Ret Soup
Introduction
Looking for a delicious way to use up leftover turkey? So, this Turkey Rice Soup is the perfect comfort food—warm, hearty, and packed with flavor. Made with tender turkey, wholesome vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice in a savory broth, this soup is both nourishing and satisfying.
Not only is this soup incredibly easy to make, but it’s also a great way to reduce food waste after a big holiday meal like Thanksgiving or Christmas. Moreover, it’s a one-pot recipe that’s perfect for meal prep, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights.
Furthermore, in this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making the best turkey rice soup, from ingredients and step-by-step instructions to storage tips and FAQs. So, let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love Turkey Rice Soup
- Perfect for Leftover Turkey – No more wasted turkey after Thanksgiving!
- One-Pot Meal – Minimal dishes and easy cleanup.
- Healthy & Nutritious – Also, packed with lean protein, fiber, and vitamins.
- Warm & Comforting – Ideal for cold weather or when you need a cozy meal.
- Customizable – Use wild rice, brown rice, or even noodles!
- Additionally, make-Ahead Friendly – Great for meal prep and freezer-friendly.
Ingredients for Turkey Rice Soup
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked turkey (shredded or diced)
- 1 cup rice (white, brown, or wild rice)
- 6 cups turkey or chicken broth
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 carrots (chopped)
- 2 celery stalks (chopped)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
Optional Additions:
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (for added depth)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (for brightness)
- 1 cup mushrooms (for an earthy flavor)
- ½ cup frozen peas (for extra veggies)
- ½ cup heavy cream (for a creamy version)
Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Crusty bread on the side
Necessary Tools for Making Turkey Rice Soup
- Large pot or Dutch oven – To cook everything in one pot.
- Wooden spoon – For stirring ingredients.
- Knife & cutting board – For chopping vegetables.
- Ladle – For easy serving.
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
This turkey rice soup is highly adaptable!
Make it Dairy-Free
✔ Skip the heavy cream and butter.
✔ Furthermore, use coconut milk for a creamy dairy-free version.
Make it Low-Carb
✔ Moreover, replace rice with cauliflower rice or chopped zucchini.
Make it Gluten-Free
✔ Also, this soup is naturally gluten-free! Just check your broth ingredients.
Try Different Rice Options
✔ Additionally, use wild rice for a nutty flavor.
✔ Furthermore, try brown rice for extra fiber.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1: Sauté the Vegetables
- Start by heating 1 tbsp olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf, cooking for another 1-2 minutes.
2: Add the Broth & Rice
- Then, pour in turkey or chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Also, stir in uncooked rice and reduce heat to a simmer.
- Cover and let simmer for 15-20 minutes until rice is tender.
3: Add the Turkey
- Then, stir in shredded turkey and let it heat through for 5 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice if needed.
4: Serve and Garnish
- Then, remove the bay leaf.
- Finally ,ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, Parmesan, or extra black pepper.
Moreover, this easy Chicken and Rice Soup from Iowa Girl Eats combines tender chicken, wholesome rice, and savory vegetables in a comforting, flavorful broth—perfect for a cozy meal any time of the year.
Pro Tips for Success of Turkey Rice Soup
- Use leftover turkey for extra flavor. If using raw turkey, cook it in the broth before adding the rice.
- Also, don’t overcook the rice, it will continue to absorb liquid as it sits. If making ahead, cook the rice separately and add it before serving.
- Furthermore, for a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
- Moreover, for a creamy soup, stir in heavy cream or coconut milk at the end.
Serving Suggestions
This Turkey Rice Soup pairs well with:
🥖 Crusty bread or garlic bread – Perfect for dipping.
🥗 Side salad – A fresh contrast to the warm soup.
🧀 Grilled cheese sandwich – A comforting classic.
🍷 A glass of white wine – Complements the flavors beautifully.
Storing and Reheating
Storage:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Warm over low heat, adding extra broth if needed.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- If frozen, let the soup thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~280
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Vitamin A: 80% DV
- Vitamin C: 20% DV
FAQs
1. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Of course, add all ingredients except the rice to the slow cooker, cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. Add cooked rice before serving.
2. Can I use uncooked turkey?
Yes! Dice raw turkey breast and cook it in the broth before adding rice.
3. How do I prevent the rice from getting mushy?
If making ahead, store the rice separately and add it when reheating.
4. Can I use turkey drippings for extra flavor?
Of course, swap some of the broth with leftover turkey drippings for a richer taste.
5. What’s the best way to thicken the soup?
Let it simmer uncovered for longer or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water).
Conclusion
To sum up, this Turkey Rice Soup is the ultimate cozy, flavorful, and nutritious meal. Whether you’re using up holiday leftovers or simply craving a warm, hearty dish, this soup is easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy.
Moreover, this Tomato Rice Soup is a comforting and flavorful blend of ripe tomatoes, tender rice, and aromatic spices, creating a cozy, nourishing meal perfect for any day.
So ,try this recipe today and enjoy a comforting bowl of homemade goodness!
