Name: Leftover Turkey Vegetable Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 cups turkey bone broth or chicken broth; 1 28 oz can diced tomatoes, drained; 3 cups chopped turkey meat; 2 cups chopped potatoes (1 large russet potato); 4 carrots, peeled and chopped (about 2 heaping cups); 3 celery stalks, chopped (about 1 cup); 1 cup diced yellow onion; 1 cup uncooked wild rice; 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 2 bay leaves; 1 tsp poultry seasoning; 1 tsp dried parsley; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp ground black pepper

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup is a perfect blend of convenience, flavor, and nutrition. It transforms leftover turkey into a satisfying meal that’s rich in protein and fiber. The combination of wild rice and fresh vegetables makes it hearty without being heavy, while simple seasonings like Worcestershire sauce, poultry seasoning, and parsley enhance the natural flavors. Plus, it’s ready in just 35 minutes, making it a great weeknight option.

ingredients

10 cups turkey bone broth or chicken broth
1 28 oz canned diced tomatoes, drained
3 cups chopped turkey meat
2 cups chopped potatoes (1 large russet potato)
4 carrots, peeled and chopped (about 2 heaping cups)
3 celery stalks, chopped (about 1 cup)
1 cup diced yellow onion
1 cup wild rice, uncooked
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 bay leaves
1 tsp poultry seasoning
1 tsp dried parsley
1 tsp salt
½ tsp ground black pepper

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Leftover Turkey Vegetable Soup

directions

Pour the turkey bone broth into a large pot. If you don’t have pre-made broth, you can make your own from leftover turkey or use chicken broth.
Add the drained diced tomatoes, chopped turkey, potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and uncooked wild rice. Stir well to combine.
Mix in Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, poultry seasoning, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper.
Cover the pot and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, remove the lid and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Discard the bay leaves. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm.

Servings and timing

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 10

Variations

Swap wild rice for brown rice, quinoa, or barley for a different texture.
Add other vegetables like green beans, peas, or corn for extra flavor.
For a spicier soup, include a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
Use leftover rotisserie chicken if turkey isn’t available.
Blend half the soup for a creamy texture while keeping some chunky pieces.

storage/reheating

Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months.
Reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, adding extra broth if needed.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the turkey with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of turkey broth.

Can I use leftover turkey carcass to make the broth?

Absolutely! Simmer the carcass with water, onion, celery, and carrots to create a rich homemade turkey broth.

Can I cook this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, use about 6–7 medium ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped, as a substitute for canned diced tomatoes.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, the soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld.

Is this soup low in calories?

Yes, this turkey and vegetable soup is low in fat and calories while being high in protein and fiber.

Can I freeze this soup with wild rice?

Yes, but wild rice may absorb more liquid during freezing. You can also cook the rice separately and add it after reheating for best texture.

Can I add noodles instead of rice?

Yes, add your favorite pasta during the last 10 minutes of cooking, adjusting broth if needed.

How do I make this soup thicker?

Mash some of the cooked potatoes or beans in the soup, or add a small amount of cornstarch slurry to thicken.

Can I make this soup spicier?

Yes, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or hot sauce to taste.

Conclusion

This leftover turkey vegetable soup is a simple, comforting, and versatile way to use up turkey while creating a hearty, nutritious meal. Packed with vegetables, wild rice, and savory seasonings, it’s a perfect dish for weeknights, meal prep, or cozy family dinners. With easy storage and endless variations, it’s a recipe you’ll return to time and time again.