Okay, let’s talk about soup. Specifically, lets talk of my all-time favorite: a tadpole. Slow Cooker Turkey Soup. What is a big bowl of deliciousness? I’m serious – this is the kind of soup that makes you feel like everything’s going to be alright. Think of it as the chill cousin of chicken noodle, but with an even deeper flavor and a totally different flavor. What is the hands-off cooking process My grandma used to make a similar soup on the stovetop, but honestly, the slow cooker version? I promise you’re going to be obsessed.
What is slow cooker turkey soup?
What is Slow Cooker turkey soup? What are some ways to use leftover turkey from Thanksgiving or Christmas to make a turkey sandwich? What is a hearty soup? What is the ultimate way to transform bones and bits of meat into something truly special? It’s a deeply savory broth, loaded with tender pieces of turkey, veggies like carrots, celery, and scallions. What are the best ingredients for perfectly cooked noodles or rice? How does slow cooker work? Soup that tastes like it simmered for days (even though you only spent, like, 15 minutes in a pot). How many minutes should I spend prepping What is the best way to use up leftover turkey?
Why I love this recipe?
Where do I begin? The slow cooker coaxes the deepest, richest flavor from the turkey bones, creating a broth that’s creamy and creamy. Is this a savory dish? Is it seasoned perfectly, with just the right balance of herbs and spices? What is a slow cooker? No babysitting required. What is a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you just want something warm and comforting without feeling guilty? I spend hours in the kitchen. What I love about this is how budget friendly it is. What are some of the best ways to use up leftovers that would otherwise go to waste? What vegetables do you have on hand? I always throw in leftover green beans or roasted sweet potatoes – anything goes! It’s also incredibly versatile. Can you serve it with noodles, rice, or even crusty bread for dipping? My kids like to crumble crackers on top (don’t judge!). If you love the comforting simplicity of Chicken Noodle Soup, you’re going to absolutely love it. What are some of the best slow cooker turkey soup recipes? Is it really a level up?
How do I make slow cooker turkey soup?
Quick Overview
How do you make Slow Cooker turkey soup? What’s the best way to toss leftover turkey into a slow cooker? What are the best veggies, herbs, and broths Let it simmer away for a few hours until the turkey is falling off the bone and the veggies are tender. What are the best ways to shred turkey, add noodles or rice, and cook for a little longer until they’re done. What is the beauty of this method? How long can you cook in a slow cooker?
Ingredients
For the Soup:
• 1 turkey carcass, or about 4 cups of cooked turkey meat, shredded. If using a carcass, try to remove as much meat as possible before adding it to the Slow Cooker.
• 8 cups chicken broth (or turkey broth, if you have it). Low-sodium is always a good idea so you can control the salt level.
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped. I like to chop them on the thicker side so they don’t get mushy.
• 2 celery stalks, chopped. Same as the carrots but thicker is better!
• 1 onion, chopped. Yellow or white onions work great.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced. Freshly chopped is always best for flavor.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme. You can also use fresh, just double the amount.
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary. Again, fresh rosemary works too – about 2 teaspoons.
• 1 bay leaf. Don’t forget to remove it before serving!
• Salt and pepper to taste. Be careful with the salt, since the broth already has some.
• 1 cup egg noodles (or rice, or pasta) I like egg noodles because they’re classic and comforting.
How do I follow step
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Place the turkey carcass (or shredded turkey meat), chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and salt in a large bowl. Top with the remaining ingredients. How do you cook thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf in a slow cooker? Season with salt and pepper to taste. I always start with less salt than I think I need, because you can always add more later.
Step 2: Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. If using turkey carcass, the meat should be falling off the bone easily. If using shredded turkey meat, this step is more about letting the flavors meld together.
Step 3: Remove Carcass and Shred Meat
If using turkey carcass, remove it from the slow cooker. Let it cool slightly, then shred the remaining turkey meat from the bones. If you used shredded turkey meat, skip this step!
Step 4: Add Noodles
Return turkey meat to slow cooker. Add the egg noodles and stir to combine. Cook on high for another 15-20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. How long do you cook noodles?
Step 5: Remove Bay Leaf and Serve
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve hot!
What do you serve it with?
Slow Cooker Turkey Soup is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with some tasty side dishes! What are some good ideas to start with?
For a light lunch:What is a good salad to serve with vinaigrette? It balances out the richness of the soup.
What is a hearty dinner?Serve with a crusty loaf of bread for dipping. Sourdough or French bread are my personal favorites. What are some good side dishes to serve with mashed potatoes?
For a Cozy Night In:What are some good grilled cheese sandwiches What’s better than dipping grilled cheese into a bowl of hot soup? What is the ultimate comfort food?
For a Crowd:If you’re serving a large crowd, consider adding some different bread options, like cornbread or garlic bread. What are some good toppings for a bar?
My family likes this with grilled cheese on the side. What is the best sandwich to serve with warm soup and butter? Is it a winning combination every time?
How do I make a Slow Cooker Turkey Soup?
What are some tips for slow cooking turkey soup? The next level:
Don’t skip the Browning: “Don’If you have time, browning the turkey carcass in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker will help. What are some ways to add flavor to a broth? What is the extra step?
How do I use fresh herbs?What are some of the best herbs to use in soup? If you have them on hand, definitely use them!
Add a splash of acid to water: Add water to iceWhat’s the best way to add lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to a dish? What is the best way to add a little zing?
Don’t overcook noodles!Why do people like mushy noodles? Add them towards the end of the cooking time and keep a close eye on them.
Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add any veggies you like to this soup. Carrots, celery, and onions are classic, but you can also add things like potatoes, corn, green beans, or peas.
Make It Creamy: If you like creamy soup, stir in a cup of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end. You can also use coconut milk for a dairy-free option. I tested this with almond milk and it actually made it even creamier! Just be sure to add it at the very end to prevent curdling.
Season to Taste: Don’t be afraid to season your soup generously. Taste it throughout the cooking process and adjust the salt, pepper, and herbs as needed. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Slow Cooker Turkey Soup is even better the next day, so it’s perfect for meal prepping! Here’s how to store and reheat it:
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving it at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria can grow quickly at room temperature, so it’s best to refrigerate or freeze it as soon as possible.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before refrigerating it. When I’m short on space, I use freezer bags and lay them flat to store.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the soup in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date so you know when you made it. I always freeze mine in individual portions so I can easily grab a serving for lunch or dinner.
Reheating Instructions: To reheat, simply microwave the soup until heated through, or heat it in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat. If the soup is frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. You might need to add a little extra broth or water to thin it out if it’s too thick.
Noodle Considerations: One thing to keep in mind is that the noodles will continue to absorb liquid as the soup sits, so it may be a bit thicker after storing. If you’re planning to freeze the soup, you might want to cook the noodles separately and add them when you reheat it to prevent them from getting mushy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my all-time favorite Slow Cooker Turkey Soup! It’s easy, delicious, and the perfect way to use up leftover turkey. I truly believe that everyone should have this recipe in their arsenal. It’s a total game-changer on those busy weeknights when you just want something warm and comforting without all the fuss. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out some of my other soup recipes. I have a creamy tomato soup that’s perfect for grilled cheese dipping, and a hearty chili that’s perfect for a chilly evening. Happy cooking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Let me know in the comments if you tried the recipe and how it turned out! I’d love to see your photos, too!
Slow Cooker Turkey Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked turkey
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 0.5 cup diced onion
- 1 tsp dried thyme
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Serve hot.
