Tired of the same old turkey sandwiches after a big holiday feast? It’s time to transform those delicious Thanksgiving leftovers into something truly spectacular and comforting! Forget the monotony and prepare to create a mouthwatering culinary experience with this incredible Leftover Turkey Tortilla Soup. This homemade turkey soup isn’t just a meal; it’s a vibrant, flavor-packed celebration that brings warmth and excitement back to your post-holiday kitchen. Simple to prepare yet bursting with authentic Tex-Mex flavors, it’s the perfect answer to the question of “what to do with all that turkey?”
Picture this: a rich, spicy broth brimming with tender shredded turkey, sweet corn, diced tomatoes, and a delightful hint of jalapeño. Each spoonful is an inviting blend of textures and tastes, made even better with crispy tortilla strips and fresh, creamy garnishes. This recipe ensures that your leftover turkey gets a delicious second life, turning it into a dish that’s both hearty and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a family or simply craving a cozy bowl of goodness, this turkey tortilla soup is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your post-holiday rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Leftover Turkey Tortilla Soup
There are countless reasons why this Turkey Tortilla Soup should be at the top of your post-Thanksgiving or holiday meal plan. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a smart, delicious, and incredibly satisfying way to extend the joy of your holiday bird. Here’s why this soup will quickly become a cherished tradition:
- The Ultimate Leftover Transformation: Say goodbye to boring turkey sandwiches! This soup brilliantly repurposes your holiday bird, turning it into a completely new and exciting dish. It’s a fantastic solution for utilizing leftover Thanksgiving turkey, ensuring not a single delicious morsel goes to waste.
- Effortless & Flavor-Packed: Despite its rich and complex flavors, this tortilla soup is remarkably easy to make. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can create a restaurant-quality meal using simple ingredients, many of which you likely already have on hand. It’s truly a delicious and stress-free cooking experience.
- Comfort in Every Spoonful: On a crisp autumn or chilly winter day, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of homemade soup. This turkey tortilla soup offers deep, comforting flavors with a delightful hint of spice, making it the perfect antidote to cold weather and a cozy meal for lunch or dinner.
- Versatile & Customizable: This recipe is incredibly adaptable to your taste and pantry. Whether you prefer more heat, less spice, or different toppings, it’s easy to adjust. It’s a forgiving dish that encourages creativity in the kitchen.
- A Welcome Change of Pace: After days of heavy holiday meals, this vibrant and zesty soup offers a refreshing change. It’s lighter than traditional holiday fare but still hearty enough to satisfy, providing a much-needed balance to your post-holiday diet.
While my husband is perfectly content with endless plates of holiday leftovers, I usually crave something different by day three. Historically, I might whip up a Turkey Tetrazzini, but this year, this Turkey Tortilla Soup is here to shake things up. All you need is a couple of cups of shredded turkey (I always add a bit extra for good measure!), a few fresh items from the market, and some pantry staples. It’s an “easy peasy” recipe because, let’s be honest, who really wants to spend more time laboring in the kitchen after orchestrating a full Thanksgiving feast?
Key Ingredients for Your Delicious Turkey Tortilla Soup
Crafting the perfect Turkey Tortilla Soup starts with understanding the role each ingredient plays. While the recipe is straightforward, a few notes on selection can elevate your soup from good to extraordinary. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
- Corn Tortillas: These are crucial for both texture and flavor. Stale tortillas are actually ideal for frying, as they absorb less oil and become wonderfully crisp. They provide that essential crunchy garnish, and a few crushed into the soup can also act as a natural thickener.
- Vegetable Oil: Opt for a neutral-flavored oil like canola, grapeseed, or sunflower oil. These won’t impart unwanted flavors to your soup or your crispy tortilla strips. Avoid olive oil, as its distinct flavor can clash with the Tex-Mex profile of this dish.
- Onion: A foundational aromatic! White or yellow onions will work beautifully, providing a sweet and savory base for the broth. Chop them finely to ensure they meld seamlessly into the soup.
- Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable for that pungent, aromatic depth. It’s a key player in building the flavor profile of the soup.
- Jalapeño Pepper: This is where you control the heat! Mince it finely. For a milder soup, remove the seeds and membranes, or use only half a pepper. If you prefer more spice, leave some seeds in. You can also substitute with a can of mild green chiles for a less intense heat.
- Chicken Stock/Broth: The soul of your soup. The quality of your stock significantly impacts the final flavor. While some brands are high in sodium, others are low. Be mindful of this when adding salt later. I often recommend Pacific brand for its balanced flavor, but feel free to use your favorite. For an even richer flavor, homemade turkey stock made from your holiday carcass is an absolutely fabulous substitution!
- Can of Diced Tomatoes: Adds a bright, tangy counterpoint to the rich broth. Use your favorite brand, or consider fire-roasted diced tomatoes for an extra layer of smoky flavor.
- Frozen Corn Kernels: These add a burst of sweetness and a lovely texture. Frozen corn retains its fresh taste much better than canned corn, making it the preferred choice for this recipe.
- Cumin, Oregano, Salt: These dried spices are the backbone of the soup’s Tex-Mex character. Cumin brings warmth, oregano offers an earthy note, and salt balances all the flavors. Always check the freshness of your dried spices – old spices lose their potency and won’t deliver the same vibrant taste.
- Shredded Turkey: The star of the show! This recipe is designed for leftover turkey, but you can absolutely use shredded leftover chicken or even a store-bought rotisserie chicken for a quick weeknight meal any time of year.
- Optional Garnishes (Avocado, Shredded Monterey Jack, Lime Wedges, Fresh Cilantro): These are not just decorative; they are essential for enhancing the soup’s flavor and texture. Avocado adds creaminess, Monterey Jack cheese provides a mild, melty richness, fresh cilantro brightens every bite, and a squeeze of lime juice adds a zesty finish that truly ties everything together. Don’t skip these!
Pro Tips for the Best Turkey Tortilla Soup
To ensure your Leftover Turkey Tortilla Soup is nothing short of spectacular, consider these expert tips that will elevate your cooking experience and the final dish:
- Protein Flexibility is Key: While this recipe shines with leftover turkey, don’t limit yourself! It’s equally delicious with shredded leftover chicken or even a rotisserie chicken if you’re making it on a non-holiday weeknight. This makes it a versatile meal you can enjoy year-round.
- Perfect for Entertaining: If you’re serving a crowd or hosting a game day gathering, keep the soup warm and ready in your slow cooker. This frees you up to enjoy your guests and ensures everyone gets a bowl of perfectly hot, comforting soup whenever they’re ready.
- Taste and Adjust Salt Levels: Chicken stock and broth vary significantly in their sodium content. Always taste your soup before adding the full amount of salt specified in the recipe. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away! Adjust to your preference.
- Don’t Forget the Toppings! The garnishes are not just optional; they are integral to the authentic tortilla soup experience. The interplay of creamy avocado, tangy lime, fresh cilantro, and crispy tortilla strips adds layers of flavor and texture that truly complete the dish.
- Thicken it Up: If you prefer a heartier, thicker soup, a simple trick is to add some crushed tortilla chips directly into the pot. Let them simmer for a few minutes; they’ll absorb the broth and dissolve, creating a richer consistency. You can also blend a small portion of the soup (without the turkey) and return it to the pot.
- Round Out Your Meal: This soup is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to create a complete and satisfying meal. Serve it alongside fresh chips and homemade guacamole, a vibrant corn and black bean salad, a cheesy rice casserole, or delicious quesadillas.
- A Touch of Acid at the End: A final squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving is a game-changer. It brightens all the flavors and adds a zesty finish that cuts through the richness of the soup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Garnishing is key to a truly authentic and delicious turkey tortilla soup! While this spicy homemade turkey soup can be modified to your liking regarding heat (e.g., using half a jalapeño or a can of diced mild green chiles), the garnishes truly elevate the experience. My personal favorites are the crispy fried tortilla strips, which add an essential crunch; a sprinkle of salt on them while they’re hot can enhance their flavor. Creamy avocado chunks are a must for me – one for the soup, one for the cook, naturally! Shredded Monterey Jack cheese melts beautifully into the warm broth, offering a mild, creamy note. If you have some sharp cheddar on hand, it works wonderfully too, so there’s no need for an extra trip to the grocery store. Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous finish, and a wedge of lime for a final squeeze truly makes all the flavors pop. Remember that chicken broth can vary in saltiness; I typically use Pacific brand, which tends to be less salty than some others, so always taste before adding the salt specified in the recipe. Your batch might need more or less!
To ensure food safety, it’s crucial to properly store your roasted turkey. As long as your cooked turkey has not been sitting at room temperature for more than 2 hours after coming out of the oven, you can safely keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If it was left out for too long beyond this window, the risk of bacterial growth and food poisoning significantly increases, and the leftovers should unfortunately not be consumed. For longer storage, you can freeze leftover turkey, where it will keep well for up to 3 months without significant loss of quality. Always aim to get it into proper storage as quickly as possible.
Proper storage is essential for maintaining the quality and safety of your leftover turkey. Before the crucial 2-hour mark after cooking, ensure you cut the turkey into smaller slices or chunks. This helps it cool down rapidly, preventing bacteria from multiplying. Place the turkey pieces into airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. If using bags, try to remove as much air as possible before sealing; this helps prevent freezer burn and preserves the turkey’s texture and flavor. Immediately place the containers or bags in the refrigerator or freezer. If you’re planning to use it for soup, shred or chop the turkey beforehand. For sandwiches or other recipes requiring sliced turkey, you can store larger pieces of the turkey breast to slice once defrosted.
The versatility of leftover turkey is truly remarkable! Essentially, any recipe calling for cooked chicken can be effortlessly adapted to use turkey. Think beyond just sandwiches. You can create comforting turkey noodle soup, flavorful turkey enchiladas, creamy turkey tetrazzini, savory turkey pot pie, or a refreshing turkey salad sandwich. Don’t forget the carcass! It’s a goldmine for making rich, homemade turkey broth or stock, which can then be used as a base for future soups and gravies. The possibilities are truly endless, turning your holiday leftovers into a new array of delightful meals. What are your personal favorite recipes for turkey leftovers?
Beyond the Soup: More Leftover Turkey Inspirations
If you’re looking for even more creative ways to utilize your holiday leftovers, you’re in the right place! We understand the importance of making every bit of that delicious turkey count. From savory pies to zesty quesadillas, these recipes offer exciting new flavors and textures, ensuring your post-holiday meals are anything but boring. Make sure to bookmark or pin this post so you can easily access all this delicious inspiration whenever you need it!
- Brie Cranberry Turkey Quesadillas by Food Lust People Love
- Cranberry Chipotle BBQ Chicken Pizza by A Mind “Full” Mom
- Cranberry Pork Tenderloin by The Crumby Kitchen
- Turkey Grilled Cheese with Cranberry and Brie by Life Tastes Good
- More Leftover Turkey Recipes from Spend with Pennies
- Plus a terrific recipe for How to Brine a Turkey from Savory Experiments
- Curried Turkey Salad Sandwich
- Homemade Turkey Tetrazzini
- More of the Best Soup Recipes
Stay connected with us for more delicious recipes and kitchen tips! Follow along on social media @ Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Don’t forget to tag me when you whip up one of my creations! And if you absolutely love this Leftover Turkey Tortilla Soup, please consider giving it a 5-star rating in the recipe card below. Your feedback helps us share these wonderful recipes with more home cooks!
Turkey Tortilla Soup
15 minutes
20 minutes
35 minutes
4 servings
An easy recipe which utilizes your leftover Thanksgiving turkey! Adapted from Simply Recipes.
Ingredients
- 6 corn tortillas, stale is best
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeno, minced
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1 ½ teaspoons cumin
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste (varies depending on the saltiness of your broth)
- 1 ½ cups shredded turkey
- 1 avocado, sliced or chopped
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Chopped cilantro
- Lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Cut tortillas in half then slice each into ¼-inch wide strips. Heat oil in a stockpot and fry till lightly browned and crisp. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Add chopped onions to the pan and cook for a couple of minutes. Add chiles and garlic and cook just a minute more.
- Add stock, tomatoes, corn, cumin, oregano, and salt to taste.
- Bring to a boil and then lower to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, then add chicken and cook till heated through.
- Serve with avocado, cheese, cilantro, tortilla strips, and a sprinkle of lime juice if desired.
Notes
If you’d like a thicker soup, add some crushed tortilla chips, simmer, and stir when soft.
For less heat only use half of a jalapeno or omit.
May use leftover turkey, leftover chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4
Serving Size:
1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 592Total Fat: 34gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 25gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 894mgCarbohydrates: 46gFiber: 10gSugar: 11gProtein: 30g
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