When the weather turns cold, there’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of soup to lift your spirits and satisfy your hunger. This Turkey and Rice Soup is not just another recipe—it’s a hug in a bowl. Made with tender turkey, aromatic vegetables, and a creamy, flavorful broth, this soup is perfect for cozy nights, family dinners, or even meal prepping for the week.
Whether you’re looking for a way to use up leftover turkey or want an easy slow-cooker meal that everyone will rave about, this recipe ticks all the boxes. It’s simple, delicious, and customizable. Plus, it’s ready to warm you from the inside out with minimal effort, thanks to your trusty slow cooker.
Let’s dive into why this Turkey and Rice Soup deserves a spot in your recipe rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This soup is perfect for:
- Leftover Lovers: After Thanksgiving or Christmas, when you’re staring at leftover turkey wondering what to do, this recipe is a lifesaver.
- Busy Cooks: It’s a slow-cooker recipe, which means hands-off cooking while you tackle other tasks.
- Comfort Food Enthusiasts: Creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor, this soup is the epitome of comfort food.
- Health-Conscious Families: Loaded with veggies, lean protein, and aromatic herbs, this dish is as nutritious as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this soul-soothing Turkey and Rice Soup:
- Turkey: 2–3 cups of cooked turkey (shredded or cubed)
- Vegetables: 3 carrots (sliced), 2 celery stalks (sliced), and 1 onion (diced)
- Broth: 6 cups of low-sodium chicken or turkey stock
- Seasonings: 1 envelope of turkey gravy mix, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp poultry seasoning, and ½ tsp black pepper
- Rice: 1 box (4.3 oz) of long grain and wild Rice-a-Roni (discard the seasoning packet)
- Cream: 1 cup of heavy cream
- Garnish (optional): Fresh parsley
Kitchen Equipment
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this recipe:
- A slow cooker (6-quart capacity recommended)
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
- Ladle for serving
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prep Your Ingredients
Dice the onion, slice the carrots and celery, and shred or cube your cooked turkey. This step makes the cooking process seamless.
2. Assemble in the Slow Cooker
Add the cooked turkey, carrots, celery, onion, stock, turkey gravy mix, onion powder, garlic powder, poultry seasoning, and black pepper to your slow cooker. Stir to combine.
3. Cook Low and Slow
Set your slow cooker to low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours. This gives the flavors time to meld together beautifully.
4. Add the Rice
An hour before serving, add the Rice-a-Roni (without the seasoning packet) to the slow cooker. Stir well and cover.
5. Finish with Cream
Just before serving, stir in the heavy cream to create a rich, velvety broth. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks
- Swap the Protein: No turkey? No problem! Rotisserie chicken works beautifully in this recipe.
- Go Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut cream or cashew cream for the heavy cream to make it dairy-free.
- Bulk It Up: Add a handful of spinach or kale for extra nutrients and color.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free wild rice blend instead of Rice-a-Roni and check your gravy mix for gluten-free certification.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
You can also freeze the soup without the cream for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat, and stir in the cream just before serving.
What to Serve with Turkey and Rice Soup
This hearty soup pairs perfectly with:
- Bread: Crusty bread or warm dinner rolls for dipping.
- Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
- Drinks: A glass of white wine like Chardonnay or a hot cup of herbal tea rounds out the meal.
FAQ
Can I use uncooked turkey in this recipe?
No, this recipe is designed for cooked turkey. If you only have raw turkey, cook it separately before adding it to the soup.
Can I make this soup on the stovetop?
Absolutely! Sauté the vegetables in a large pot, add the remaining ingredients (except rice and cream), and simmer for about an hour. Add the rice and cream as directed.
What other grains can I use instead of Rice-a-Roni?
You can substitute with wild rice, brown rice, or even quinoa. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Try This Cozy Turkey and Rice Soup Today!
Whether you’re looking for a post-holiday meal, an easy weeknight dinner, or a comforting dish to share with loved ones, this Turkey and Rice Soup is the answer. Packed with flavor, simple to make, and endlessly customizable, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
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