Transform your Thanksgiving feast remnants into a heartwarming, soul-satisfying meal with the ultimate **Instant Pot Turkey Soup**! This remarkably easy recipe is your answer to making the most of leftover turkey meat and rich homemade turkey stock (bone broth), delivering a delicious and nourishing experience without any fuss. Perfect for the day after the holiday, or whenever you find yourself with an abundance of turkey, this pressure cooker turkey soup recipe promises maximum flavor with minimal effort.
The magic of the Instant Pot truly shines in this recipe, turning what could be a lengthy traditional soup-making process into a quick and convenient culinary delight. If you’re searching for creative and easy Instant Pot recipes to utilize your holiday bounty, look no further. This pressure cooker turkey soup is not just a meal; it’s a comforting tradition waiting to happen, ensuring no delicious part of your holiday turkey goes to waste.
At its heart, this is essentially a **turkey carcass soup**, leveraging every ounce of flavor from the turkey frame. The foundation of this incredible soup is a rich **Instant Pot turkey stock** meticulously crafted from the leftover turkey carcass. While you could technically prepare the stock and the soup in one continuous session, many find it convenient to make the bone broth after Thanksgiving dinner and then assemble the actual soup the following day. This allows the stock to fully develop its robust flavor and for any excess fat to be easily skimmed, leading to a clearer, more intensely flavored soup. However, if time is of the essence, combining the steps is absolutely an option that still yields fantastic results.
For those who adore a classic **turkey noodle soup**, adding some uncooked egg noodles after the pressure cooking phase is a simple step that transforms this dish. Simply switch the Instant Pot to the Sauté setting and boil the noodles directly in the soup until they reach your desired tenderness. Alternatively, to cater to varying preferences, you can cook noodles separately and serve them on the side. This flexible approach ensures everyone at the table can enjoy their soup exactly how they like it – with or without those beloved noodles!
Mastering Easy Instant Pot Turkey Soup: Your Guide to Leftover Perfection
The Instant Pot makes creating a deeply flavorful turkey soup incredibly straightforward. Let’s walk through the simple steps to achieve a comforting bowl of homemade goodness.
Selecting and Sautéing Your Vegetables for Turkey Soup
A great soup begins with a strong aromatic base. For my Instant Pot Turkey Soup, I prefer to keep the vegetable blend simple yet effective, focusing on the classic mirepoix: celery, onions, and carrots. This trio forms the cornerstone of countless delicious soups and stews, lending a sweet, earthy depth that perfectly complements the turkey.
Begin by activating the Sauté function on your Instant Pot. Once it indicates “Hot,” add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter. If you’ve refrigerated your homemade turkey bone broth, you might find a layer of solidified fat on top. This flavorful fat is excellent to use for sautéing, adding another layer of turkey essence to your soup. Add your chopped celery, onions, and thinly sliced carrots (baby carrots work wonderfully here for quick prep). Sauté them gently until they begin to soften, usually for about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for developing the vegetables’ natural sugars and enhancing the overall flavor profile of the soup.
While the mirepoix is a classic choice, feel free to get creative with other vegetables. Diced potatoes or sweet potatoes can add heartiness, while peas, green beans, or corn can be stirred in towards the end of cooking for a pop of color and freshness. For leafy greens like spinach or kale, add them during the natural release or after the lid is removed, allowing them to wilt gently in the hot soup.
Assembling Your Instant Pot Turkey Soup
After your vegetables have softened, hit the CANCEL button to turn off the Sauté function. Now, it’s time to bring all the main components together. Add your diced leftover cooked turkey, ensuring it’s in bite-sized pieces for easy eating. Pour in the rich turkey stock (bone broth) that forms the heart of this soup. I often add a small amount of water, about a quarter cup, to thin the stock slightly, as homemade bone broth can be quite rich and concentrated. This is an optional step, depending on your preferred consistency and the richness of your stock. Always remember to ensure that the total liquid and solid ingredients in your Instant Pot remain below the 2/3 maximum fill line to allow for proper pressure buildup and safe operation.
Infusing Flavor: The Best Spices for Turkey Soup
The right blend of seasonings can elevate your turkey soup from good to truly exceptional. I have a particular fondness for Herbes de Provence, a fragrant French blend that includes savory, marjoram, rosemary, thyme, and oregano. It brings a wonderfully aromatic and slightly floral note that pairs beautifully with poultry, much like it does in my favorite Instant Pot whole chicken recipes. A single teaspoon of this versatile blend, along with a teaspoon of sea salt and half a teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, is often all it takes to season this soup to perfection.
For an extra boost of fresh, subtle flavor, I often toss in a few celery leaves. These often-discarded greens carry a concentrated celery essence that deepens the soup’s profile. Just be sure to remove them before serving, as they can be a bit fibrous. Beyond Herbes de Provence, consider other poultry-friendly herbs like fresh thyme, sage, or a bay leaf for added complexity. A pinch of red pepper flakes can introduce a gentle warmth, while a dash of garlic powder or onion powder can amplify the savory notes. Always taste and adjust seasonings to your preference before serving.
Pressure Cooking: The Time-Saving Secret of Instant Pot Turkey Soup
One of the greatest advantages of making turkey soup in the Instant Pot is the significantly reduced cooking time. Since all the components – the turkey, stock, and most vegetables – are already cooked or quickly softened, the pressure cooking phase is surprisingly brief. A mere 5 minutes under high pressure is all that’s needed to allow the flavors to meld beautifully and the ingredients to become perfectly tender.
While the actual pressure cooking time is short, remember that your Instant Pot will take several minutes to build up to full pressure before the countdown begins. This “come to pressure” time varies depending on the volume and temperature of your ingredients but typically ranges from 10 to 15 minutes. This is a perfect opportunity to relax, catch up on a show, or prepare some crusty bread for serving. Once the 5-minute cooking cycle is complete, allow for a 5-minute natural pressure release (NPR) before carefully performing a quick release (QR) for any remaining pressure. This short NPR helps to further tenderize the ingredients and prevent the soup from erupting when the valve is opened. Once the float valve drops, it’s safe to remove the lid, revealing your perfectly cooked, aromatic Instant Pot Turkey Soup.
Instant Pot Turkey Soup: The Complete Recipe
Instant Pot Turkey Soup
Dee
10 minutes
5 minutes
15 minutes
30 minutes
6
Ingredients
-
1
cup
baby carrots, sliced thin -
1
medium
yellow onion, chopped -
2
celery stalks, diced -
1
tablespoon
olive oil or butter -
2
cups
cooked turkey, diced or shredded -
1
teaspoon
sea salt -
½
teaspoon
black pepper -
1
teaspoon
Herbes de Provence seasoning - Additional salt and pepper, to taste
-
4
cups
turkey stock (bone broth) -
¼
cup
water (optional, for thinning) -
2
cups
uncooked egg noodles (optional, for serving)
Instructions
-
Press the SAUTE button on your Instant Pot. Once the display reads “Hot,” add the olive oil (or butter). Add the sliced carrots, diced celery, and chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly softened, about 5-7 minutes.
-
Hit the CANCEL button to turn off the Sauté function. Add the cooked turkey, turkey stock, water (if using), sea salt, black pepper, and Herbes de Provence seasoning to the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients.
-
Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and turn the vent to the Sealing position. Select the PRESSURE COOK (or Manual) setting and set the cooking time to 5 minutes on high pressure.
-
The Instant Pot will take several minutes to build pressure before the 5-minute cooking cycle begins. Once cooking is complete, allow a natural pressure release (NPR) for 5 minutes (or longer for deeper flavor). After 5 minutes, carefully perform a quick release (QR) by turning the vent to the Venting position to release any remaining pressure.
-
Once the float valve drops, remove the lid. Stir the soup. If you wish to add noodles directly to the soup, add 2 cups of uncooked egg noodles, hit CANCEL, then press SAUTE again. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender (about 5-7 minutes). Alternatively, cook noodles separately on the stovetop and serve with the soup.
Notes
You can use an 8-quart Instant Pot without making any changes to the recipe quantities.
Nutrition
Calories:
160
kcal
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Main Course, Soup
American
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Tips for the Best Instant Pot Turkey Soup
- **Don’t Skimp on the Stock:** The quality of your turkey stock directly impacts the flavor of your soup. If using store-bought, opt for a high-quality, low-sodium option and consider adding a bouillon cube or two for extra richness.
- **Adjust Consistency:** If you prefer a thicker soup, you can create a slurry with a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water, and stir it into the soup while on the Sauté setting. Simmer until thickened to your liking. For a thinner soup, simply add a bit more water or broth.
- **Avoid Overfilling:** Always stay below the 2/3 maximum fill line of your Instant Pot to ensure safe and efficient pressure cooking.
- **Taste and Season:** Always taste your soup before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or other seasonings as needed. The flavors can intensify or mellow during pressure cooking, so a final adjustment is key.
- **Fresh Herbs for Garnish:** A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives before serving adds a burst of color and a fresh aroma that truly elevates the dish.
Serving Suggestions for Your Hearty Turkey Soup
This Instant Pot Turkey Soup is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple accompaniments. Serve it with warm, crusty bread or dinner rolls for dipping. A side salad with a light vinaigrette can offer a refreshing contrast. For those who enjoy extra texture, a handful of homemade croutons or oyster crackers can be added just before eating.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover Instant Pot Turkey Soup stores beautifully! Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, this soup is an excellent candidate for freezing. Divide cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some headspace for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator (if frozen) and gently warm on the stovetop over medium heat, or in the microwave, until heated through. Add a splash of extra broth or water if it appears too thick after reheating.
This turkey soup is not just a way to use up leftovers; it’s a testament to simple, delicious home cooking that nourishes both body and soul. The Instant Pot transforms humble ingredients into a flavorful masterpiece that’s sure to become a cherished family favorite.
I genuinely hope you take the opportunity to try this easy Instant Pot Turkey Soup this year. It’s a fantastic way to extend the flavors of Thanksgiving and create new comforting memories in your kitchen.
