Slow Cooker Turkey Soup

Transforming leftover turkey into a satisfying meal without feeling like you’re having leftovers requires just one crucial ingredient: patience. With Slow Cooker Turkey Soup, you can turn yesterday’s bird into today’s deliciousness. This nutritious and comforting soup is a perfect blend of taste and wellness – we simply adore it! Using leftover turkey or chicken, this versatile soup is ideally suited for preparation ahead of time and freezer storage, providing a comforting and nutritious meal option for those unexpected rain-soaked or under-the-weather days. This hearty warmth wraps around you like a cozy blanket, banishing all worries without any pretenses. You truly do need some time to unwind!

Contents

Why Our Recipe Ingredient Notes Meat Options Puree to Thicken Variations Storage and Reheating Instructions

Why Our Recipe

Utilize the remaining turkey to create a delectable and effortless soup.
With minimal effort, simply combine chopped vegetables, broth, and seasonings into a slow cooker, allowing it to effortlessly transform them into a delicious and nutritious meal.
The addition of a splash of rich heavy cream infuses this warm and inviting soup with an unmistakable sense of nostalgic comfort.

Whether you’re feeling under the weather or seeking a delicious way to repurpose your Turkey Day leftovers, this hearty turkey soup is just what the doctor ordered. With just a few simple steps, this recipe is remarkably effortless – simply combine all the ingredients in your slow cooker and allow it to tenderly simmer away. The result? Savor a satisfying, flavorful meal that requires little to no culinary expertise, perfect for a cozy evening in. Why not elevate this humble turkey noodle soup by incorporating an array of vibrant vegetables and satisfying textures? Consider adding tender green peas, whose sweetness pairs exquisitely with the savory turkey, or mix in some hearty egg noodles to create a comforting and filling meal. Regardless of the recipe, this soup is guaranteed to delight your family.

Ingredient Notes

slow cooker turkey soup ingredients on table

We recommend Yukon Gold potatoes. Sweet potatoes hold their texture well in soups, surpassing russets in this regard, and the added bonus is that they can be served unpeeled. When using russet potatoes, note that they’ll yield a starchier result, requiring careful peeling before consumption.
Cut three pork ribs into manageable portions for cooking.
While peeling is optional, you may want to consider cutting your ingredients into smaller, manageable pieces for easier preparation and cooking.
Utilize a crisp white or sweet yellow onion for optimal flavor and texture. Dice it into small pieces.
While freshly minced may boast a superior taste to jarred options, the difference may not be as pronounced for all types of herbs and spices.
To ensure a healthy and balanced flavor profile, we suggest opting for low-sodium chicken broth, allowing you to precisely monitor the overall sodium content in your soup.
The fundamental blend of herbs and spices commonly used in poultry and soup preparations is outlined below. By combining multiple ingredients into a single product, it minimizes the need for separate purchases and measurements.
A convenient shortcut! Leftover roasted poultry, whether turkey or chicken, adds rich flavor to this hearty soup. When time is of the essence, you can opt for convenient alternatives like canned chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken, ensuring a satisfying dish without compromising on taste.
Adding a splash of heavy cream lends an unparalleled richness to this delectable turkey soup. One can also opt for a blend of both – a mix of whole milk and half-and-half to create a creamy yet still pourable sauce.

Meat Options

Whether you’re looking to repurpose leftover turkey or substitute with another protein, this recipe’s versatility shines through, accommodating chunks of chicken, canned chicken, shredded beef, pork, or a convenient rotisserie chicken.

Puree to Thicken

We typically opt for a hearty, richly flavored turkey soup with a generous consistency. Scoop approximately two cups of the vegetable mixture into a blender and process until you reach a silky smooth consistency. Reintroduce the pureed mixture to the slow cooker, followed by the addition of the turkey, heavy cream, and a sprinkle of parsley. Stir the mixture thoroughly, then allow the soup to simmer for an additional 30 minutes to achieve a rich, velvety consistency.

Variations

With its versatility in accommodating whatever ingredients you have available and your personal cravings, this Slow Cooker Turkey Soup is a recipe that effortlessly adapts to your taste buds.

Consider experimenting with a variety of vegetables to cater to your personal preferences or utilize what’s already in your pantry? Adding green peas, green beans, corn, or diced sweet potatoes to your dish is an excellent way to incorporate extra flavor and nutrients. For a nutrient-rich and flavorful twist, add 1/4 cup of chopped fresh spinach or curly kale to the turkey mixture during the final 30 seconds of cooking.

Enhance this flavorful broth by incorporating egg noodles, tender pasta shells, or the nutty goodness of orzo, allowing each bite to meld with the savory aroma of slow-cooked turkey and aromatic vegetables. Cook the noodles separately or combine them with the turkey for a convenient and easy meal preparation option. Cooking pasta in a slow cooker typically takes around 30-45 minutes.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover pizza can be safely stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Store leftover portions in airtight containers or resealable plastic freezer bags to maintain freshness. Skip Store laid-out bags flat to maximize storage capacity, and retain freshness for a period of up to three months within your freezer compartment.

Reheat portions in the microwave on high in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until the desired temperature is reached. Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, whisking occasionally, until warmed through.