Okay, friends, let me tell you about this..Slow Cooker Turkey Soup.. Picture this: What is this It’s a chilly evening, you’re craving something warm and comforting, but you absolutely *do not*. Have the energy to stand over a stove for hours? What makes this recipe so easy to make? Think of it as a slightly more virtuous Chicken Noodle Soup, but with all the deep, savory flavors. What is the best way to cook My grandma used to make a version of this after Thanksgiving, and this is my tweaked, simplified version. What is a slow cooker-friendly take on it Why should I smell your house?

What is slow cooker turkey soup?

Alright, so Slow Cooker Turkey Soup.What is the culinary equivalent of a warm hug? What are some of the best leftover turkey soup recipes? If you don’t have a turkey, why not eat chicken? ), vegetables like carrots, celery, onions, and broth – all simmered to perfection in your slow cooker. What is a dump-and-go recipe? No fancy techniques, no complicated steps, just pure comfort in a bowl. What are some of the best soups to cook in a slow cooker? Far more complex and satisfying than its simplicity would suggest.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I start?Slow Cooker Turkey Soup.What I love most about this is how forgiving it is. What are some good seasonings to use with veggies? *still* turns out amazing.

Flavor Explosion:We’re talking deep, savory turkey flavor infused with the sweetness of carrots, the earthiness of pepper, and the acidity of honey. Celery, and a hint of herbs. Is there a symphony of deliciousness in every spoonful? I always add a bay leaf or two, it just elevates the whole thing!
EffortlessHow can I get better at writing a book? What are some good ways to cook veggies in the slow cooker? I’m tired of cooking. This is perfect for that.
Budget FriendlyWhat are some ways to use leftover turkey? What are some of the best ways to make a healthy meal that won’t break the bank? I’ve even stretched this soup by adding a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans – nobody ever ever ate it.
Super Versatile:Can you customize this soup in a million ways? Add noodles for a heartier meal, stir in some cream for richer texture, or spice it up with some sour cream. How do I make a pinch of red pepper flakes? What’s your soup? Make it your own!

If you’re a fan of my Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup, then you are absolutely going to adore this recipe. What is turkey version? What is the same comforting vibe, but with a richer, more savory flavor profile? I make this all year round because it’s just that good.

How do I make slow cooker turkey soup?

Quick Overview

Making this Slow Cooker Turkey Soup.Is it ridiculously easy? How do you chop veggies, shred leftover turkey, and dump everything into a slow cooker? Add broth and seasonings, then let it simmer for several hours until the vegetables are tender. The flavors have melded. What is slow cooker cooking? What is the most amazing aroma? Is it foolproof?

Ingredients

For the Heart of Soup: What is the heart of soup?

6 cups turkey broth (low sodium is best, so you can control the salt)
3 cups cooked turkey, shredded (leftover Thanksgiving turkey is ideal, but rotisserie chicken works).
1 large onion, chopped.
2 carrots, peeled and chopped.
2 celery stalks, chopped.
2 cloves garlic, minced.
1 teaspoon dried thyme per teaspoon.
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary.
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste.

Optional Add-In

1 cup egg noodles or other pasta.
1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed.
1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (for extra richness) for extra flavor.
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) for garnish.

What is the best step

Step 1: Prep the Veggies

What is the best way to chop onion, carrots, and celery into bite-sized pieces? I usually chop the veggies about the same size so they cook evenly. Is it a rustic soup?

Step 2: Load Up the Slow Cooker

Add the chopped vegetables, shredded turkey, minced garlic, rosemary, and bay leaf to the pot. Cook for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Add Broth and Season

If you have a turkey broth, pour it over the top and season with salt and pepper. I always start with less salt than I think I need, because you can always add more later. Stir everything together to combine.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours until the vegetables are tender. The longer the soup simmers, the more flavorful it will be!

Step 5: Add Noodles (Optional)

If you’re adding noodles, stir them into the soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking time. Cook until the noodles are tender. Remove from the heat.

Step 6: Stir in Cream (Optional)

If you want a creamier soup, stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half during the last 15 minutes of cooking time. This adds a lovely richness, but it’s totally optional.

Step 7: Remove Bay Leaf and Serve

Before serving, remove the bay leaf. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Step 8: Serve

Ladle into bowls and enjoy! My kids love this with a crusty roll for dipping.

What to Serve It With

This Slow Cooker Turkey Soup is a complete meal on its own, but it’s also fantastic with a few simple sides. Here are some of my favorite pairings:

For a Cozy Lunch: A grilled cheese sandwich is the classic pairing for tomato soup for a reason, but it works perfectly with this turkey soup. Something about the warm soup and cheesy bread is so comforting!

For a Simple Dinner: A crusty loaf of bread or some warm rolls are perfect for dipping into the soup. I love a good sourdough or french bread.

For a Hearty Meal: A side salad with a vinaigrette dressing adds a nice contrast to the richness of the soup. I often make a simple green salad with some cherry tomatoes and cucumbers.

For a Festive Occasion: If you’re serving this soup as part of a holiday meal, consider pairing it with some cranberry sauce or stuffing. It’s a great way to use up those Thanksgiving leftovers!

We love having it with a dollop of Sour Cream too, it gives it that extra zest, reminds me of my grandma who used to make a chicken soup with a little dollop, I loved it every time!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Slow Cooker Turkey Soup

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that really elevate this Slow Cooker Turkey Soup. Here are my top tips for making it absolutely perfect:

Vegetable Prep: Don’t be afraid to use frozen vegetables if you’re short on time. They work just as well in this soup. Just add them during the last hour of cooking time so they don’t get mushy.

Broth Choice: Using high-quality turkey broth makes a big difference in the flavor of the soup. If you have homemade broth, even better! But store-bought broth works just fine, too. Just make sure it’s low sodium so you can control the saltiness.

Herb Power: Fresh herbs add a bright, vibrant flavor to the soup. If you have fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley, definitely use them! Just add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking time so they don’t lose their flavor. I sometimes add a little dried sage, too, for that classic Thanksgiving flavor.

Turkey Tips: If you don’t have leftover turkey, you can use rotisserie chicken instead. Just shred the chicken and add it to the soup. You can also use turkey sausage or ground turkey for a different twist. I always take the skin off the turkey before putting it in though, it just makes the soup less oily.

Slow Cooker Savvy: Every slow cooker cooks differently, so keep an eye on the soup and adjust the cooking time as needed. You want the vegetables to be tender, but not mushy. I like to stir the soup occasionally to make sure everything is cooking evenly.

Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup. You can also add a dash of hot sauce to each bowl before serving. My husband loves a little sriracha in his!

Flavor Boost: A squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of Apple Cider vinegar at the end adds a bright, tangy flavor that really enhances the other flavors in the soup. Trust me on this one!

Storing and Reheating Tips

This Slow Cooker Turkey Soup is even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld. Here’s how to store and reheat it:

Room Temperature: I really don’t advise leaving it at room temperature, it’s always best to refrigerate.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This is my preferred method, it is so easy!

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. I like to freeze it in individual portions for easy lunches.

Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, or in the microwave. If the soup is frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. I usually add a little extra broth when reheating to thin it out, as it tends to thicken up during storage.

Noodle Note: If you added noodles to the soup, they may become a bit soft during storage. If you’re planning to freeze the soup, it’s best to add the noodles after thawing and reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the turkey broth with vegetable broth and use chickpeas or white beans instead of turkey. You can also add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken, ground turkey, or even shredded pork in this soup. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Can I add potatoes?

Definitely! Add diced potatoes to the slow cooker along with the other vegetables. They will add a hearty, comforting element to the soup.

Can I make this on the stovetop?

Yes, you can! Sauté the vegetables in a large pot over medium heat. Add the turkey broth, turkey, and seasonings. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

My soup is too thick. What can I do?

Simply add more broth until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also add a little water if you don’t have any more broth on hand.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Turkey Soup is a true comfort food classic, and for good reason. It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re using up Thanksgiving leftovers or just craving a warm and comforting meal on a chilly day, this soup is sure to hit the spot. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family does! And if you’re looking for other easy slow cooker recipes, be sure to check out my Slow Cooker Chicken Chili and my Slow Cooker Pot Roast. Happy cooking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out, so please leave a comment and rating below, and don’t forget to share your own variations. Happy cooking!

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