The aroma of Hearty Homemade Turkey Soup wafts through the kitchen, wrapping you in a warm embrace that feels like a comforting hug from your grandma. Picture tender turkey pieces swimming in rich, savory broth alongside vibrant vegetables, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Each spoonful is a reminder of cozy family dinners and laughter-filled gatherings.

Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>How to Make Hearty Homemade Turkey Soup</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What can I use instead of turkey?
- How long does this soup last?
- Can I freeze the soup?
- 📖 Recipe Card
As you sip this delightful concoction, memories flood back of chilly winter evenings spent gathered around the table, eager to dive into a steaming bowl. This soup isn’t just food; it’s an invitation to slow down and savor life’s simple pleasures. Whether you’re nursing a cold or simply craving something heartwarming, this is your go-to recipe for comfort.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Hearty Homemade Turkey Soup is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The rich flavors burst with every bite, while its vibrant colors make it visually appealing
- Enjoy its versatility as you can customize it with whatever veggies you have on hand
Sharing this recipe with friends led to some unforgettable reactions; they all fought over the last spoonful!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Cooked Turkey: Use leftover turkey from your holiday feast or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness and depth; consider using yellow or white onions.
Carrots: Fresh carrots provide color and sweetness; chop them into even pieces for uniform cooking.
Celery: Celery brings crunch and flavor; opt for crisp stalks for the best results.
Garlic: A few cloves of minced garlic enhance the aroma and flavor profile significantly.
Chicken Broth: Choose low-sodium broth to control saltiness; homemade broth adds an extra layer of flavor.
Bay Leaves: These aromatic leaves infuse subtle depth into the soup during cooking.
Thyme: Fresh or dried thyme gives an earthy taste that complements the turkey beautifully.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to taste preference.
Parsley (optional): Chopped fresh parsley brightens up the soup visually and adds freshness at serving time.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Hearty Homemade Turkey Soup
Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, toss in chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it releases its aromatic goodness. Your kitchen will smell amazing at this point!
Pour in Broth: Carefully pour in chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Add bay leaves and thyme at this stage for maximum flavor infusion.
Add Turkey: Toss in shredded cooked turkey. Let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes, allowing all those flavors to meld together beautifully.
Season It Up: Taste your creation! Add salt and pepper gradually until it’s just right for you. Remove bay leaves before serving.
Garnish and Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and sprinkle fresh parsley on top if desired. Serve piping hot with crusty bread or crackers on the side for dipping.
This Hearty Homemade Turkey Soup will not only warm your belly but also remind you of good times shared with loved ones around the dinner table. It’s easy to make yet bursting with flavor—perfectly comforting whether it’s chilly outside or you simply need that feel-good food!
You Must Know
- This hearty homemade turkey soup is perfect for utilizing leftover turkey while warming your soul
- With rich flavors and a cozy aroma, it transforms simple ingredients into a comforting bowl of goodness that’s hard to resist
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic for a fragrant base, then add turkey and vegetables. Let them mingle before adding broth, allowing flavors to deepen.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what’s in your fridge. Adding herbs like thyme or rosemary can elevate the flavor profile beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store this soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Don’t skip the sautéing step; it adds depth and richness to the flavor
- Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving for that perfect balance
- If you want a thicker soup, blend a portion and stir it back in!
Sometimes, my friends joke that I’m just making “turkey tea” when I whip up this soup, but their empty bowls say otherwise!
FAQ
What can I use instead of turkey?
You can substitute chicken or even a mix of beans for a vegetarian option.
How long does this soup last?
Hearty homemade turkey soup stays fresh in the fridge for about four days.
Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, freeze in portions for up to three months for easy meals later.
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📖 Recipe Card
Print
Hearty Homemade Turkey Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Warm up with this Hearty Homemade Turkey Soup, a comforting blend of tender turkey, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs simmered to perfection. Each spoonful is reminiscent of family gatherings and cozy dinners, making it the ultimate feel-good dish. Easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite veggies, this soup is perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a little extra comfort.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, drizzle in olive oil. Once hot, add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Add bay leaves and thyme.
- Incorporate shredded turkey into the pot. Let it simmer for 20 minutes to meld flavors.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste; remove bay leaves before serving.
- Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg





