This simple Turkey and Rice Soup using leftover turkey is a hearty and comforting homemade soup recipe. It’s perfect for turning Thanksgiving and holiday leftovers into an easy family meal ready in only 40 minutes.
After Thanksgiving we’re always looking for new ways to use up leftovers, and this cozy, Leftover Turkey and Rice Soup has become one of our new favorite family traditions. Simple to throw together with fridge and pantry staples you have on hand, this soup is so satisfying, makes your house smell delicious as it simmers away, and somehow tastes even better once the main holiday meal is over. It’s the perfect recipe for busy weeknights, feeding a crowd, or when you’re craving something warm and comforting.
This Leftover Turkey and Rice Soup transforms holiday leftovers into a soup that tastes like it’s simmered for hours. Great to make in advance with simple ingredients, this one-pot soup is the perfect easy, post-holiday dinner my whole family loves.
If you like this recipe, be sure to check out our other favorite ways to use up holiday leftovers. We love this flavor-packed Leftover Turkey Fajita Soup and this hearty Leftover Turkey Chili, too.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Great Use For Holiday Leftovers: This soup is the perfect way to use up leftover turkey (or chicken) after a big holiday meal. No waste, just repurposing in a delicious new meal.
- Comes Together in One Pot: Easy and mess-free, make this recipe in one pot with mostly pantry staple ingredients.
- Ready in About 30-40 Minutes: This comes together quickly with mostly hands-off simmering time.
- Freezer-Friendly: Great for leftovers, this soup can easily be portioned out for later, then popped into the freezer.
Ingredients
- Leftover Turkey: Tender and flavorful, use leftovers from Thanksgiving or any previous meal. Dark and white meat work perfectly.
- Onion: Aromatic flavoring, use whatever you’ve got on hand.
- Frozen Mixed Vegetables or Leftover Vegetables: Use whatever you have in the fridge and freezer, anything goes.
- Chicken Broth or Stock: A favorite pantry staple for the savory broth.
- Cooked Rice: Any variety works – long grain, short grain, or even wild rice.
- Salt & Pepper: Taste and adjust as you go.
- Garlic Salt: For even more seasoning.
- Butter: Adds richness when sautéing the veggies.
How To Make Leftover Turkey and Rice Soup
1. Sauté your veggies: In a large pot, melt your butter over medium heat. Add in the diced onion and frozen mixed vegetables. Sauté until softened and fragrant—the melted butter adds a silky richness that sets the tone for the whole soup.
2. Add the broth and spices: Sprinkle in your garlic salt, salt, and pepper. Then pour in all 7 cups of chicken broth or stock. Add the bay leaf for an earthy boost of flavor.
3. Stir in the leftover turkey & rice: Add the shredded turkey and cooked rice into the pot. Give everything a good stir so the flavors blend together perfectly.
4. Simmer: Let the soup simmer on low for about 20 minutes. This step melds the flavors and brings out that classic homemade turkey soup taste everyone loves.
Expert Tips
- Cook Rice Directly in the Broth Rather Than Separately: This lets it soak up the flavor and gives the soup more body. Plus, no additional dishes to clean.
- Add Turkey Toward the End of Cooking: So it stays tender rather than becoming tough or dry from overcooking.
- Add a Splash of Extra Broth When Reheating Leftovers: To thin it out a bit, since the rice will continue to absorb liquid as it sits
- Stir In Leftover Holiday Veggies: Use up any extra roasted vegetables from an earlier holiday meal by stirring them into the soup along with the turkey.
Variations & Substitutions
- Use Leftover Chicken: This works just as well in place of turkey if that’s what’s on hand.
- Try Wild Rice: Swap white rice for wild rice or brown rice, adjusting the cooking time accordingly for a different texture and flavor.
- Add a Splash of Cream: Do this at the end, off the heat, for a creamier, richer soup.
- Stir in Greens: Add fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for extra color and nutrition.
Storage
Store leftover cooled soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until simmering and hot.
This soup freezes beautifully for future meals. Portion out into airtight containers and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight then reheat on the stovetop until warmed through.
Make this soup ahead of time — simmer the broth and soup base up to a few days in advance, then cool and store in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Reheat on the stove until simmering and once hot, stir in the veggies and turkey close to serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. If you have white or dark meat chicken on hand, it’s a great option.
Definitely. Any kind of cooked rice works – white, brown, long grain, or even wild rice.
Yes! Make the soup up to a few days in advance, then cool and store in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat on the stovetop and once hot, add in the veggies and turkey.
More Comforting Soup Recipes
Leftover Turkey and Rice Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Add your butter, mixed veggies and onion to a pot. Sauté until butter is melted and veggies are soft. Next add in your spices, broth, turkey and cooked rice.
- Let simmer on low for 20 minutes.
- Bake some biscuits to go along side of the soup!
- Serve soup immediately or let cool and freeze in freezer safe containers for future lunches or dinners.
Notes
This is the perfect soup where you can use up any leftover veggies from Thanksgiving!
Notes
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until simmering and hot.
- Portion out soup into airtight containers and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight then reheat on the stovetop until warmed through.
- Make this soup ahead of time — simmer the broth and soup base up to a few days in advance, then cool and store in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Reheat on the stove until simmering and once hot, stir in the veggies and turkey close to serving.