Introduction

This comforting Turkey and Rice Soup is the perfect way to use up leftover turkey for a quick, satisfying meal. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, it delivers classic homemade flavor that the whole family will love. For another easy rice-based dinner, try this Ground Beef and Rice Casserole | Easy Dinner Idea Recipe.

Ingredients

This comforting Turkey and Rice Soup combines tender turkey with fluffy rice in a savory broth that fills your kitchen with the most inviting aroma.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups turkey or chicken broth
• 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice for a nuttier flavor)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Timing

Context: This Turkey and Rice Soup recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes, making it a great choice for a quick and comforting meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Turkey Base

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion, 2 chopped carrots, and 2 chopped celery stalks, and sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.

Tip: For deeper flavor, cook the vegetables until they just begin to brown at the edges.

Step 2 — Add Garlic and Herbs

Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Then add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1 bay leaf.

Fresh herbs like rosemary or sage can also be used—just double the amount if substituting for dried.

Step 3 — Pour in Broth and Turkey

Pour 8 cups of chicken or turkey broth into the pot. Add 2 cups of shredded cooked turkey and bring the soup to a gentle boil.

Use leftover roasted or smoked turkey for the best flavor. If using raw turkey, cook it thoroughly to 165°F before shredding.

Step 4 — Add Rice and Simmer

Stir in ¾ cup of long-grain white rice. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15–18 minutes.

Check the rice for doneness—it should be tender but not mushy. Brown rice will require a longer simmer time (about 30–35 minutes).

Step 5 — Season the Soup

Once the rice is cooked, season the Turkey and Rice Soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Start with 1 teaspoon of salt and adjust as needed.

Taste before serving—broths vary in saltiness. Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness if desired.

Step 6 — Rest and Serve

Turn off the heat and let the soup sit for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the rice to absorb more liquid and the flavors to meld.

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Nutritional Information

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Chicken for turkey — Use shredded chicken for a similar mild protein with a lighter flavor profile.
• Quinoa for rice — Swap in quinoa to boost protein content and add a slightly nutty taste.
• Cauliflower rice for white rice — A low-carb alternative that keeps the soup light and vegetable-forward.
• Coconut milk for cream — Creates a rich, dairy-free broth with a subtle tropical note.
• Vegetable broth and low-sodium soy sauce — Control salt levels while maintaining savory depth in your Turkey and Rice Soup.
• Lentils for rice — Adds plant-based protein and fiber for a heartier, gluten-free version.
• Zucchini noodles for rice — A fresh, low-carb swap that adds texture without grains.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this comforting Turkey and Rice Soup with a crisp green salad or a crusty bread roll for a complete, satisfying meal.
• Serve this soup as a cozy weeknight dinner or a restorative meal when you’re feeling under the weather.
• Transform leftovers into a new meal by shredding the turkey and adding fresh herbs before reheating.
• For a heartier version, stir in a handful of spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
• This Turkey and Rice Soup is perfect for a casual family gathering or a simple lunch after the holidays.

Serve this classic Turkey and Rice Soup in deep bowls to keep it warm, and consider offering toppings like grated Parmesan or a dollop of sour cream on the side for guests to customize their bowl.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using raw rice directly in the soup. Fix: Pre-cook the rice separately to prevent it from absorbing too much broth and becoming mushy.
• Mistake: Overcooking the turkey, making it dry and tough. Fix: Add shredded cooked turkey at the very end, just to heat through.
• Mistake: Skipping the step of sautéing aromatics like onions and celery. Fix: Sauté them first to build a flavorful foundation for your Turkey and Rice Soup.
• Mistake: Using a weak, unseasoned broth as the base. Fix: Use a high-quality stock and season generously with herbs like thyme and a bay leaf.
• Mistake: Adding all vegetables at the same time. Fix: Add hardy vegetables like carrots early, and delicate ones like peas at the end to retain texture and color.
• Mistake: Not letting the soup simmer long enough for flavors to meld. Fix: Allow a gentle simmer for at least 20-30 minutes after all ingredients are combined.
• Mistake: Forgetting to adjust seasoning at the end. Fix: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and acidity (a splash of lemon juice works wonders) just before serving.
• Mistake: Storing leftover soup with the rice mixed in. Fix: Store rice and soup separately to prevent the rice from bloating and breaking down in the fridge.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool your Turkey and Rice Soup completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Portion soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until steaming hot, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.

Always use shallow containers to help your Turkey and Rice Soup cool quickly and evenly before storing.

Conclusion

This Turkey and Rice Soup is a comforting, nourishing meal perfect for using leftover turkey. It’s simple to prepare and delivers rich flavor in every spoonful. Give this recipe a try and share your thoughts in the comments below!

Turkey and Rice Soup

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

A comforting and hearty turkey and rice soup made with tender turkey, vegetables, and rice in a flavorful broth.

• Author: Dorothy Miler
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x
• Method: Soup
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 6 cups turkey broth
• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add carrots and celery; cook for another 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
4. Pour in turkey broth and bring to a boil.
5. Add shredded turkey, rice, thyme, and sage.
6. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 20-25 minutes or until rice is tender.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Stir in fresh parsley just before serving.

Notes

Use leftover roasted turkey for best flavor. If you prefer a thicker soup, cook rice separately and add it at the end to prevent overcooking.

Nutrition

• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 55mg

FAQs

Can I use leftover turkey for this Turkey and Rice Soup?

Yes, this recipe is perfect for using leftover cooked turkey. Simply shred or chop the turkey and add it to the soup during the last 10 minutes of cooking to heat through. This makes the Turkey and Rice Soup a great way to repurpose holiday leftovers.