Name: Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: PT-487092H3M58S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 turkey carcass (all meat removed); 14 cups water; 1 large onion, peeled; 2 stalks celery; 3 medium carrots, peeled; ½ tsp salt (or to taste); ¼ tsp pepper (or to taste); 2–3 cups chopped turkey meat (white or dark); 8 oz dry egg noodles; 1 bouillon cube (or 1–2 Tbsp Vegeta); 1 Tbsp chopped parsley, for garnish

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Short Description

A comforting and wholesome soup made from leftover turkey carcass and meat, simmered with vegetables and egg noodles to create a flavorful, nourishing broth and satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Zero waste cooking: Uses the whole turkey, including the carcass.
Rich, homemade flavor: Simmers for hours to extract depth and warmth.
Simple ingredients, big taste: Pantry staples make it easy and accessible.
Kid-approved comfort: Familiar flavors in a soothing, hearty broth.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Broth

1 turkey carcass (all meat removed)
14 cups water
1 large onion, peeled
2 stalks celery
3 medium carrots, peeled
½ tsp salt (or to taste)
¼ tsp pepper (or to taste)

For the Soup

2–3 cups chopped turkey meat (white or dark)
8 oz dry egg noodles
1 bouillon cube (or 1–2 Tbsp Vegeta)
¼ tsp salt (or to taste)
¼ tsp pepper (or to taste)
1 Tbsp chopped parsley, for garnish

Directions

Simmer broth: In a large soup pot, combine turkey carcass, water, onion, celery, and carrots. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook over medium-low heat for about 1 ½ hours.
Strain and save broth: Remove the carcass and vegetables using tongs or a slotted spoon. Reserve the carrots, discard bones, then keep the clear turkey broth in the pot.
Add ingredients: Add chopped turkey meat, egg noodles, reserved carrots (sliced into half-moons), and bouillon cube (or Vegeta). Add more water if needed to cover noodles. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook noodles: simmer for about 8 minutes, or until noodles are tender.
Finish and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning, stir in chopped parsley, and serve warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6–8 bowls
Prep time: 10 minutes
Broth cook time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Soup cook time: 8–10 minutes
Total time: ~1 hour 50 minutes

Storage/reheating

Refrigerator: Store cooled soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze portions (up to 3 months). Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Gently warm over medium-low heat until heated through.
- Microwave: Warm in 1-minute intervals, stirring between heats.

Variations

Broth boost: Add fresh herbs like thyme or bay leaves during broth simmer.
Veggie addition: Stir in peas, leeks, or diced potatoes with the noodles.
Noodle swap: Use rice, gluten-free pasta, or orzo instead of egg noodles.
Spice lift: Add a pinch of turmeric or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
Creamy take: Stir in ¼ cup of cream or coconut milk for a richer broth.

FAQs

1. Can I skip simmering the carcass?

No—simmering the carcass is essential for making a rich, flavorful broth that sets this soup apart.

2. Should I reuse the carrots from the broth?

Yes—these already cooked carrots are perfect in the soup and add texture and sweetness.

3. What if I don’t have a bouillon cube?

You can skip it; the homemade broth is flavorful on its own. Adjust salt to taste.

4. Can frozen leftover turkey be used?

Yes—thaw, chop, and add it to the soup during the noodle simmer step.

5. How do I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free noodles or rice, and ensure your bouillon or vegetables are gluten-free.

6. Can I make just the broth in advance?

Yes—make the broth ahead, strain, cool, and refrigerate separately. Later, add meat, noodles, and veggies before serving.

7. What if the broth reduces too much?

Simply add more water or broth to achieve the right consistency before adding noodles.

8. Can I add fresh herbs?

Definitely—stir in fresh parsley, thyme, or dill just before serving for extra aroma.

9. Can I make this vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, omit turkey and use vegetable broth with diced potatoes and beans instead of noodles.

10. Is this soup healthy?

Yes—packed with lean protein, vegetables, and homemade broth, it’s nourishing, low in fat, and soothing for the soul.

Conclusion

Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food that transforms post-holiday turkey into a flavorful, hearty meal. With a rich homemade broth, tender noodles, and simple seasonings, it’s budget-friendly, nourishing, and perfect for feeding family and guests. Make it your own with fresh herbs or extra veggies, and enjoy its warmth any time of the year.

Maggie