Turkey Rice Soup (Hearty One-Pot Comfort in 30 Minutes)

Turkey Rice Soup is the cozy, comforting hug your taste buds need after a long day—or a long Thanksgiving weekend. Whether you’re staring at a pile of leftover turkey or just craving something that warms you from the inside out, this Turkey Rice Soup has your back. It’s a simple one-pot wonder that comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t want to juggle a dozen dishes. The blend of tender turkey, wholesome rice, and flavorful veggies makes it both hearty and light—a true “feel good” meal. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread, and you’ve got dinner perfection without breaking a sweat.

Table of Contents

What is Turkey Rice Soup?

Turkey Rice Soup is a soul-soothing, homestyle dish that combines cooked turkey, vegetables, rice, and flavorful stock into one simmering pot of comfort. It’s a cousin to the beloved chicken soup, but with a richer, slightly deeper flavor thanks to the turkey. Think of it as your go-to solution for those “What’s for dinner?” nights when you want something filling but not fussy. It’s also the ultimate way to give new life to leftover turkey after the holidays—no waste, no stress. Whether you make it with turkey stock or chicken broth, it’s satisfying, nourishing, and family-approved.

Reasons to Try Turkey Rice Soup

There are a dozen reasons why this Turkey Rice Soup deserves a regular spot in your meal rotation. First, it’s incredibly easy—just one pot and 30 minutes, and dinner’s ready. Second, it’s budget-friendly because it makes good use of leftover turkey or even rotisserie chicken. Third, it’s a nutrient-packed comfort food—loaded with lean protein, fiber, and essential vitamins from all those colorful veggies. Plus, it’s totally customizable: you can make it creamy, toss in wild rice for a nutty twist, or add kale for a boost of greens. Want more cozy soup ideas? Check out this Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup or the fan-favorite Lemon Chicken Rice Soup.

Ingredients Needed to Make Turkey Rice Soup

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• 1 cup chopped carrot
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (no salt added)
• ½ cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 3 cups cooked turkey (chopped or shredded)
• 1 quart chicken or turkey stock
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (added at the end)

Optional:

• ¾ cup heavy cream for a creamy version
• Extra lemon juice or salt to taste

Equipment: Dutch Oven or Large Pot

Instructions to Make Turkey Rice Soup

Ready to make the coziest dinner of your week? Follow this step-by-step guide to creating your own pot of Turkey Rice Soup that’s hearty, flavorful, and family-approved. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or just short on time, these easy directions will walk you through every stage — from prepping your veggies to serving that first spoonful of comfort.

Step 1: Warm Up Your Pot and Build the Flavor Base

Start this step-by-step process by placing a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter, letting them melt together. Once the butter foams slightly, toss in the diced onion along with ¼ teaspoon salt. Stir occasionally for about 3 minutes, just until the onions turn translucent and aromatic.

This first step might seem simple, but it’s where flavor magic begins — sautéing onions slowly releases their natural sweetness, forming a base that gives your soup depth. If you love learning about building flavor from scratch, you’ll also enjoy my guide on Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup, where a similar flavor base takes the recipe to the next level.

Step 2: Add the Veggies for Texture and Color

In this step-by-step stage, stir in your chopped carrots and celery, followed by another ¼ teaspoon of salt. These classic soup vegetables not only add heartiness but also create that comforting texture we all crave in homemade soups.

Cook the mixture for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often. The veggies should soften slightly but still hold their shape — think “al dente,” not mushy. If you’re a fan of colorful veggie-packed recipes, take a peek at this Green Goddess Soup — it’s another delicious way to pack more nutrients into your weeknight menu.

Step 3: Toast the Rice and Bloom the Seasonings

Here’s where your kitchen really starts to smell amazing. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and ½ cup of uncooked long-grain white rice. Stir constantly for about 1 minute to gently toast the rice and “wake up” the herbs.

This step-by-step toasting process builds flavor and prevents the rice from clumping later. The garlic should be fragrant but not browned — if it starts to darken, lower your heat slightly. This same technique works beautifully in other cozy dishes like my Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Soup, where slow simmering deepens every layer of flavor.

Step 4: Combine the Turkey, Broth, and Water

Now it’s time to bring everything together. Add in your 3 cups of cooked, shredded turkey, 1 quart of chicken or turkey stock, 2 cups of water, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients, making sure the rice is evenly distributed throughout the liquid.

As the mixture comes to a boil, take a moment to inhale — that savory, herb-filled aroma is what homemade comfort feels like. If you’re using leftover turkey from Thanksgiving or Sunday dinner, this step-by-step addition is the perfect way to give it new life. For more leftover inspiration, check out my Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe — it’s another fantastic way to repurpose turkey in a hearty, wholesome dish.

Step 5: Simmer Until the Rice Is Tender

Once the soup reaches a gentle boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the veggies are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and enjoy how the broth thickens slightly as the rice absorbs the flavorful liquid.

This step-by-step simmering phase allows all the flavors — from the turkey to the herbs — to meld beautifully. It’s also the perfect time to tidy up the kitchen or toast some crusty bread for dipping. If you prefer slow-cooked comfort meals, you might also love my Slow Cooker Thai Curried Chicken Soup, which uses a similar simmering technique for deep, rich flavor.

Step 6: Add a Bright Finish and Adjust the Seasoning

Once the rice is soft and the soup has thickened slightly, uncover your pot and stir in 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. This bright touch brings everything to life, balancing the savory richness with a hint of freshness.

Taste the soup and adjust as needed — a little more salt or another splash of lemon juice can make all the difference. If you want a creamier version, stir in ¾ cup of heavy cream at this step-by-step finishing stage and warm it gently before serving. For a dairy-free twist, coconut milk works beautifully too!

Step 7: Serve, Savor, and Store

Ladle your Turkey Rice Soup into bowls and serve it warm. Pair it with a simple salad or a slice of crusty sourdough for the ultimate cozy dinner. This step-by-step cooking process yields six generous servings, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day leftovers.

Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the fridge or freeze them for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to bring the texture back to life.

For more cozy soup ideas, explore my Hearty Italian White Bean Soup or Comforting Vegetable Beef Soup — both are great companions to your soup night rotation.

What to Serve with Turkey Rice Soup

This Turkey Rice Soup is hearty enough to shine on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. Think buttery garlic bread, a crisp side salad, or even a grilled cheese sandwich for extra indulgence. If you want to stay in cozy mode, pair it with this Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup on a soup-and-soup night—yes, that’s a thing. Or, for a lighter option, a fresh Green Goddess Soup adds a pop of color and nutrition.

Key Tips for Making Turkey Rice Soup

1. Use the right rice. Stick to long-grain white rice. Instant or parboiled rice will get mushy fast.
2. Don’t skip the lemon. It adds brightness that balances the richness of the broth.
3. Customize it. Add spinach or kale for more greens, or throw in some corn for sweetness.
4. Make it creamy. Stir in heavy cream or a dairy-free alternative at the end for a silky finish.
5. Taste before serving. A little salt or lemon can make the flavors pop.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Turkey Rice Soup

Let your Turkey Rice Soup cool before transferring it to airtight containers. It keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes beautifully for 2–3 months. Just remember, rice tends to soak up liquid, so when reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each. If you’ve added cream, heat it gently to prevent curdling.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, but note that it takes longer to cook—about 40–45 minutes.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Combine all ingredients except lemon juice and cook on low for 4–6 hours.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of turkey?
Totally! It works beautifully and saves time.

Can I freeze Turkey Rice Soup?
Yes! Let it cool, portion into containers, and freeze up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

If comfort had a flavor, it would be Turkey Rice Soup—warm, hearty, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re trying to use up leftovers or just want a healthy weeknight meal, this recipe checks every box. It’s quick, wholesome, and irresistibly cozy. And if you loved this one, be sure to try my Hearty Italian White Bean Soup next—it’s another comforting bowl that’ll keep you full and happy.

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