Print

Ina Garten Leftover Turkey Soup

Ina Garten Leftover Turkey Soup

Ina Garten’s Leftover Turkey Soup is a classic broth-based soup made with cooked turkey, onions, carrots, celery, herbs, and stock. It’s gently simmered to bring everything together, creating a balanced soup that tastes homemade and thoughtful rather than like an afterthought.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 large onion, diced

  • 3 carrots, sliced

  • 3 celery stalks, sliced

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • 8 cups turkey stock or chicken stock

  • 23 cups cooked leftover turkey, shredded or chopped

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or poultry seasoning

  • 1 bay leaf

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

  • Optional: 1 cup cooked rice, pasta, or barley

Instructions

  • Sauté the vegetables – Heat olive oil in a large pot, add onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened.

  • Add garlic and herbs – Stir in garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaf; cook briefly until fragrant.

  • Pour in the stock – Add turkey or chicken stock and bring to a gentle simmer.

  • Add the turkey – Stir in the cooked turkey and simmer for 15–20 minutes.

  • Add grains if using – Mix in cooked rice, pasta, or barley during the last few minutes.

  • Finish the soup – Remove bay leaf, stir in parsley, and adjust seasoning.

  • Serve warm – Ladle into bowls and enjoy immediately.