Mexican Style Leftover Turkey Soup: A Zesty Reinvention for Your Thanksgiving Leftovers
After the grandeur of Thanksgiving dinner, the sight of abundant leftover turkey is a familiar one. While a classic turkey sandwich holds its own charm, imagine transforming that cherished holiday turkey into something entirely new, vibrant, and utterly delicious. This **Mexican Style Leftover Turkey Soup** offers precisely that: a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy way to repurpose your Thanksgiving feast. Swimming in a rich chicken broth, brimming with diced tomatoes, sweet corn, creamy coconut milk, and a kick from jalapeños, this soup is a true post-holiday delight. It’s an ingenious method to not only minimize food waste but also to surprise your family with a fresh, exciting meal that tastes far from “leftovers.”
The post-holiday season often brings with it a fridge overflowing with Thanksgiving leftovers. While we all love the main event, the enthusiasm for subsequent rounds of the same dishes can wane. This is where creative repurposing comes into play, saving you money, preventing food waste, and keeping mealtime exciting. Instead of succumbing to leftover fatigue, why not embrace the opportunity to craft entirely new culinary experiences? Our Mexican Style Leftover Turkey Soup is a prime example, turning familiar ingredients into an unexpected and incredibly satisfying meal. It’s a smart and delicious way to make the most of your holiday bounty, ensuring every last bit of that delicious turkey finds a purpose.
Why This Mexican Turkey Soup is a Must-Try
You’ll likely agree that nothing’s worse than a fridge full of Thanksgiving leftovers that go uneaten day after day. It seems not everyone shares the same level of excitement for a fourth turkey sandwich as they did for the initial Thanksgiving dinner. But there’s a secret weapon to combat this leftover fatigue: serve them a steaming bowl of turkey soup infused with vibrant Mexican flavors! They’ll be none the wiser that you’re cleverly utilizing those holiday remnants. The rich, spicy, and creamy profile of this soup is so distinct and delicious, it feels like an entirely new dish, making it a perfect solution for revitalizing your post-holiday menu.
The Versatility of Leftover Turkey Soup
Whether you’re using tender pieces of leftover Thanksgiving turkey, any other cooked turkey meat, or even shredded chicken, this flavorful soup is an excellent way to ensure nothing goes to waste. It’s one of my absolute favorite methods for clearing out the fridge after the holiday festivities. The beauty of this easy turkey soup recipe extends beyond immediate consumption; you can easily whip up a batch and stash it in the freezer. This allows you to enjoy a comforting, homemade meal at a later date, providing a quick and wholesome dinner option when time is short. This makes it an invaluable addition to your meal prep strategy, especially during busy weeks.
If you find yourself loving this delightful leftover turkey soup recipe, you’re sure to appreciate other creative ways to use up your holiday bird. Consider exploring these other popular recipes: Turkey Pasta Bake, a comforting Turkey Noodle Soup, or these charming Turkey Salad Sliders. Each offers a unique spin on leftover turkey, ensuring your post-holiday meals are anything but boring.
Quick and Easy Mexican Turkey Soup Preparation
This Mexican style leftover turkey soup comes together in just a few minutes, making it incredibly convenient for a light, satisfying lunch or dinner the day after Thanksgiving. Its simplicity allows you to quickly prepare a nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Pair it with your favorite leftover vegetable sides or a crisp green salad, and you’ll have a complete, enjoyable meal that everyone will appreciate. The minimal effort required means more time for relaxation or diving into those Black Friday deals!
When dealing with cooked turkey, timing is key. I wouldn’t recommend waiting too long after Thanksgiving to prepare this soup, as cooked turkey only remains fresh for a few days in the refrigerator. To ensure optimal food safety and flavor, aim to assemble this soup within 3-4 days of your initial turkey meal. If you don’t anticipate making this delicious soup within that timeframe, it’s always best practice to promptly portion and freeze your leftover turkey. You can then thaw it at a later date, preserving its quality and making it ready for this incredibly tasty recipe whenever you desire.
Essential Ingredients for this Hearty Homemade Turkey Soup
For a complete list of ingredients and detailed instructions, please scroll to the bottom of this post for the full printable recipe card. Here’s a breakdown of the key components that bring this Mexican turkey soup to life:
- Olive Oil: The foundation of our flavor base. Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its robust taste, but any quality olive oil will work perfectly for sautéing.
- Onion: Diced white onion provides a sweet, aromatic base once cooked until translucent, adding depth to the soup’s overall flavor profile. Yellow or red onions can also be used.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic cloves are paramount for the best, most pungent flavor. While jarred minced garlic can be a convenient substitute, fresh truly elevates the dish.
- Aromatic Spices: A harmonious blend of garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper creates the signature Mexican-inspired taste, adding warmth and complexity.
- Chicken Broth: This forms the liquid base of our soup. Opt for a low-sodium chicken broth if you prefer to have more control over the salt content. For an even richer turkey flavor, homemade or store-bought turkey stock can be used interchangeably.
- Cooked Turkey: The star of the show! Use any cooked shredded or cubed turkey you have on hand. It’s the perfect way to make delicious use of your Thanksgiving leftovers.
- Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes contribute a lovely acidity and essential chunkiness, adding body and a fresh tomato flavor to the soup.
- Canned Jalapeños: Chopped jalapeño peppers introduce a mild to medium spice level, infusing the soup with that authentic Mexican zest. Adjust the quantity to your preferred heat level.
- Corn: A can of drained corn adds a touch of sweetness and pleasant texture. Frozen corn, without needing to be thawed, also works wonderfully.
- Coconut Milk: This is the secret ingredient for a luxuriously creamy Mexican turkey soup. For an extra rich and velvety consistency, full-fat coconut milk is recommended.
- Fresh Cilantro: Chopped fresh cilantro is crucial for enhancing the Mexican flavor profile with its bright, herbaceous notes. If cilantro isn’t to your liking, fresh parsley makes a good alternative.
Optional Toppings to Elevate Your Bowl: These additions allow for customization and add layers of flavor and texture, making each bowl unique.
- Cheddar Cheese: Grated cheddar cheese melts beautifully into the hot soup, adding a savory, creamy element. Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend also works wonderfully.
- Green Onion: A sprinkle of chopped green onions offers a mild, fresh onion flavor and a pop of color.
- Avocado: Diced avocado adds a delightful creaminess and healthy fats, complementing the soup’s warmth with a cool contrast.
- Lime Wedges: Serving with lime wedges allows guests to squeeze a touch of fresh lime juice into their bowls, brightening all the flavors and adding a zesty finish.
- Extra Cilantro: A final garnish of fresh cilantro further enhances the aromatic appeal and vibrant Mexican character of the soup.
How to Make This Flavorful Mexican Turkey Soup
This incredibly flavorful soup comes together in approximately 20 minutes of active cooking time, making it an ideal choice for a quick weeknight meal or a speedy post-holiday lunch.
Begin by placing a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the olive oil and allow it to shimmer. Once hot, add the diced onions and cook them gently, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and translucent. This step is crucial for building a sweet, aromatic base for your soup.
Next, add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Immediately after, stir in all the dry spices: garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Continue to cook for just one more minute, allowing the spices to bloom in the hot oil and release their full aroma, intensifying the soup’s flavor.
Now, it’s time to introduce the main protein and liquid. Toss in your shredded or cubed cooked turkey and pour in the chicken stock. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the turkey is well-distributed.
Proceed by adding the diced tomatoes, corn, chopped jalapeños, and creamy coconut milk to the pot. Give everything a good stir to ensure all the components are thoroughly mixed and evenly distributed within the broth. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
Allow the soup to continue simmering on medium heat for about 15 minutes. This simmering period is essential for all the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a cohesive and incredibly delicious broth that truly sings with Mexican-inspired notes.
Finally, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the fresh chopped cilantro. The cilantro adds a burst of freshness and a vibrant herbaceous finish. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately with your favorite optional toppings. Enjoy this comforting and creative twist on your Thanksgiving leftovers!
Storage and Freezing Tips for Your Turkey Soup
Proper storage is key to enjoying your homemade Mexican turkey soup safely and conveniently. Once the turkey soup has cooled completely to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container or a heavy-duty, re-sealable plastic bag. It’s always a good practice to label the container with the date and contents to help you keep track. When properly refrigerated, this delicious soup will remain fresh and safe to eat for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, this soup is also incredibly freezer-friendly. You can freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months without significant loss of quality. If you opt to freeze the soup in Ziploc bags, ensure you leave a little space at the top to allow for expansion as the soup freezes. Lay the bags flat in the freezer for efficient storage. To reheat, simply thaw the frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, you can easily reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, or use a microwave-safe container and heat in intervals until hot.
Should you need to quicken the thawing process, you can place the sealed bag or container of frozen soup in a bowl of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes or so until the soup is thawed. **Important food safety note:** Any leftover turkey soup that has been left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be discarded to prevent the risk of bacterial growth.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey Soup
- How long is leftover turkey good for soup? For optimal flavor and food safety, it is best to use cooked leftover turkey for soup within 3-4 days of its initial cooking. Always make sure the turkey has been properly refrigerated.
- Can I make soup with week-old turkey? To err on the side of caution and ensure the freshest, safest meal, it is highly recommended to make your turkey soup within the 3-4 day window after your turkey meal. If you don’t plan to make the soup within this timeframe, your best bet is to freeze your leftover turkey as soon as possible after the holiday. Then, you can simply defrost it when you’re ready to prepare this delicious soup, preserving its quality.
- Why is my turkey soup so bland? If you find your turkey soup lacking in flavor, there are several ways to enhance it. You might need to adjust the seasoning by adding more of the recommended spices (cumin, chili powder, etc.). A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice can also brighten the flavors significantly. Don’t underestimate the power of toppings; fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or some hot sauce can add much-needed zing and depth.
- How do you thicken turkey soup broth? There are a couple of excellent ways to thicken your turkey soup broth. One common method is to create a slurry: whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water until smooth, then stir it into the simmering soup until it thickens. Alternatively, you can naturally thicken the soup by increasing the amount of vegetables, adding some cooked rice or pasta, or even blending a portion of the soup (especially the vegetables) before returning it to the pot.
Smart Substitutions for Your Mexican Turkey Soup
Remember that cooking is an art, and when it comes to making substitutions in recipes, don’t be afraid to get creative! Feel free to adapt ingredients to suit your personal taste preferences, dietary needs, or whatever you have on hand. Make this recipe truly your own!
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If you find yourself without any leftover turkey, a readily available substitute is shredded rotisserie chicken. It offers a similar cooked poultry texture and flavor. For a hearty vegetarian twist, consider using black beans or pinto beans. If opting for a vegetarian version, make sure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
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To amplify the turkey flavor even further, you can substitute turkey stock or turkey broth in place of the chicken broth. This is an excellent choice if you happen to have homemade turkey stock from your holiday cooking.
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Instead of diced tomatoes, for a different depth of flavor and a rich, slightly smoky twist, you could use enchilada sauce. This would lend a more pronounced Tex-Mex profile to your soup.
- For an alternative creamy base, use Half & Half or heavy cream in place of the coconut milk. Keep in mind that this will change the flavor profile slightly, offering a more traditional dairy creaminess.
Expert Tips & Tricks for Perfect Mexican Turkey Soup
Enhance your soup-making experience with these clever tips and tricks, ensuring your Mexican Style Leftover Turkey Soup is nothing short of spectacular:
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For those who enjoy a spicier turkey soup and a little extra kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, an additional dash of chili powder, or finely diced poblano peppers or green chilies during the sautéing stage. These ingredients will infuse a deeper, more complex heat.
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Serve your flavorful soup with a complementary side to complete the meal. Crispy tortilla chips or homemade tortilla strips add a satisfying crunch, while warm flour tortillas are perfect for soaking up every last drop of the delicious broth.
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Transform this stovetop recipe into a convenient slow cooker meal. After you’ve sautéed the garlic and onions as instructed, simply transfer all the ingredients to your crock pot. Let it simmer on low for 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully with minimal effort.
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For an extra layer of richness and creamy texture, add a generous dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema to each bowl just before serving. It will melt into the hot soup, providing a delightful contrast.
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Boost the color and introduce a subtle crunch by throwing in some diced bell pepper (any color works!) when you add the corn and tomatoes. This adds both visual appeal and a fresh vegetable element.
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To further intensify the Mexican flavor profile, stir in a packet of taco seasoning with the other spices. This can quickly add a comprehensive blend of savory and spicy notes.
More Delicious Soup Recipes to Love
If you have a passion for comforting and flavorful soups, be sure to explore some of these other fantastic recipes:
- Cream of Reuben Soup (pictured above) – A unique and savory delight for Reuben sandwich lovers.
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French Sauerkraut Soup – A surprisingly delicious and hearty option with a tangy twist.
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Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup – All the flavors of your favorite Italian dish in a comforting soup form.
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Cabbage Roll Soup – A deconstructed classic, packed with savory flavors and tender ingredients.
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Hamburger Soup With or Without Noodles – A family-friendly, versatile soup perfect for any day.
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Easiest Lasagna Soup – Enjoy the rich, layered flavors of lasagna in a quick and simple soup.
More Creative Recipes to Re-Purpose Holiday Leftovers
No matter what delicious remnants you find lingering after a grand holiday meal, I have a creative solution and a mouth-watering recipe that will transform those leftovers into meals as epic and enjoyable as the original feast. Don’t let anything go to waste; check out this comprehensive Round-up of Holiday Leftovers Recipes for inspiration and clever ideas!
This Mexican-style leftover turkey soup is a truly delicious and efficient way to ensure your precious Thanksgiving turkey leftovers don’t go to waste. Its rapid preparation, taking just a few minutes of active cooking, means you can quickly get out of the kitchen and fully take advantage of the exciting Black Friday shopping opportunities or simply relax after a busy holiday. It’s the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and resourcefulness!
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Print Recipe
Mexican Style Leftover Turkey Soup
Equipment
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Lodge 6 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven. Classic Red Enamel Dutch Oven (Island Spice Red)
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AmazonBasics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, Blue
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Stainless Steel Stock Pot with Lid, 8-Quart
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Herb Scissors
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12-Piece Black Sharp Knife Set with Covers, Cutting Board and Sharpener
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion diced
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 3 cups cooked turkey shredded
- 1 can 14 ounces diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 cup canned jalapeños chopped
- 1 can 15.25 ouncecorn, drained
- 1 can 13.5 ounces coconut milk
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- Optional Toppings:
- Cheddar cheese
- Green onion
- Avocado
- Lime wedges
- Cilantro
Instructions
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Place a large pot over medium heat and add the olive oil.
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Add the onions and cook until translucent.
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Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds then add the spices and continue to cook for another minute.
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Add the stock, tomatoes, corn, jalapeños, coconut milk, and shredded turkey. Stir to combine.
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Allow soup to simmer for 15 minutes.
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Stir in the cilantro and serve with your favorite toppings.
Notes
You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months. If freezing in a Ziploc bag, leave some space at the top for the soup to expand and lay the bags flat in the freezer. Thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
To quicken the thawing process you can place the bag or container in cold water changing the water every 30 minutes or so until the soup is thawed. Note leftover turkey soup that has been left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown away to ensure food safety.
Nutrition