Name: Turkey Soup with Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 medium carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 6 cups turkey or chicken broth; 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped; 1 cup cooked white or brown rice; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Turkey Soup with Rice is the perfect comfort food, especially after a holiday meal or whenever you have leftover turkey. This hearty soup is packed with tender turkey, fluffy rice, and a delicious blend of vegetables and herbs. It’s a warm, filling meal that’s easy to make and can be customized based on what you have in your pantry. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or a light, healthy option, this soup is flavorful, nutritious, and satisfying. It’s a great way to use up leftover turkey and make a wholesome meal that the whole family will enjoy.

Turkey Soup with Rice Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced
1/2 cup uncooked white rice (or brown rice)
1 medium onion, chopped
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken broth (or turkey broth if you have it)
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
Add the Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken or turkey broth, add the bay leaf, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and bring it to a boil.
Cook the Rice: Once the broth is boiling, add the uncooked rice to the pot. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes if using white rice, or 30-40 minutes if using brown rice, until the rice is tender and cooked through.
Add the Turkey: Once the rice is fully cooked, stir in the shredded or diced turkey. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to heat the turkey through and let the flavors meld together.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings, adding more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves about 6 people.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30-40 minutes (depending on rice type)
Total time: 40-50 minutes

Variations

Add Greens: Stir in some chopped spinach, kale, or other leafy greens in the last 5-10 minutes of cooking for extra nutrition.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a bit of heat.
Use Different Rice: You can use brown rice, wild rice, or even quinoa instead of white rice for a different texture and flavor.
Vegetarian Option: Replace the turkey with beans like white beans or lentils for a vegetarian version of this soup. You can also add a meat alternative like tofu or tempeh.
Add Potatoes: Dice up some potatoes and add them to the soup for a more hearty meal.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months, but keep in mind the rice may absorb more liquid when reheating.
Reheating: Reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat until warmed through, adding more broth or water if needed. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until hot.

FAQs

Can I use leftover turkey from a rotisserie chicken?

Yes, you can easily substitute leftover rotisserie chicken for the turkey. The flavor will still be delicious and satisfying.

What type of rice should I use?

White rice cooks the fastest and is often used in this recipe. If you use brown rice, it will take longer to cook (about 30-40 minutes), but it provides a heartier texture. Wild rice or jasmine rice also work well for a more unique flavor.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. It actually gets better as the flavors sit and meld together. Just be sure to store the soup separately from any cooked rice if you want to keep the rice from becoming too mushy.

Can I use canned broth instead of homemade?

Yes, store-bought chicken or turkey broth works well in this recipe. Just be sure to choose one with low sodium, or adjust the amount of salt you add to the soup.

How can I make this soup thicker?

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the cooked vegetables or rice with a potato masher before adding the turkey. Alternatively, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water) to thicken the broth.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, you can add other vegetables like corn, peas, green beans, or zucchini. Add them in the last 10 minutes of cooking to prevent them from getting too soft.

How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?

To avoid mushy rice, be sure to keep an eye on the cooking time and not overcook the rice. If you’re making the soup ahead of time, consider cooking the rice separately and adding it just before serving.

Can I use brown rice or wild rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute with brown rice or wild rice. However, these will take longer to cook. Brown rice takes about 30-40 minutes to cook, while wild rice might take up to 45 minutes.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Add all the ingredients (except the turkey) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the cooked turkey in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, you can freeze turkey soup with rice for up to 3 months. If freezing, it’s best to freeze the soup without the rice and cook the rice separately when reheating. Rice tends to absorb liquid when frozen, so adding fresh rice when you reheat will keep the soup from becoming too thick.

Conclusion

Turkey Soup with Rice is a simple, hearty, and comforting dish that makes use of leftover turkey and fresh ingredients. It’s easy to make, customizable, and can be enjoyed year-round, whether it’s a cozy dinner after Thanksgiving or a weeknight meal. With its combination of tender turkey, wholesome rice, and flavorful vegetables, it’s a nourishing soup that’s perfect for feeding a family or meal prepping for the week. Enjoy this healthy, filling soup that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!

Jane