This Leftover Creamy Turkey Wild Rice Soup is a great way to use up any remaining turkey carcass you have on hand. The entire dish is made in one pot with veggies and hearty ingredients. It’s freezer-friendly and perfect for meal prep, too!
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I make soup using leftovers or random things in my fridge all of the time. If you have the soup basics: carrots, celery, onion, and broth you have soup! You can even swap out those veggies for whatever you have. It’s so simple.
What Spices to Use
- Thyme
- Oregano
- Salt
- Pepper
Feel free to add in any of your favorites!
How to Cook Wild Rice
Rinse the rice first. I like to rinse it in a mesh strainer.
I like to use my Instant Pot because it’s full proof. If using the Instant Pot add 2 cups of rice along with 4 cups of water to the pot. Pressure cook for 30 minutes with a manual release of steam.
For stovetop, follow the instructions on the packaging.
You can also buy pre cooked, packaged wild rice that you microwave.
How to Store the Turkey Prior to Using it in the Recipe
If you plan to use the leftover turkey within a few days, store it in the refrigerator (3-4 days). For longer-term storage, freeze the turkey. Frozen cooked turkey can be stored safely for up to 2-6 months.
If the turkey is in the refrigerator, take out the portion you need for your creamy turkey wild rice soup. Allow it to come to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes. Starting with turkey at room temperature promotes even heating during the reheating process. This helps prevent the turkey from becoming overly dry in some areas while others remain cold.
What Vegetables to Use
- Carrots
- Celery
- Onions
- Greens (like spinach, kale, collards, etc.)
How to Make Leftover Creamy Turkey Rice Soup
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Place a Dutch oven or large soup on medium-high heat. Add olive oil, carrots, celery, and onions. Saute for 3-4 minutes or until translucent and fragrant.
- Add in the garlic and stir for 1-2 minutes.
- Add in broth, cooked rice, cooked turkey, thyme, oregano, milk, heavy cream, cream cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, Better than Bouillon, spinach, salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine the ingredients.
- Adjust the heat to medium and simmer.
How to Make it Creamy
I like to use a combination of milk (you can use any, including something like almond milk), heavy cream, and cream cheese.
How to Make it Dairy Free
You can substitute milk and heavy cream for coconut milk if you wish. I find full fat works best.
How to Cook Turkey Breast
If you don’t have any leftover turkey breast, and you just want to make this recipe check out my Air Fryer Turkey Breast and Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipes.
Substitutions and Add-ins
- Mushrooms
- Peas
- Kale
- Green Beans
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Parsley
- Grated Parmesan
- Cheddar
- Swiss
- Bacon
- Chopped almonds or pine nuts
- Cranberries
- Hot Sauce
How Long Will it Last in the Fridge
It will last in the fridge for 3-4 days, tightly covered.
How to Reheat
You can reheat the soup in the microwave or on the stove.
Freezer Tips
I like to freeze this soup using these soup molds from Amazon. I defrost them overnight or using this Crockpot warmer.
More Leftover Recipes
Leftover Turkey Nachos
Turkey Bone Broth
Leftover Ham and Cheese Panini
Leftover Turkey Chili
Turkey and Cheese Sliders
More Turkey Recipes
Smothered Turkey Wings
Baked Turkey Wings
Air Fryer Turkey Legs
Air Fryer Turkey Wings
Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Cajun Spiced Roasted Turkey
Instant Pot Turkey Breast
Stuffed Turkey Legs
Slow Cooker Turkey Legs
Traeger Smoked Turkey
More Soup Recipes
Chicken Lasagna Soup
Sweet Potato Soup
Autumn Butternut Squash Soup
Buffalo Chicken Soup
Keto Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Leftover Creamy Turkey Rice Soup
Ingredients
Instant Pot Wild Rice
- 2 cups wild rice
- 4 cups water
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Turkey Soup
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ cup celery
- ½ cup onion
- ½ cup carrots
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3-4 cups cooked turkey I cut it into cubes. You can also shred.
- 4 cups broth I used chicken broth.
- 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon Chicken Flavor Optional, adds immense flavor.
- 1 fresh lemon Zest and juice of the full lemon; use less if you don't want lemon flavor.
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper
- 3 cups spinach or mixed greens
Make it Creamy
- 1 cup milk You can use any, including something like almond milk.
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 ounce cream cheese
Instructions
Instant Pot Wild Rice
- If you don't have an Instant Pot you can cook the rice on the stove following the instructions on the package.
- Rinse the rice. I like to use a mesh strainer.
- Add the rice, water, and salt to the Instant Pot. Cook for 30 Minutes on Manual > Pressure Cooking.
- When the pot indicates it has finished, allow the steam to release naturally for 15 minutes.
Turkey Soup
- Place a Dutch oven or large soup on medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, carrots, celery, and onions. Saute for 3-4 minutes or until translucent and fragrant.
- Add in the garlic and stir for 1-2 minutes.
- Add in the broth, cooked rice, cooked turkey, thyme, oregano, milk, heavy cream, cream cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, Better than Bouillon, spinach, salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine the ingredients.
- Adjust the heat to medium and place the lid on the pot. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the soup is hot and the ingredients are well combined.
- Cool before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute milk and heavy cream for coconut milk if you wish. I find full fat works best.
- If you omit the cream and cream cheese and use milk instead, it will alter the texture of the soup. The ingredients used above are for a creamy soup texture.
Lydia
Saturday 10th of December 2022
Made this with my leftover thanksgiving turkey and it did not disappoint. Brandy does it again. I have enough to freeze for the winter in my souper cubes
staysnatched
Sunday 11th of December 2022
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
K. Sam
Thursday 6th of January 2022
This came out amazing, even with me letting pressure release too long on rice. The flavors are Bomb. And I tried the rice instructions on Jasmine rice for another dish & it was the first time my rice came out perfect. Other Instantpot recipes had rice wayyy too crunchy. Sorry for long post but thank you so much.
staysnatched
Thursday 6th of January 2022
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Victoria
Monday 29th of November 2021
Made this to use the last of the leftover turkey and man oh man was this delicious!!! Added some chili flakes and cayenne pepper to give it a little spice but it was perfect just the way it was! My whole fam loved it and asked for seconds. Thanks so much 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
staysnatched
Tuesday 30th of November 2021
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Emily
Saturday 27th of November 2021
This is the perfect recipe to breathe new life into thanksgiving leftovers!! And possibly even better than the original feast! So much flavor - don’t skip out on the better than bouillon or lemon!
staysnatched
Tuesday 30th of November 2021
those are star ingredients for sure!
Jess
Saturday 27th of November 2021
A hearty, easy and delicious recipe! We used our Thanksgiving leftovers and added Kale and this recipe is perfect!
staysnatched
Tuesday 30th of November 2021
Yum that sounds so good!