The holidays leave us with two things: warm memories—and mountains of leftover turkey. If you’re staring at a container of shredded Thanksgiving turkey and wondering what to do with it, you’re in the right place. This Slow Cooker Leftover Turkey Tortilla Soup is the ultimate way to breathe new life into those leftovers.
Infused with smoky spices, vibrant veggies, and topped with creamy avocado and crunchy tortilla strips, it’s a hearty bowl of comfort. Even better? The slow cooker does most of the work, giving you back your time (and sanity).
🔥 Pro Tip: This soup freezes beautifully—make a double batch and thank yourself later!
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The Power of a Slow Cooker Soup
The day after Thanksgiving always feels like a gentle exhale. The table has been cleared, the guests have gone, and the fridge is overflowing with bits of roasted joy—particularly, that juicy leftover turkey just waiting for a new life. This is the moment when a slow cooker soup becomes your best friend. It’s not just about using up what’s left—it’s about slowing down, warming up, and letting comfort take over your kitchen.
There’s something deeply satisfying about throwing together simple ingredients, flipping the switch on my slow cooker, and letting it quietly do its thing. While the house is still sleepy and the air holds a chill, this slow cooker leftover turkey tortilla soup fills the room with the aroma of tomatoes, garlic, and subtle spice. It’s a ritual that eases me out of holiday chaos and into calm.
Just like this Easy Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Soup Recipe, the slow cooker turns scraps into something soul-soothing and surprisingly flavorful.
What Makes Leftover Turkey So Special?
There’s a reason we save every shred of that Thanksgiving leftover turkey. Once it’s had time to rest and soak in all those roasted juices, turkey develops a tenderness that’s ideal for soup. The flavors deepen, the texture softens, and when you combine it with spicy broth and crunchy toppings—it transforms into something extraordinary.
Sure, you could make another sandwich. But with a slow cooker, you’ve got an easy, hands-off way to turn bland leftovers into a rich, layered dish. Think smoky, tangy, and bold—like in this White Bean Turkey Chili, only more vibrant and textured.
It’s the kind of soup that reminds you why leftovers might just be the best part of Thanksgiving.
Slow Cooker Leftover Turkey Soup
Equipment
- 6–8 quart slow cooker
- Cutting board & knife
- Can opener
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover cooked turkey shredded
- 1 15 oz can of black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 10 oz can of diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups turkey or chicken broth low sodium preferred
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese tortilla chips, sour cream, avocado, chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Add turkey, black beans, corn, onion, garlic, tomatoes with chilies, and broth to your slow cooker.
- Stir in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
- Before serving, stir in fresh lime juice for brightness.
- Serve hot, topped with your favorite garnishes like cheese, avocado, cilantro, and tortilla strips.
Notes
- Calories: 290 Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 26g Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 7g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
Building the Ultimate Leftover Turkey Soup Base
Ingredients That Transform Leftovers into a Masterpiece
The beauty of a slow cooker soup lies in its simplicity—just a few humble ingredients and a bit of patience can create bold, unforgettable flavor. When it comes to building the base for this leftover turkey tortilla soup, the ingredients are what elevate it from ordinary to restaurant-worthy.
Start with the obvious hero: shredded leftover turkey. White or dark meat works—just be sure it’s juicy. Next, layer in chopped onions, garlic, black beans, fire-roasted corn, and diced tomatoes. A little chipotle powder or smoked paprika gives it depth, while cumin and oregano lend a traditional Mexican warmth.
Toss everything into your slow cooker with low-sodium chicken or turkey broth—or better yet, homemade broth (more on that below). Fresh lime juice adds brightness, and a can of green chilies will crank up the flavor without overwhelming heat.
Need it dairy-free? Skip the cheese garnish. Want more protein? Add a drained can of white beans. Like it creamy? Stir in a bit of sour cream or coconut milk near the end. The slow cooker gives you room to experiment.
This method is flexible—just like this Easy Chicken Pot Pie Crock Pot Recipe, which proves a few pantry staples can turn into something magically delicious.
Pro Tips for Flavorful Turkey Broth
If you’ve got the turkey bones or pan drippings left over from Thanksgiving, don’t let them go to waste. Making a homemade turkey broth is simpler than you think—and the flavor payoff is enormous.
Place the carcass, skin, or scraps in a large pot with water, onion, garlic, celery, carrots, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Simmer for 2–3 hours, then strain. The result? A deeply flavorful broth that makes every spoonful of your soup richer.
Using turkey broth in your leftover turkey soup brings out savory undertones and enhances the dish far beyond store-bought options. Just like in this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe, the broth becomes the secret weapon.
If you’re pressed for time, you can freeze turkey bones and make the broth later—then pull it out the next time you’re craving comfort in a bowl.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking in the Crockpot
The Right Way to Layer for Flavor
The secret to a bold and well-balanced slow cooker soup lies in the way you build it—layer by layer. This might sound fussy, but trust me, it makes a big difference when those flavors have hours to mingle and bloom.
Start with your base: broth, tomatoes, and your spices. Stir these together first to create a strong flavor foundation. Next, add in aromatics—chopped onion, garlic, and a few slices of fresh jalapeño if you like heat. Then go in with your heartier ingredients like black beans, corn, and roasted leftover turkey. You want the turkey nestled in the center of everything so it stays moist and absorbs all that rich, spiced broth.
Save the delicate touches—like lime juice, avocado, cilantro, and shredded cheese—for after the soup is cooked. That way, the freshness pops and balances out the slow-cooked richness.
This method is the same layering magic that turns this Crock Pot Pumpkin Peanut Butter Chicken Soup into a creamy fall favorite.
Set It and Forget It – Cooking Time Matters
Once your layers are in place, it’s time to let the slow cooker work its magic. For best results, cook your tortilla soup on low for 6–8 hours. This allows the flavors to fully develop and the turkey to become meltingly tender.
Short on time? You can set your slow cooker to high for 3–4 hours and still get a satisfying result, but low and slow is always the flavor winner.
If you’re adding toppings like tortilla strips, be sure to crisp them in a skillet or oven while the soup cooks. Drop them in just before serving for the perfect crunchy contrast.
Don’t forget your garnish game. A dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and a squeeze of lime take this from good to jaw-droppingly delicious. Much like this Mississippi Chicken Slow Cooker Recipe, it’s all about the finishing touch.
By the time your thanksgiving leftover turkey transforms in the pot, the result will be a soup that tastes like it simmered all day on a stovetop—but with none of the effort.
Serving, Storing, and Reusing
How to Serve It Like a Pro
A hearty slow cooker soup deserves to be served with style—and a few smart pairings can take your tortilla turkey soup to the next level. Start by ladling the hot, fragrant soup into bowls and top it generously with crushed tortilla chips, shredded cheese, chopped avocado, and fresh cilantro. For a burst of brightness, a squeeze of lime does wonders. And if you’re feeling fancy, a swirl of sour cream or Mexican crema brings a velvety finish.
Pair it with a side of skillet cornbread, cheesy quesadillas, or even a scoop of white rice stirred right into the bowl. This not only bulks it up, but also adds another layer of comforting texture.
Presentation counts, especially if you’re sharing your bowl on social media. Keep garnishes colorful and contrast-rich—think golden chips, green avocado, white sour cream, and red pepper flakes. That pop of color makes the soup look as vibrant and festive as it tastes.
Need more warm inspiration? Try the Turkey Pot Pie – Best Leftover Turkey Recipe for another comforting way to showcase your holiday leftovers.
Storing, Freezing, and Repurposing Tips
When the soup cools, store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent uneven heating. If you made a large batch, this leftover turkey soup freezes beautifully. Just portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers (leaving a little room for expansion) and freeze for up to 3 months.
To reuse, thaw overnight in the fridge or warm gently from frozen. It’s an easy meal prep hero, especially on cold nights when you don’t feel like cooking but still want real food.
And here’s a fun twist: turn leftovers into a base for enchiladas or a turkey tortilla casserole. Simply reduce the broth, add some extra cheese, and bake until bubbly. It’s a genius move, much like repurposing Easy Chicken Pot Pie Crock Pot Recipes into a next-day dinner the whole family will devour.
With just one slow-cooked soup, you’ve got three meals—and zero waste.
FAQs
What can I do with leftover turkey after Thanksgiving?
Leftover turkey is incredibly versatile! Beyond sandwiches, you can transform it into a slow cooker soup, add it to enchiladas, toss it in pasta, or bake it into casseroles. This tortilla soup is a favorite because it gives bland turkey a spicy, flavor-packed second life, just like how Healthy Leftover Turkey Pot Pie Soup brings comfort in a bowl.
Can I freeze leftover turkey soup?
Absolutely. This leftover turkey soup freezes very well. Just let it cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing with toppings like cheese or avocado—add those fresh after reheating.
How long does leftover turkey last in the fridge?
Cooked thanksgiving leftover turkey should be used within 3–4 days when properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you’re not planning to use it soon, freeze it to preserve freshness and prevent waste.
Is it safe to cook leftover turkey in a slow cooker?
Yes—if the turkey was stored safely and hasn’t exceeded its fridge life. Using pre-cooked, refrigerated turkey in a slow cooker soup is completely safe. Just ensure the soup reaches a simmering temperature to keep it food-safe and flavorful.
There’s something deeply satisfying about giving your thanksgiving leftover turkey a bold, flavorful encore. This slow cooker soup isn’t just a recipe—it’s a moment of calm after the chaos, a warm reminder that delicious doesn’t have to be complicated.
So next time you’re staring at a container of cold turkey in your fridge, skip the sandwich. Grab your crockpot, add a handful of pantry staples, and turn it into something you’ll actually crave. One bowl, and you’ll see: leftovers aren’t just “what’s left”—they’re what’s next.
