Short Description
Crockpot Turkey Vegetable Soup is a hearty and nutritious dish that combines tender turkey with a medley of fresh vegetables, all simmered slowly to perfection. This comforting soup is ideal for utilizing leftover turkey and provides a wholesome meal that is both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Convenient Preparation: Utilizing a crockpot allows for a hands-off cooking experience, making it perfect for busy days.
- Nutritious and Filling: Packed with lean protein and a variety of vegetables, this soup offers a balanced and healthy meal.
- Great for Leftovers: An excellent way to repurpose leftover turkey into a delicious new dish.
- Freezer-Friendly: This soup stores well, making it easy to have a ready-made meal on hand.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to include your favorite vegetables or spices.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
- Carrots, sliced
- Celery, chopped
- Onion, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Potatoes, diced
- Green beans, trimmed and cut
- Corn kernels
- Diced tomatoes
- Chicken or turkey broth
- Bay leaves
- Dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Chop all vegetables and shred or chop the cooked turkey.
- Combine in Crockpot: Add all ingredients to the crockpot, stirring to combine.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until vegetables are tender.
- Season: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 6-8 servings
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
Variations
- Add Grains: Incorporate cooked rice or barley for added texture.
- Spice It Up: Add chili flakes or hot sauce for a spicier version.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute turkey with beans and use vegetable broth.
- Different Vegetables: Use seasonal vegetables like squash or kale.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through.
FAQs
How can I thicken the soup?
To thicken the soup, you can mash some of the potatoes or add a slurry of cornstarch and water.
Can I use raw turkey instead of cooked?
Yes, but ensure the turkey is fully cooked by the end of the cooking time. Adjust cooking time as necessary.
Is it possible to make this soup on the stovetop?
Absolutely. Simmer all ingredients in a large pot over medium heat until vegetables are tender.
Can I add pasta to this soup?
Yes, add cooked pasta towards the end of the cooking time to prevent it from becoming mushy.
What herbs work well in this soup?
Thyme, rosemary, and parsley complement the flavors nicely.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be used and added directly to the crockpot.
How do I make this soup more flavorful?
Sautéing the onions and garlic before adding them to the crockpot can enhance the flavor.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as all ingredients used are certified gluten-free.
Can I use turkey bones to make the broth?
Yes, simmering turkey bones with water and aromatics can create a rich homemade broth.
How long does this soup last in the freezer?
Properly stored, it can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Conclusion
Crockpot Turkey Vegetable Soup is a versatile and nourishing dish that is perfect for utilizing leftover turkey. Its ease of preparation and adaptability make it a go-to recipe for a comforting meal any day of the week.
Sources
Print
Crockpot Turkey Vegetable Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A hearty and healthy Crockpot Turkey Vegetable Soup made with lean turkey, fresh vegetables, and savory broth—perfect for a comforting, low-fat meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Transfer the cooked turkey to the Crockpot.
- Add all chopped vegetables, canned tomatoes, and broth to the Crockpot.
- Season with basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until vegetables are tender.
- Stir and taste for seasoning before serving.
Notes
- You can use leftover turkey instead of ground turkey.
- Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables like spinach or peas.
- This soup freezes well for meal prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 2 cups)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
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