Old fashioned turkey soup from carcass is a simple homemade meal that’s perfect for using leftover turkey after the holidays or family gatherings. It’s warm, comforting, and easy to prepare, making it a great recipe for cozy lunches and dinners throughout the week.
This classic soup comes together in one pot and is a great way to turn leftovers into something filling and satisfying. It’s easy to customize with your favorite add-ins and works well for meal prep because the soup reheats beautifully the next day.
1. Old Fashioned Turkey Soup From Carcass (Yield: 8 Servings)
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 large Onion, diced (about 2 cups)
- 3 large Celery Ribs, diced (about 1 ½ cups)
- 3 large Carrots, diced (about 2 cups)
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Poultry Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Salt, or more to taste
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 2 quarts Turkey Stock, or chicken broth
- 1 pound Shredded Turkey, about 4 cups
- Fresh Parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the diced onion, celery, and carrots.
Cook the vegetables for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften. Slowly cooking the vegetables helps build a richer flavor base for the soup.
Add the minced garlic, poultry seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour the turkey stock or chicken broth into the pot and stir everything together. Bring the soup to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
Once the soup begins to boil, reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer uncovered for about 20 to 25 minutes. This gives the vegetables time to become fully tender while allowing the flavors to blend together.
Add the shredded turkey to the pot and stir until evenly distributed throughout the soup. Continue simmering for another 10 minutes until the turkey is heated through.
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed with additional salt or black pepper.
If you prefer a heartier soup, you can add cooked noodles, rice, or potatoes during the final few minutes of cooking.
Remove the soup from the heat and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Ladle the turkey soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Serve warm with bread, crackers, or biscuits for a comforting homemade meal.

2. Tips for Perfect Old Fashioned Turkey Soup
Use a homemade turkey stock made from the carcass whenever possible. Simmering the bones for several hours creates a deeper, richer broth with more homemade flavor.
Remove excess fat from the stock before making the soup. This keeps the broth flavorful without becoming greasy or heavy.
Cook the onion, celery, and carrots slowly in olive oil before adding the broth. This step builds a sweeter and more developed flavor base.
Dice the vegetables evenly so they cook at the same speed and create a better texture in every spoonful.
Add garlic only after the vegetables have softened. Garlic cooks quickly and can become bitter if browned too much.
Season gradually instead of adding too much salt at the beginning. Turkey stock and leftover turkey may already contain salt.
Simmer the soup gently over low heat instead of boiling it hard. Slow simmering keeps the turkey tender and prevents the vegetables from becoming mushy.
Add the shredded turkey during the final part of cooking. Cooking it too long can dry out the meat and make it chewy.
Use both white and dark turkey meat if possible. Dark meat adds more richness while white meat keeps the soup balanced and hearty.
If the soup tastes flat, add a small squeeze of lemon juice or a little fresh parsley before serving. This helps brighten the flavor without overpowering the soup.
3. Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze turkey soup?
Yes, turkey soup freezes very well. Allow it to cool completely before storing it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
What can I add to turkey soup to make it more filling?
Cooked noodles, rice, barley, or potatoes are great additions that make the soup heartier.
Can I make turkey soup dairy-free and gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally dairy-free and can easily remain gluten-free as long as the broth and any added ingredients are certified gluten-free.
How long does turkey soup last in the refrigerator?
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can I make turkey soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can combine the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
4. Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 260 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 9g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 65mg |
| Sodium | 780mg |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 4g |
Old fashioned turkey soup from carcass is a simple and comforting recipe that turns leftover turkey into a flavorful homemade meal. The rich broth, tender turkey, and vegetables create a hearty soup that’s perfect for cozy dinners and easy meal prep. With simple ingredients and classic homemade flavor, this soup is a delicious way to enjoy every last bit of leftover turkey.
2 Comments
How many calories are in this soup?
260 calories per serving