If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, wholesome, and utterly delicious bowl of goodness, this Turkey and Rice Soup Recipe is your new best friend. Packed with tender turkey, vibrant vegetables, and hearty rice, it strikes the perfect balance between nourishing and satisfying. It’s amazing how simple ingredients come together to create such a soul-warming soup that’s perfect for chilly evenings, busy weeknights, or anytime you crave a hug in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Turkey and Rice Soup Recipe is purposeful, creating layers of flavor and texture that make this soup so irresistible. From aromatic herbs to fresh veggies, each element adds its own magic to the pot.
- Olive oil: The perfect base for sautéing vegetables, imparting a subtle richness.
- Onion: Adds a sweet and savory depth once softened.
- Carrots: Provide a natural sweetness and lovely color.
- Celery: Brings a gentle crunch and classic soup flavor.
- Garlic: Infuses the broth with warm, aromatic notes.
- Dried thyme: Offers a herby earthiness that complements turkey beautifully.
- Dried rosemary: Adds a piney fragrance that elevates the soup’s profile.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: The flavorful liquid heart of the soup.
- Cooked turkey: A wonderful use for leftovers that brings protein and tenderness.
- White or brown rice: Adds body and satisfying texture to every spoonful.
- Bay leaf: Imparts subtle, complex flavors during simmering.
- Spinach or kale (optional): Boosts the nutrition and adds fresh greenery.
- Fresh lemon juice (optional): Brightens up the final flavor with a zesty lift.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Provides a fresh, herbaceous garnish to finish.
How to Make Turkey and Rice Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and cook them gently for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This softens the vegetables and brings out their natural sweetness, forming the flavorful foundation of your soup.
Step 2: Add the Garlic and Spices
Next, stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Let everything cook together for another minute or two until the garlic releases that irresistible fragrance. This step infuses the oil and veggies with aromatic herbs that will carry through the entire soup.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Rice
Pour in your chicken or vegetable broth along with the bay leaf. Give everything a good stir, then bring the soup to a gentle boil. Lower the heat to a simmer and add the rice, letting it cook slowly for 15 to 20 minutes until tender and plump. The rice soaks up all the flavors and thickens the soup just right.
Step 4: Add the Turkey and Greens
When your rice is nearly perfect, stir in the cooked turkey along with the chopped spinach or kale if you’re using greens. Let the soup simmer a little longer, about 5 to 7 minutes, so the turkey heats through and the greens wilt beautifully, adding color and nutrients.
Step 5: Adjust the Flavor
This is your moment to taste and tweak. Add a pinch more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed to get everything just right. It’s all about finding that perfect, cozy balance that makes this soup so comforting.
Step 6: Brighten with Lemon Juice
For a fresh twist, stir in a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice at the end. This optional ingredient lifts the flavors and adds a lovely brightness that keeps the soup from feeling heavy.
Step 7: Serve Hot
Ladle your Turkey and Rice Soup Recipe into bowls, sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like, and enjoy! This soup pairs wonderfully with warm, crusty bread or simple crackers for an extra cozy meal.
How to Serve Turkey and Rice Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or even a sprinkle of chopped chives add a burst of color and fresh flavor that balances the soup’s warmth perfectly. A drizzle of good quality olive oil or a few croutons can also add an extra touch of comfort.
Side Dishes
Serve with crusty bread, garlic toast, or buttered crackers to soak up every flavorful drop. A simple side salad can brighten the meal and add some crunch alongside the tender soup.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls or vintage soup mugs. You can also offer toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or a splash of hot sauce so everyone can customize their bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your turkey and rice soup into airtight containers and keep in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for 3 to 4 days, giving you plenty of chances for quick, nourishing meals.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion. Frozen turkey and rice soup can last up to 3 months, perfect for those busy days when you need a homemade meal in minutes.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the soup gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving for longer than a minute or two without stirring to maintain even heat.
FAQs
Can I use leftover turkey in this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover turkey is one of the best ways to make this soup hearty and flavorful, making great use of holiday or roasted turkey scraps.
Can I substitute rice with another grain?
Yes, feel free to swap rice with quinoa, barley, or even small pasta shapes. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the grain is tender.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Definitely. Use vegetable broth and replace turkey with hearty cooked beans or mushrooms for a rich, vegetarian twist.
Can I prepare the soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, sauté the vegetables first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, adding rice during the last 30 minutes to avoid overcooking.
What’s the best way to keep the greens bright and fresh in the soup?
Add greens like spinach or kale toward the end of cooking and simmer just until wilted. This preserves their vibrant color, texture, and nutrients.
Final Thoughts
This Turkey and Rice Soup Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm embrace—simple to make, utterly comforting, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re warming up after a chilly day or looking to repurpose leftover turkey, this soup fits the bill perfectly. Grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a bowl full of heart and home. You’re going to love it!
Print
Turkey and Rice Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10m
- Cook Time: 30m
- Total Time: 40m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This hearty Turkey and Rice Soup is a comforting and nutritious recipe perfect for using leftover turkey. Packed with tender vegetables, fragrant herbs, and wholesome rice, this soup is quick to prepare and perfect for a warming meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 bay leaf
Liquids & Main Ingredients
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup cooked turkey, shredded or diced (great for leftover turkey)
- 1/2 cup white rice (or brown rice for a heartier option)
Optional Additions
- 1 cup spinach or kale, chopped (optional, for extra greens)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
- Add the Garlic and Spices: Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Add the Broth and Rice: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and add the bay leaf. Stir to combine. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Cook the Rice: Add the rice to the soup and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the soup is fragrant.
- Add the Turkey and Greens: Stir in the shredded or diced turkey and the chopped spinach or kale (if using). Simmer for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the turkey to heat through and the greens to wilt.
- Adjust the Flavor: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.
- Add Lemon Juice: For added brightness, stir in a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice at the end.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot with a side of crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use leftover turkey for a convenient and flavorful protein addition.
- Substitute brown rice for white rice to increase fiber and nutrition.
- Low-sodium broth helps control salt intake, adjust salt seasoning accordingly.
- Adding spinach or kale boosts vitamins and adds beautiful color to the soup.
- Fresh lemon juice at the end brightens the flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
- Serve with crusty bread or crackers for a heartier meal.
