Published 10/30/2023 Repurpose leftover Thanksgiving turkey with this recipe for leftover turkey soup! If you’re tired of leftover turkey sandwiches (we are!), this soup is for you. Made in the Instant Pot with hearty farro, plenty of veggies, and leftover turkey, this soup comes together quickly and easily. No waiting forever for the farro to cook!
What You Need for Leftover Turkey Soup
The star of this soup is leftover Thanksgiving turkey, of course! In addition, it’s packed with veggies and has a Tuscan flare. You’ll need: Turkey: Use white, dark, or a combination of turkey meats in this recipe. Shred or dice it before adding it to the soup. Vegetables: The combination of veggies absolutely makes this recipe! Carrots, onion, celery, red potatoes, kale, and white northern beans create a super chunky, hearty soup. Make sure that all of your veggies are bite-sized and around the same size so they cook evenly. Farro: In addition the the veggies, farro adds a delightful texture. Typically, farro takes forever to make on the stovetop, but in the Instant Pot, all you need is 10 minutes! Spices/Broth: Chicken broth, Italian seasoning, garlic, and bay leaves add incredible flavor. Vinegar: Our #1 secret ingredient for soup! White vinegar or apple cider vinegar gives the soup a welcome zing that brings out all of the delicious flavors. A little goes a long way! Hot Sauce: Use a vinegar-based hot sauce for even more flavor. It adds more brightness than heat – this is not a spicy soup.
Leftover Turkey Soup Variations
Here are a few ways to mix up this turkey soup:
Meat: This turkey soup is a perfect way to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey, but it’s great with leftover shredded chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken, too. Beans: Don’t have white beans? Use whatever kind of beans you have! Broth: We love using chicken broth, but any kind works. Vegan Soup: The base of this turkey soup is so wholesome and hearty. It would be just as delicious without the turkey! Use vegetable broth and follow the recipe as instructed, omitting the shredded turkey.
Storage
Transfer completely cooled soup to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Leftover Turkey Recipes
Turkey Wild Rice Soup Turkey Casserole Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Quesadilla Turkey Pesto Sandwiches (use shredded turkey in place of the deli turkey) Simply swap the shredded chicken for shredded leftover turkey in these recipes: shredded chicken tacos, chicken noodle soup, and chicken enchiladas
Freezing Leftover Turkey Soup
We love having a freezer stocked with soups to enjoy all winter long! Once this soup is completely cool, pour into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when freezing soup:
How to Thaw Frozen Soup
When you are ready to reheat your frozen soup, you have 2 options: Thaw in the refrigerator: If you have time to thaw the soup in the refrigerator, take the soup out of the freezer the day before you’d like to enjoy it. Place the frozen container on a plate in the refrigerator and let thaw. Thaw in a water bath: To expedite the thawing process, fill a large pot with warm water. Place the container (or bag) of frozen soup in the warm water until the soup loosens from the side of the container. Pour the soup (which might still be an ice block) into a large saucepan. Heat over low/medium heat until the soup thaws out completely. Add additional liquid if needed, bring to a boil, and serve.
Serving Suggestions
Made with plenty of veggies and protein, this leftover turkey soup a meal all by itself! Enjoy bowls of turkey soup with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, crackers, or fresh bread for a easy, hearty meal.
