Dump and Go Crockpot Turkey Soup: The Easiest Comfort Food

Fall and winter call for comforting, hearty meals that require minimal effort. This Dump and Go Crockpot Turkey Soup recipe is the perfect solution. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and utilizes leftover turkey – making it a fantastic way to reduce food waste. Simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it! Come home to a warm and satisfying soup that will nourish your body and soul.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Turkey Soup

This recipe isn’t just about convenience; it’s about deliciousness too. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a rich and complex broth. Here’s why you’ll be adding this to your regular rotation:

• Effortless Preparation: True to its name, this is a “dump and go” recipe. Minimal chopping and no pre-cooking required.
• Perfect for Leftovers: Transform leftover holiday turkey into a completely new and exciting meal.
• Budget-Friendly: Utilizing leftovers and pantry staples helps keep your grocery bill in check.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vegetables, lean protein, and broth, this soup is a wholesome and satisfying meal.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze portions for easy weeknight meals later.

The Key Ingredients for Flavorful Turkey Soup

While this recipe is flexible, these core ingredients are essential for a delicious and well-rounded turkey soup:

• Turkey: Cooked turkey, shredded or diced. Leftover Thanksgiving turkey is ideal.
• Broth: Chicken or turkey broth forms the base of the soup. Low-sodium broth allows you to control the salt level.
• Vegetables: A mix of carrots, celery, and onion creates a flavorful foundation. Consider adding garlic, diced tomatoes, and spinach for extra nutrients and taste.
• Potatoes: Yukon gold or russet potatoes add heartiness.
• Herbs and Spices: Dried thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper are the basics. Feel free to add other favorites like parsley, oregano, or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Optional Add-ins: Noodles (egg noodles or rotini), rice, corn, beans (cannellini or great northern) are all great additions, but should be added near the end of the cooking time to prevent them from becoming mushy.

Choosing Your Turkey: Bone-In vs. Boneless

While shredded turkey is the main attraction, you can also use a turkey carcass in your slow cooker. A bone-in turkey carcass will add more flavor to the broth. If using a carcass, remove it from the slow cooker after 6-8 hours of cooking, let it cool slightly, and then shred any remaining meat from the bones. Discard the bones and return the shredded meat to the soup.

Step-by-Step Guide to Crockpot Turkey Soup Success

Follow these simple steps for a foolproof and delicious turkey soup:

1. Prep the Vegetables: Dice the carrots, celery, and onion. Mince the garlic (if using).

2. Combine Ingredients: In a slow cooker, combine the turkey, broth, diced vegetables, potatoes, herbs, and spices.

3. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender.

4. Add Optional Ingredients: If using noodles, rice, or beans, add them during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking time.

5. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add salt and pepper to your preference.

6. Serve: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream, if desired.

Tips for Perfectly Cooked Soup

• Don’t Overcook the Noodles: If adding noodles, add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Overcooked noodles will become mushy.
• Adjust Liquid as Needed: If the soup seems too thick, add more broth until you reach your desired consistency.
• Use Low-Sodium Broth: Control the saltiness of the soup by using low-sodium broth. You can always add more salt to taste.
• Sauté the Vegetables (Optional): For a richer flavor, you can sauté the carrots, celery, and onion in a little oil before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Add a Touch of Acidity: A squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end brightens the flavors and adds a touch of acidity.

Variations and Customization Options

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own signature turkey soup.

• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeno for a touch of heat.
• Add Different Vegetables: Experiment with other vegetables like zucchini, corn, green beans, or bell peppers.
• Creamy Turkey Soup: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a richer, creamier soup.
• Mexican-Inspired Turkey Soup: Add black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and chili powder for a Mexican twist. Top with avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
• Italian-Inspired Turkey Soup: Add Italian seasoning, diced tomatoes, and spinach. Top with Parmesan cheese.
• Smoked Turkey Soup: Use smoked turkey for an incredible depth of flavor.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This hearty soup is a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate the dining experience with these serving suggestions:

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of crusty bread for dipping.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing for soup.
• Side Salad: A light side salad adds freshness and balance.
• Cornbread: A sweet and savory complement to the soup.
• Garnish: Fresh parsley, a dollop of sour cream or yogurt, or a sprinkle of cheese are all great garnishes.

Storing and Reheating Turkey Soup

This soup is even better the next day as the flavors have had more time to meld.

• Storage: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat it in the microwave. Add a splash of broth if the soup has thickened too much.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this soup on the stovetop?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the stovetop. Combine all the ingredients in a large pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 1-2 hours, or until the vegetables are tender.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen vegetables work well in this recipe. Add them directly to the slow cooker.

Do I need to brown the turkey before adding it to the slow cooker?

No, browning the turkey is not necessary. Simply add the cooked turkey directly to the slow cooker.

How do I prevent the noodles from becoming mushy?

Add the noodles during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.

Can I use a different type of bean?

Yes, you can substitute cannellini beans with other beans such as great northern beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas.

What if I don’t have leftover turkey?

You can use cooked chicken instead of turkey. Rotisserie chicken works well in this recipe.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

To make this soup vegetarian, omit the turkey and use vegetable broth. Add extra vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. You can also add lentils or beans for protein.