Homemade Turkey Soup
Warm and hearty homemade turkey soup combines tender leftover turkey with fresh vegetables and flavorful broth. Perfect for cozy dinners, it’s customizable with your favorite leftovers and vegetables, offering a comforting, savory meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for using up holiday leftovers or casual weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add all ingredients except egg noodles into a large kettle.
- Add water to cover the ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- If using egg noodles, add them and simmer for another 20 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider using homemade turkey broth instead of water. You can substitute the turkey with leftover chicken or even a mix of vegetables for a vegetarian option. If you want a creamier soup, stir in some heavy cream or milk towards the end. Adjust the seasoning based on your taste, especially if using canned tomato soup, which can be salty.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the homemade turkey soup with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. You can also pair it with a side of egg noodles or over rice for added heartiness. This comforting dish pairs beautifully with Crumb Cake for a sweet finish after your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover turkey soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to reach desired consistency. Avoid boiling to keep the texture smooth.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Homemade Turkey Soup contains roughly 134 calories, with 3g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1535mg per serving (67% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh turkey instead of leftovers?
Yes, you can use fresh turkey. Just cook it in the soup until fully cooked through before deboning and adding back to the pot. This will give your soup a rich flavor, but it will also increase your cooking time.
What vegetables can I add to the soup?
You can add a variety of vegetables such as peas, bell peppers, or zucchini based on your preference or what you have on hand. Leftover veggies like broccoli or green beans work great too, enhancing both nutrition and flavor.
How can I thicken the soup?
To thicken the soup, you can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot after cooking, or mix in a slurry of cornstarch and water. Alternatively, adding a small amount of instant potato flakes can also help achieve a thicker consistency.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).