This Turkey Tortilla Soup is so easy to make and a great way to use up leftover turkey after Thanksgiving. It’s made with mostly pantry ingredients and is ready in less than an hour! Add your favorite tortilla soup toppings, and you get a hearty, comforting bowl of soup.

If you have leftover Thanksgiving turkey this year, this soup is the perfect way to use it. It’s easy, cozy, and the perfect light recipe for the days after a big holiday meal.

The ingredients list might look long but fear not. This turkey tortilla soup has mostly pantry ingredients, with just a few fresh ones. The best part is that it’s ready to serve in under an hour.

So, save this recipe if a lot of roast turkey leftovers are in your future. You’ll love how easy it is, and it will give all that leftover turkey a new, delicious, and flavorful life.

Ingredients

Olive oil
Chopped onion: Yellow onion, white onion, red onion… the choice is yours!
Chopped bell peppers: I like to use yellow and red bell peppers.
Seasonings: Kosher salt, black pepper, ground cumin, paprika, chili powder, dried oregano
Minced garlic cloves
Brown sugar: Only a tablespoon adds just a hint of sweetness that balances out the tomatoes’ acidity.
Diced green chile: Or try using diced jalapenos. You can use fresh or canned.
Cannellini beans: Black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans work well, too.
Tomatoes: You’ll need some canned tomato sauce and canned diced tomatoes.
Low-sodium chicken broth or chicken stock
Leftover turkey breast cut into cubes: Use cooked chicken if you don’t have turkey.

How to Make Tortilla Soup with Leftover Turkey

☑️ Saute

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions, peppers, salt, and pepper. Cook them for two to three minutes or until they start to soften. Add the garlic and stir.

☑️ Simmer

Add the chili powder, brown sugar, oregano, cumin, paprika, and green chiles. Add the beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, and turkey. Bring the pot to a simmer and cook the soup for 20 to 22 minutes, stirring occasionally.

☑️ Garnish

Taste the soup and add more salt, if needed. Ladle it into bowls and top with your favorite toppings.

Garnishes

Once the soup is ready, grab all of your favorite toppings! Tortilla chips are a must, but there are plenty of other options. Here are some favorites:

Tortilla chips or tortilla strips
Diced red onion
Diced jalapeno
Lime juice
Shredded cheddar cheese
Sour cream
Sliced green onions
Chopped fresh cilantro
Diced avocado

More Ways to Use Leftover Turkey

Here are a few more ways to use those leftovers! Just use turkey instead of chicken in these recipes: