Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe
This Turkey Noodle Soup recipe is incredibly flavorful and perfect for using leftover turkey. Nothing is more comforting than a bowl of homemade soup on a cold winter’s night.
The secret to the most flavorful turkey soup you will ever eat is roasting the turkey bones! I roast all the leftover turkey bones in the oven until golden brown. This technique significantly boosts the flavor and richness of your turkey broth. The caramelization creates a richer, more complex taste that takes your soup to the next level.
How to roast the turkey bones for soup
- Preheat oven to 400 F.
- Line baking sheet with parchment paper or foil (spray foil with cooking oil to prevent sticking)
- Arrange the turkey carcass bones in a single layer on the baking sheet and season generously with salt and pepper. Don’t forget to add the turkey neck!
- Roast for about 20-30 minutes until the bones are browned and caramelized. Once the bones are roasted, add them to the soup pot.
I also used this method when making my Homemade Chicken Stock
What kind of pasta works best in this soup?
Egg noodles are my preference. Not only do they bring back memories of the classic turkey soup recipe my Grandma used to make, but they also offer the perfect texture when added to the broth. Rotini, Fusilli, or bowtie pasta are other great options.
Optional Ingredients
- Rice or cubed potatoes can be substituted for the pasta.
- Choose a variety of vegetables such as corn, peas, zucchini, green beans, parsnips, or even leafy greens such as spinach or kale.
- Use roast chicken instead of turkey meat to make Chicken Noodle Soup.
Tips:
- Keep this soup healthy and lean by removing all the skin from the turkey bones and meat.
- If you’re unable to make the soup within a couple of days, just store the leftover turkey meat and carcass in a freezer bag and freeze it for up to 2 months.
- For meal planning: This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. It’s best not to add the noodles before freezing; instead, add them when reheating.
How to make this savory soup:
Roast the turkey bones until browned.
Sauté the vegetables until tender.
Add the turkey bones to the soup pot. Stir in turkey meat, broth, and seasonings.
Simmer for 45 minutes, then add the egg noodles and cook until tender.
Why You’ll Love This Soup:
- It is easy to make and freezes great.
- A great recipe for using up turkey leftovers from a holiday meal.
- Homemade turkey soup is healthy and filling.
- It’s a comforting meal the whole family will love.
Leftover Turkey Recipes
Sometimes the best thing about roasting a turkey is using the leftovers for tasty recipes!
Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 leftover turkey carcass
- 4 cups leftover turkey meat chopped
- 2 cups celery chopped
- 2 cups onion chopped
- 2 cups carrots sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 4 peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley or 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt season to taste
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper season to taste
- 2 1/2 cups egg noodles
Instructions
Roast the turkey bones.
- Preheat oven to 400 º F.
- Line baking sheet with parchment paper or foil (spray foil with cooking oil to prevent sticking).
- Arrange the turkey bones in a single layer on the baking sheet and generously season with salt and pepper.
- Roast for 20-30 minutes until the bones are browned and caramelized.
Prepare the vegetables and soup
- In a large pot or Dutch oven heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add the roasted turkey bones to the soup pot.
- Add the chopped turkey meat.
- Pour in the chicken broth and water.
- Add the thyme, peppercorns, bay leaves, and parsley.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer for 45 minutes.
- Remove all the bones from the soup. Tongs or a strainer work great for doing this.
- Taste the soup and add more salt and pepper if needed.
- Stir in the egg noodles and simmer for an additional 15 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve with crusty bread if you like.
Nutrition
