10+ Turkey Soup Recipes to Warm Your Soul This Season

Turkey soup recipes are such a clever way to use up leftover turkey. Whether you’ve got a little or a whole pile, you can throw together a pot of soup that’s both easy and comforting.

It’s a forgiving dish—just adjust it to fit your mood and whatever’s lurking in your fridge.

Turkey soup recipes help you turn leftovers into a warm, tasty meal that anyone can enjoy. You’ll find making turkey soup is quick, and you probably have everything you need already—veggies and broth go a long way.

Ingredients

• Leftover turkey
• Carrots
• Celery
• Onion
• Garlic
• Turkey broth or stock
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: noodles, rice, or potatoes

Cooking Instructions

1. Chop turkey and veggies.
2. Sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic in a pot.
3. Pour in turkey broth and bring it to a boil.
4. Add turkey and your choice of noodles, rice, or potatoes.
5. Simmer until everything’s tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve it up hot.

1) Classic Turkey Soup with Carrots and Celery

This one’s all about simplicity and comfort. Start by softening carrots and celery in olive oil.

Add chopped turkey and broth next.

Season with poultry seasoning and a bay leaf to get that cozy, savory vibe. Let it simmer so the flavors mingle a bit.

Noodles or rice are totally optional, but they do make it heartier.

You don’t need much to pull off this soup—just a few basics.

Ingredients

• Olive oil
• Carrots, chopped
• Celery, chopped
• Cooked turkey, chopped
• Chicken or turkey broth
• Poultry seasoning
• Bay leaf

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil over medium.
2. Sauté carrots and celery till soft.
3. Stir in turkey, broth, poultry seasoning, and bay leaf.
4. Simmer 20-30 minutes.
5. Fish out the bay leaf before serving.

For more details, see this easy turkey soup recipe.

2) Mom’s Turkey Soup with Turkey Fat Broth

Start by melting 1 to 2 tablespoons of turkey fat or butter in a big pot. It gives the soup a lovely, rich flavor.

Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery for that classic texture.

Once the veggies have softened up, pour in 3 to 4 quarts of turkey stock (ideally homemade from the carcass). Toss in some bay leaves and maybe a sprig of thyme.

Let the soup simmer gently so everything melds together.

Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end. This is comfort food at its most honest.

Ingredients:

• 1 to 2 tablespoons turkey fat or butter
• 1 to 1.5 cups chopped carrots
• 1 to 1.5 cups chopped onions
• 1 to 1.5 cups chopped celery
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 to 4 quarts turkey stock
• Fresh herbs (bay leaves, thyme)
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat turkey fat or butter in a large pot over medium-high.
2. Add onions, carrots, and celery; cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic for one minute.
4. Pour in turkey stock and herbs.
5. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it go 30-45 minutes.
6. Remove herbs, season, and serve warm.

3) Leftover Turkey Soup with Rice

Got leftover turkey? This soup with rice is a no-fuss way to use it up.

It’s warm, filling, and packed with veggies.

Simmer chicken broth with your favorite vegetables, then toss in shredded turkey and cooked rice.

Finish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

You can use white or wild rice—whatever’s handy.

The broth ties it all together and makes it super comforting.

Ingredients

• 6-7 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
• 1 cup cooked white or wild rice
• 1-2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, celery, onions)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat chicken broth in a large pot over medium.
2. Add vegetables and garlic, cook till tender.
3. Stir in turkey and rice.
4. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Add parsley, salt, and pepper.
6. Serve hot.

4) Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup

Turn your leftover Thanksgiving turkey into a comforting noodle soup. Simmer turkey bones for a rich broth.

Add carrots, celery, and onions for the classic base.

Toss in egg noodles or any pasta you like.

The soup tastes like it took hours, but you’ll have it on the table in about 20 minutes.

Both white and dark meat work great.

Try this leftover turkey noodle soup for a straightforward take.

Ingredients

• Leftover turkey meat (white and/or dark)
• Turkey bones (for broth)
• Carrots, chopped
• Celery, chopped
• Onion, chopped
• Egg noodles or pasta
• Salt and pepper
• Water or broth

Cooking Instructions

1. Simmer turkey bones with water for about an hour to make broth.
2. Strain and return broth to the pot.
3. Add carrots, celery, and onion; cook until soft.
4. Add turkey meat and noodles.
5. Cook until noodles are tender, 8-10 minutes.
6. Season, then serve warm.

5) Southwestern Turkey Soup with Green Chiles and Avocado

This one’s for anyone who loves a little kick. Green chiles bring a gentle heat, while avocado on top cools things down and adds creaminess.

Use cooked turkey, canned tomatoes, and broth as your base. Add cumin and cayenne for that southwestern flair.

Top with cilantro and maybe a squeeze of lime if you’re feeling fancy.

It’s a cozy soup with just enough zing.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups shredded cooked turkey
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (4 oz) can chopped green chiles
• 2 plum tomatoes, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Sauté onion and garlic in a large pot until soft.
2. Add broth, diced tomatoes, green chiles, plum tomatoes, cumin, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
3. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Stir in turkey and heat through.
5. Serve topped with avocado and cilantro.

Find the full recipe and extra tips at Southwestern Turkey Soup with Avocado.

6) Italian Turkey Soup with Garlic and Herbs

If you’re in the mood for Italian, this soup is a winner. It mixes garlic, herbs, and leftover turkey for a meal that’s both light and satisfying.

Start by sautéing garlic, onion, carrot, and celery in olive oil.

Add turkey, broth, canned tomatoes, basil, and rosemary.

Let it all simmer so the flavors come together.

You can add small pasta or rice if you want to bulk it up.

It’s quick and great for busy nights.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cups turkey broth
• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup small pasta or rice (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium.
2. Add garlic, onion, carrot, and celery. Cook about 5 minutes.
3. Pour in broth, turkey, tomatoes, basil, and rosemary.
4. Bring to a boil, then simmer 15-20 minutes.
5. If using, add pasta or rice and cook until tender (about 10 minutes).
6. Season before serving.

7) Hearty Turkey Soup with Pasta and Vegetables

Make a cozy soup with leftover turkey, fresh veggies, and some pasta.

It’s a simple, filling recipe—perfect for when you want something warm and no-fuss.

Cook onions, carrots, and celery in a pot until soft.

Add shredded turkey, broth, and your favorite small pasta.

Simmer until the pasta’s cooked through.

Season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of herbs.

You can swap in whatever veggies you have.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 4 cups chicken or turkey broth
• 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning

Cooking Instructions

1. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery in a large pot over medium for 5 minutes.
2. Add turkey and broth. Bring to a boil.
3. Stir in pasta, reduce heat, and simmer 10-12 minutes.
4. Season and serve warm.

Try this turkey pasta vegetable soup if you want another easy option.

8) Slow Cooker Turkey Soup with Potatoes

This slow cooker turkey soup is about as easy as it gets. Leftover turkey works great, and potatoes bring a little sweetness and creaminess.

Just layer carrots, celery, and onions in your slow cooker. Toss in the potatoes and turkey, then sprinkle on some salt and pepper.

Pour in your broth and let everything cook low and slow. The flavors meld together while you get on with your day.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cups chicken or turkey broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Put the onion, carrots, and celery in the slow cooker.
2. Add potatoes and turkey right on top.
3. Pour broth over everything.
4. Sprinkle in salt and pepper.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Give it a stir and serve warm.

For more details, check this slow cooker turkey and potato soup recipe.

9) Turkey Soup with Bay Leaves and Thyme

This turkey soup comes together simply and packs a lot of flavor. Bay leaves and thyme really make the kitchen smell inviting.

Start by simmering turkey stock with bay leaves and thyme. Add in carrots, celery, and onions for more flavor and a bit of color.

Once it boils, turn the heat down and let it do its thing. If you want something heartier, throw in noodles, rice, or even couscous.

A little salt and pepper ties everything together. Don’t forget to fish out the bay leaves before you dig in.

Ingredients

• 4 cups turkey stock
• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 cup noodles, rice, or couscous

Cooking Instructions

1. Bring turkey stock to a boil in a large pot.
2. Add bay leaves, thyme, carrots, celery, and onion.
3. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Add the cooked turkey and whatever noodles, rice, or couscous you like.
5. Cook until the noodles or rice are tender, usually about 10-15 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper, then pull out the bay leaves before serving.

10) Creamy Turkey Soup with a Roux Base

If you want to make a creamy turkey soup, start with a roux. Basically, you just cook equal parts flour and fat together.

That roux thickens the soup and gives it that classic, smooth feel. Once the roux looks right, slowly pour in your broth and keep stirring—nobody wants lumps.

Next, toss in your leftover turkey and whatever vegetables you’ve got handy. Let it all simmer until everything’s warmed through.

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 6 cups turkey broth
• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 cup chopped onions
• 1 cup milk or cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Whisk in flour and cook for 2-3 minutes until it turns light brown.
3. Slowly pour in turkey broth, stirring constantly.
4. Add carrots, celery, and onions; let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
5. Stir in turkey and milk or cream; cook for another 5 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper before serving.