Ah, the aftermath of Thanksgiving! The house is quiet, the family has all gone home, and you’re left with mountains of leftover turkey. But don’t fret, because that turkey isn’t going to waste! Instead of tossing it in the fridge for another unexciting sandwich, why not turn those leftovers into a delicious, hearty meal-like a Leftover Turkey Soup in the Crock Pot? Not only will you make something new and exciting from what’s left over, but you’ll also have a simple, cozy dish ready to enjoy all week long.
Using your slow cooker makes the whole process even more effortless. You can throw everything in, set it, and let it simmer while you get on with other things. It’s perfect for busy days when you don’t want to spend a lot of time over the stove. The best part? The slow cooking process melds all the flavors together, creating a rich, satisfying soup that tastes like you’ve been slaving over it all day. Let’s dive into the details of this cozy, comfort food recipe!
Leftover Turkey Soup Crock Pot Recipe
A turkey soup made in the slow cooker is the ideal way to transform your leftovers into something fresh and exciting. This recipe is flexible, allowing you to tailor it based on what you have in your fridge, but it stays grounded in the comforting flavors of Thanksgiving. You’re going to love how easy it is-and the flavor will blow you away!
Ingredients Needed
You probably already have most of these ingredients hanging around your kitchen, and the ones you don’t can be swapped for something similar. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Leftover turkey: The star of the show! If you have dark meat (thighs or drumsticks), that’s even better for a rich, flavorful soup base. Shred or chop the turkey into bite-sized pieces.
- Broth: Turkey or chicken broth works perfectly here. If you have turkey stock from your Thanksgiving meal, even better! You’ll need about 4 cups to start, but you can adjust to your desired soup consistency.
- Carrots: A classic soup vegetable. Slice them into small rounds or dice them up if you want more texture.
- Celery: Adds a nice crunch and earthiness to the soup.
- Onion: A staple that adds depth and richness to the broth. Chop it finely so it can dissolve into the soup while cooking.
- Garlic: A couple of cloves minced for that aromatic, savory goodness.
- Potatoes: These are optional, but adding diced potatoes helps make the soup hearty and satisfying. They absorb the flavors of the broth and add a nice texture.
- Herbs: A mix of thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves really brings out the flavors of the turkey. Fresh or dried works, but fresh thyme is particularly fragrant in this dish.
- Salt & pepper: Season to taste, but keep in mind that the turkey and broth might already be salty, so start with a pinch and adjust later.
- Frozen peas (optional): For a little color and sweetness. You could also use corn, green beans, or any vegetable of your choice.
- Crispy bacon (optional): For a savory crunch at the end, or just because bacon makes everything better.
- Butter (optional): For a bit of richness, especially if you want a creamy texture in the broth.
Cooking Instructions
Here’s how you can make this scrumptious leftover turkey soup in your slow cooker:
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Prep Your Ingredients
- Shred the leftover turkey into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. If you’re using potatoes, peel and dice them into small cubes.
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Layer Your Slow Cooker
- Place the shredded turkey in the bottom of the crock pot.
- Add in the chopped veggies (carrots, celery, onions, garlic) and potatoes if you’re using them.
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Add The Broth And Seasonings
- Pour in your turkey or chicken broth, making sure the ingredients are just covered. You can always add more broth later if the soup gets too thick.
- Throw in the thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Give it a light stir to distribute everything evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper. Start with a pinch of each, and you can adjust the seasoning later.
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Cook On Low
- Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
- If you’re in a rush, you can cook it on high for 2-3 hours, but low and slow works best for a rich, comforting soup.
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Add Peas And Final Seasonings
- About 20 minutes before serving, toss in your frozen peas (if using) for a pop of color and sweetness.
- Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
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Serve And Enjoy
- Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy it as-is, or top with a sprinkle of crispy bacon, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream for extra indulgence.
Ingredient Insights
- Turkey: Using leftover turkey isn’t just a time-saver-it’s a flavor enhancer! The slow-cooked turkey melds beautifully with the broth, releasing its juices and creating a richer, more complex flavor than you’d get with fresh turkey alone.
- Carrots and Celery: These classic soup veggies are staples for a reason! They’re affordable, widely available, and their natural sweetness complements the savory turkey perfectly.
- Potatoes: Adding potatoes brings a starchy element to the soup, making it feel like a full meal rather than just a brothy dish. Plus, they help to absorb all those delicious turkey flavors as they cook.
- Herbs: Thyme and rosemary are often paired with turkey, and they shine in this soup. They’re both earthy and aromatic, perfectly lifting the turkey flavor while enhancing the overall depth of the broth.
Expert Tips
- Use leftovers creatively: If you have turkey skin, bones, or any leftover gravy, add them to the crock pot for even more flavor. The bones, in particular, will enrich the broth and make it taste even more authentic.
- Don’t skip the sauté: If you have a bit more time, consider sautéing your onions, garlic, and carrots in a pan with butter or oil before adding them to the slow cooker. This extra step caramelizes the veggies and boosts the soup’s depth of flavor.
- Adjust for texture: If you like a thicker soup, use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes in the soup after it’s done cooking. This will create a more creamy texture without needing any cream or milk.
- Control the broth: If you find that your soup is too thick toward the end of cooking, feel free to add a splash of extra broth or water to loosen it up. Similarly, if you prefer a heartier soup, let it cook longer to thicken up the broth further.
Recipe Variations
The beauty of this recipe is that it’s versatile-perfect for customizing based on what you have in your fridge and pantry. Here are some ideas to make it your own:
- Add Cream: For a creamy version of this soup, stir in some heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking. You can also use a little milk or coconut milk for a lighter, dairy-free option.
- Spicy Kick: If you’re a fan of heat, toss in a diced jalapeño or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. You could even use a can of diced green chilies for an added layer of flavor.
- Swap Veggies: If you have other leftover vegetables from your holiday meal (brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or corn), feel free to toss them in instead of-or in addition to-the standard soup veggies.
- Noodle Option: For a more substantial meal, add some egg noodles or small pasta like ditalini to the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Just make sure to add extra broth to accommodate the pasta.
Final Words
This leftover turkey soup is the perfect example of how to take simple ingredients and transform them into something extraordinary. It’s comforting, nutritious, and a great way to make the most of your Thanksgiving leftovers. Whether you’re looking to feed a crowd or just want to enjoy a cozy, filling meal on a quiet evening, this soup is here to deliver.
FAQs
How Do I Make Leftover Turkey Soup In A Crock Pot?
To make leftover turkey soup in a crock pot, combine shredded turkey, vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, broth (chicken or turkey), seasonings (salt, pepper, thyme), and any additional ingredients like potatoes or pasta. Set the crock pot to low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
Can I Use Store-bought Turkey Stock In My Leftover Turkey Soup?
Yes, store-bought turkey stock or chicken broth works well in leftover turkey soup. It adds depth of flavor, but you may want to adjust the seasonings since pre-made stocks can be salty.
What Vegetables Are Best For Leftover Turkey Soup?
Common vegetables for turkey soup include carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and potatoes. You can also add peas, corn, green beans, or any leftover vegetables you have on hand.
Can I Add Pasta Or Rice To My Turkey Soup In The Crock Pot?
Yes, adding pasta or rice to your turkey soup is a great way to make it heartier. However, it’s best to add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
How Do I Store Leftover Turkey Soup?
Once the soup has cooled, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to leave some space in the container for expansion during freezing.
Can I Make Leftover Turkey Soup Ahead Of Time?
Yes, leftover turkey soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. In fact, the flavors often develop more over time. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Should I Cook The Turkey Before Adding It To The Crock Pot?
No, the turkey can be added directly to the crock pot without further cooking if it’s already cooked. Shred the leftover turkey and add it to the crock pot along with the other ingredients.
Can I Use Frozen Leftover Turkey In My Crock Pot Soup?
Yes, you can use frozen leftover turkey in your soup. Just ensure it’s thawed properly before adding it to the crock pot to ensure even cooking and safe handling.
How Can I Make My Leftover Turkey Soup Thicker?
To make your soup thicker, you can add more vegetables like potatoes or blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender. Alternatively, you can mix in some flour or cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking to thicken the broth.
What Are Some Common Seasonings For Leftover Turkey Soup?
Common seasonings for turkey soup include salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and parsley. You can also add a splash of lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor.