have plenty of time to enjoy it. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. For the best results, gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!
Serving Suggestions
This leftover Thanksgiving turkey soup pairs wonderfully with a crusty artisan bread for dipping, or a light green salad to balance the hearty flavors. You could also serve it with a side of garlic bread for an extra touch of comfort! Whatever you choose, just know that this soup is a warm hug in a bowl, making every meal feel special!
Print
Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes that Warm Your Soul
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This recipe uses leftover Thanksgiving turkey to create a delicious and hearty turkey soup.
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover turkey, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup noodles
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, sauté onions, carrots, and celery until soft.
- Add shredded turkey and stir for a few minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add noodles and thyme, cooking until noodles are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use any leftover turkey parts.
- Feel free to add other vegetables.
- This soup freezes well.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: leftover thanksgiving turkey recipes
