It’s that time of year again when we all have leftover thanksgiving turkey and are looking for something to do with it. This Instant Pot Leftover Turkey Soup is the perfect solution! It’s easy to make, hearty, and full of flavor. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those leftovers so they don’t go to waste.
This instant pot turkey soup recipe is made with simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand. All you need is turkey, vegetables, some broth, and seasonings. You can also add in some rice or pasta if you want to bulk it up a bit. I added pasta to mine, but you can omit it if you prefer.
To make this turkey noodle soup, simply add all of the ingredients to your Instant Pot and let it do its thing. In just a few minutes, you’ll have a delicious and healthy soup that the whole family will love. Serve it with some crusty bread for dipping and enjoy!
Instant pot turkey soup
Ingredients
- Leftover turkey meat, cooked and shredded and turkey carcass
- Yellow onion
- Carrots
- Celery stalk
- Olive oil
- Chicken broth or turkey broth or bone broth
- Garlic powder
- Packet of fresh thyme (bounded up in butchers twine)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Pasta/ egg noodles (optional)
Instructions:
Begin the recipe by peeling and chopping the onion, carrots and celery into small pieces. Then, turn on the Instant Pot to the sauté function and add in the olive oil.
Once heated, add in the onion, carrots and celery. Sauté for 3-4 minutes or until they begin to soften. Then, add in the cooked turkey and garlic powder. Stir well and cook for 1 minute.
Add in the chicken broth and thyme bundle. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Then, close the lid of the Instant Pot and set it to manual pressure for 5 minutes. Make sure the valve is set to sealing.
Once done cooking, quick release the pressure and remove the lid of the Instant Pot.
Recipe tips
If you want to bulk up the instant pot turkey soup a bit, you can add more pasta. I like to use small shells or fusilli. Just add the pasta in with the broth and let it cook for 5 minutes.
This instant pot turkey soup can also be made in the slow cooker. Simply add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours.
Substitutions
If you don’t have any leftover turkey, you can also use rotisserie chicken in this instant pot turkey soup. Simply shred the chicken and add it in with the other ingredients. It’s a great way to make a quick and easy soup!
If you don’t have any fresh thyme, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
This soup can also be made with turkey stock instead of chicken broth. If you have some on hand, feel free to use it in this recipe.
If you want to use a pressure cooker instead of an Instant Pot, that’s fine too. Just follow the instructions for your pressure cooker.
This soup can also be made on the stovetop. Simply sauté the vegetables and turkey in a large pot or Dutch oven. Then, add in the broth and seasonings and bring to a boil. Let it simmer for 10 minutes or until the pasta is cooked.
Add-ins
Feel free to add in other vegetables that you like. Mushrooms, zucchini, and kale would all be great in this soup.
For a little bit of a kick, add in a pinch of red pepper flakes. This will give the soup a nice little heat.
If you want a creamier soup, you can add in a cup of half and half or milk. Just stir it in at the end and let it heat through for a minute or two.
FAQs
How long does this soup last?
This soup will last in the fridge for 3-4 days. Just store it in an airtight container and it will be good to go.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup can be frozen. Just let it cool completely and then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this soup is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure that you use gluten-free pasta if you’re adding it in. There are many great gluten-free pasta options available at most grocery stores.
Is this soup dairy-free?
Yes, this soup is dairy-free.
Why is my soup watery?
If your soup is watery, it’s likely because you didn’t cook the vegetables long enough. Make sure to sauté the veggies until they’re nice and soft. This will help thicken up the soup and give it more flavor.
Another reason why your soup might be watery is because you added too much liquid. If this is the case, just let the soup simmer for a few minutes longer to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
How can I make this soup thicker?
If you want a thicker soup, you can add in 1-2 tablespoons of flour when you’re sautéing the vegetables. Just cook the flour for a minute or two before adding in the broth. This will help thicken up the soup.
You can also add in some more cooked pasta or brown rice to bulk up the soup. Just add it in when you’re adding the broth and let it cook for 5 minutes.
How can I make this soup spicier?
If you want a spicier soup, you can add in a pinch of red pepper flakes when you’re sautéing the vegetables. You could also add in some diced jalapeños or a tablespoon of hot sauce. Just add it to the soup according to your taste preferences.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, this soup can be made vegetarian. Just omit the turkey and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You could also add in some vegetables, like mushrooms, zucchini, or kale instead of turkey.
Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes, this soup can be made vegan. Just omit the turkey and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You could also add in some extra vegetables, like mushrooms, zucchini, or kale. If you want a creamier soup, you could add in some coconut milk or cashew milk. Just stir it in at the end and let it heat through for a minute or two.
This Instant Pot Leftover Turkey Soup is the perfect way to use up those Thanksgiving leftovers. It’s easy to make, hearty, and full of flavor. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those leftovers so they don’t go to waste. So why not give this soup a try? You’re sure to love it!
Want more instant pot recipes? Check out:
Happy cooking!
Instant Pot Leftover Turkey Soup
Ingredients
- 1 lb Leftover turkey meat and turkey carcass Cooked and shredded
- 1 Yellow onion
- 1 Carrots
- 1 Celery stalk
- tbsp Olive oil
- 6 cup Chicken broth (or turkey broth or bone broth)
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 packet Fresh thyme (bounded up in butchers twine)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup Pasta/ egg noodles
Instructions
- Begin the recipe by peeling and chopping the onion, carrots and celery into small pieces. Then, turn on the Instant Pot to the sauté function and add in the olive oil.
- Once heated, add in the onion, carrots and celery. Sauté for 3-4 minutes or until they begin to soften. Then, add in the cooked turkey and garlic powder. Stir well and cook for 1 minute.
- Add in the chicken broth and thyme bundle. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Then, close the lid of the Instant Pot and set it to manual pressure for 5 minutes. Make sure the valve is set to sealing.
- Once done cooking, quick release the pressure and remove the lid of the Instant Pot.
Leave a Reply