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    Home » Real Food » Soup, Stew, and Chili Recipes » Southwest Turkey Soup

    Southwest Turkey Soup

    By Kristen Chidsey | 67 Comments | Published November 23, 2020 | Updated January 28, 2022 *This post may include amazon links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    Looking for the best Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe? This Southwest Turkey Soup is it! A creamy, spicy broth envelopes leftover turkey, corn, and beans for a hearty turkey soup that tastes NOTHING like Thanksgiving! It is the perfect way to change up those leftovers into something new and delicious. And did I mention this leftover turkey soup is EASY to make as well?!

    Looking for the best Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe? This Southwest Turkey Soup is just what you need. Made with a creamy, spicy broth, leftover turkey, corn, and black beans, this Turkey Soup is full of flavor and simple to make.

    Bowl filled with a creamy soup with chunks of leftover chicken or turkey, corn, and black beans.

    The Best Leftover Turkey Soup

    When it comes to Thanksgiving, I am always swimming in leftovers! 

    And while I love leftovers, I can quickly become sick of eating the same thing over and over again.

    That's when I turn to this recipe for Turkey Soup.

    This hearty turkey soup is a delicious way to transform leftover turkey (or chicken) into something new and delicious that tastes NOTHING like Thanksgiving!

    This Southwest Turkey Soup is creamy, hearty, and slightly spicy. It is full of tender turkey, black beans, peppers, onions, and a rich tomato broth, much like tortilla soup.

    It also happens to be incredibly easy to make, thanks to the fact we are starting out with leftover turkey, and versatile as well. You can adapt the spices and ingredients for this turkey soup based on what you have at your house. It can also be made on the stove, in the slow cooker, or in the Instant Pot.

    This Creamy Turkey Tortilla Soup is a winner and the perfect way to transform your Thanksgiving leftovers.

    Notes on Ingredients

    Ingredients for turkey soup labeled.
    • Turkey: I prepare this soup with leftover Roast Turkey or leftover Instant Pot Turkey Breast. But of course, you can make this soup using leftover Rotisserie Chicken or leftover shredded chicken.
    • Stock: Use low-sodium, store-bought or homemade chicken stock or turkey stock.
    • Taco Seasoning: While you can use store-bought taco seasoning, I always opt for my homemade blend of taco seasoning, to control the sodium content and to omit unnecessary additives.
    • Beans: I choose to use black beans in this Spicy Turkey Soup, but you can certainly use pinto beans or kidney beans.
    • Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles: AKA Rotel tomatoes. Be sure to select mild, not hot rotel tomatoes or your soup will be really spicy!
    • Corn: If you have leftover cooked corn from Thanksgiving, use that! If not, just add in frozen corn or drained canned corn to the soup.
    • Cream Cheese: The cream cheese gives this soup a creamy finish and helps to tame down the spiciness of the soup. Just be sure to use room temperature cream cheese so that it easily blends into the soup. You can also opt to omit the cream cheese to keep this soup dairy-free as well.

    Slow Cooker Turkey Soup

    • In a small saute pan, heat a bit of oil and add the minced onion and diced green peppers.
    • Saute just until the onion and peppers begin to soften. Taking this extra step will really help to add depth of flavor to the turkey soup.
    Green peppers and onions in saute pan.
    • Add the sauce peppers and onions to the slow cooker, along with the leftover turkey, corn, black beans, seasonings, broth, and tomatoes.
    • Give everything a good stir to incorporate.
    Side by side picture of slow cooker with ingredients for turkey soup.
    • Set to cook on high for 4 hours or low 6 hours.
    • Open up the slow cooker and add in cubed, softened cream cheese.
    • Continue to cook the soup on low for 30 minutes.
    • Give everything a good stir to incoporate the cream cheese into the broth before serving.
    Slow cooker with turkey soup in it.

    Instant Pot Turkey Soup

    • Turn the Instant Pot to saute and add in a bit of oil. Once heated, add in the diced green pepper and onion and saute for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion begins to soften. Once the onion is softened, turn the Instant Pot OFF.
    • Add in the chicken stock and scrape up any browned bits off the bottom of the inner pot. This will help to prevent a burn notice from occurring.
    • Add in the cooked turkey, beans, corn, seasonings and diced tomatoes and stir to combine.
    • Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes with a full natural release of pressure.
    • Once the pressure has been released, add the cubed cream cheese into the cooked soup and close the lid. Let sit for 5 minutes and then stir everything to combine.

    Stovetop Turkey Soup

    • In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan or dutch oven, heat a bit of oil and add the minced onion and diced green peppers.
    • Saute just unitl the onion and peppers begin to soften.
    • Stir in the stock, turkey, corn, beans, seasonings, and tomatoes.
    • Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-30 minutes.
    • Add the softened cream cheese to the soup and stir until melted and combined. This should only take a few minutes.

    Serving Suggestions

    Serve this Turkey Soup just as you would Tortilla Soup. It is delicious with corn chips, cilantro, and/or shredded cheese. If you happen to have leftover cornbread muffins or corn casserole, that is a natural pairing for the southwestern soup as well.

    Storage Instructions

    Turkey Soup will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in a sealed container. Because of the cream cheese, this soup does not freeze well, as the consistency will change once defrosted.

    More Leftover Turkey Recipes

    • Turkey Tetrazzini
    • Copycat Panera Roasted Turkey Sandwich
    • Turkey Club Wrap
    • Thanksgiving Egg Rolls

    Need more ideas for how to transform your Thanksgiving Leftovers? Be sure to check out all my recipes for Thanksgiving Leftovers.

    If you give this Turkey Soup a try, be sure to leave a comment below. 

    Southwest Turkey Soup in blue bowl.

    Southwest Turkey Soup

    Leftover turkey is the star in this easy, creamy Southwest Turkey Soup recipe.
    4.86 from 41 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Soup
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 4 hours
    Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 430kcal
    Author: Kristen Chidsey

    Ingredients

    • ½ tablespoon oil
    • 1 green pepper diced
    • 1 onion diced
    • 4 cups chicken stock
    • 2 cups leftover chopped turkey
    • 1 cup leftover corn
    • 2 (16 oz cans) black beans (or 2 16 ounce cans, drained)
    • 2 (15 oz cans) diced tomatoes with green chiles
    • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
    • 4 ounces cream cheese softened
    Prevents your screen from going dark while preparing the recipe.

    Instructions

    Slow Cooker Instructions

    • Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once heated, add in the diced onion and green pepper and saute for 5 minutes, or until the onion is softened.
    • Transfer the sauteed onion and peppers to a slow cooker. Stir in the stock, beans, corn, seasonings, turkey, and tomatoes.
    • Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours. 
    • Add in cream cheese and cook on low for 30 minutes. Stir well after 30 minutes. Serve with desired toppings.

    Stove Top Directions

    • Heat the oil in a large stock pan over medium heat. Add the diced onions and green peppers to the heated oil and saute for about 5 minutes, or until the onion has begun to soften. 
    • Stir in the chicken stock, beans, corn, turkey, spices, and tomatoes. Bring soup to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. 
    • Stir in cream cheese and heat through until creamy and well combined. Serve with desired toppings.

    Instant Pot Directions

    • Turn the Instant Pot to saute and add oil to heat. Once heated, add the onions and peppers and allow veggies to soften for about 3-5 minutes. Once softened, turn the Instant Pot OFF.
    • Add in the stock and scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the inner pot.
    • Stir in the tomatoes, beans, corn, seasonings, and turkey.
    • Seal the Instant Pot lid and set to cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. 
    • Once the cook time has elapsed, allow the pressure to release naturally.
    • Once pressure is released, remove the lid and add in cream cheese. Place the lid back on the pressure cooker for 5 minutes (just to heat through). Stir the cream cheese into the soup and serve.  See notes for tips for adding cream cheese for smooth results.

    Notes

    Turkey: Use leftover dark or white turkey meat, or feel free to use leftover chicken. I
    Beans: I choose to use black beans in this Spicy Turkey Soup, but you can certainly use pinto beans or kidney beans.
    Cream Cheese Addition: If you have ever had issues with your cream cheese incorporating into the soup, first be sure it is room temperature. Secondly, you can opt to blend with ½ cup of chicken stock and stir into soup to heat through. This works especially well. 
    Dairy-Free Modifications: Simply omit the cream cheese from the soup.
    Serving Suggestions: Serve this soup with corn chips, cilantro, and/or shredded cheese.
    Storage: Store this soup in an airtight container for 3 days in the fridge (using cooked turkey that is no more than 2 days old.)

    Nutrition

    Calories: 430kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 54g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 124mg | Sodium: 671mg | Potassium: 1010mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 395IU | Vitamin C: 14.5mg | Calcium: 73mg | Iron: 3.4mg
    Liked this Recipe? Tag me Today!Snap a picture and tag #amindfullmom on Instagram - I would love to see!

    This post was originally published in 2017 and updated with new tips in November 2020.

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    About Kristen Chidsey

    Hi, I am Kristen, creator of A Mind "Full" Mom. I believe that making a wholesome family meal does not need to be hard or expensive! I love nothing more than to share with you delicious solutions for your hungry family.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Natasha

      January 21, 2022 at 8:32 pm

      5 stars
      Whole family loved it.
      Thank you for this recipe.

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        January 22, 2022 at 6:51 am

        THank you for sharing!

        Reply
    2. Lynn Hartnett

      December 30, 2021 at 10:35 pm

      5 stars
      Excellent soup!!! I elected to use the stove top directions and it came together very easily with a great tex-mex flavor. Used left over tortilla chips on the bottom of the bowl before adding soup. Great tasting soup with not a leftover turkey flavor! Thank you!

      Reply
    3. Jenna

      December 15, 2021 at 6:55 pm

      5 stars
      This is my new favorite. Fabulous flavors. Tastes like an enchilada soup but better. Thank you fir the recipe.

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        December 16, 2021 at 7:06 am

        Thanks for taking the time to let me know you enjoyed Jenna! I love hearing that!

        Reply
    4. Karen

      December 08, 2021 at 1:11 pm

      5 stars
      This soup is fantastic! It's a great use of leftover Thanksgiving turkey with an entirely different flavor.

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        December 08, 2021 at 1:22 pm

        Thanks for sharing your review Karen! I love hearing you enjoyed!

        Reply
    5. Jeanne

      November 28, 2021 at 1:41 pm

      5 stars
      Absolutely delicious!!!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        November 28, 2021 at 2:01 pm

        Happy you enjoyed!

        Reply
    6. Maret

      October 24, 2021 at 2:56 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious! I made minor changes mostly due to the homemade taco seasoning I had on hand. I sauteed one minced large garlic clove with the onions and peppers. My taco seasoning has no salt (I add salt if needed, and this recipe has plenty of salt in other ingredients). So I used: 1 Tbsp chili powder, 1 ¾ tsp cumin, ½ tsp smoked paprika, and ¼ tsp oregano. I doubt these changes made much difference, but I thought it might be helpful to someone watching their salt intake. The only glitch I encountered was that even after letting the cream cheese sit out on the kitchen counter for hours and cutting it into "strips" when adding to the soup, the cream cheese still did not melt completely into the soup. Being the fall, perhaps the air temperature wasn't quite warm enough! I ended up smashing the remaining chunks against the side of the instant pot. May try melting the cream cheese in the microwave next time....and there will be a next time! Thanks for a keeper recipe.

      Reply
    7. Ellen

      October 16, 2021 at 12:47 pm

      5 stars
      My husband and all my boys absolutely love this soup! My youngest son always is asking me to make that good southwest soup! We live in North Dakota and start making this in the fall. Have used turkey and chicken and really good with either one.

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        October 16, 2021 at 1:14 pm

        Awe, I love hearing that! Thanks so much Ellen for taking the time to share.

        Reply
    8. Kate West

      February 05, 2021 at 8:33 am

      5 stars
      Thank you for a simple and tasty recipe for leftovers! I actually had leftover chicken fajitas that I wasn’t really happy with so I used that as the base for most of the ingredients here. The cream cheese was an excellent addition that really made the difference. I cut it in chunks and stirred and it melted just fine.

      Thank you again. I am grateful for clever people like you to put together these wonderful recipes to help a struggling cook like me 🙂

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        February 05, 2021 at 9:15 am

        I love hearing that you were able to repurpose something you didn't care for and turn it into a delicious dinner! Happy to inspire you!

        Reply
    9. David

      December 02, 2020 at 7:05 pm

      4 stars
      Great use of our leftover turkey. The only change I will make the next time is more black beans. Great kick at the end of each spoonful! Went great with a grill cheese sandwich! It’s a keeper.

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        December 03, 2020 at 6:43 am

        Glad to hear you enjoyed David! And a grilled cheese sandwich is always a great addition 🙂

        Reply
    10. Patricia

      November 29, 2020 at 12:15 am

      Thank you very much for this wonderful recipe! I found you by chance, searching for a turkey leftover recipe. Since I hadn’t planned on it, I made it with some modifications based on what I had on hand, namely I swapped the green bell pepper for a jalapeño and a Fresno chili pepper. Delicious.

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        November 29, 2020 at 7:26 am

        I am so glad you found my site and enjoyed this recipe, Patricia! Thanks for sharing.

        Reply
        • Susi

          November 29, 2020 at 6:17 pm

          Kristen, I want to try your SW Turkey Soup but may require freezing portions. Can I substitute sour cream instead of the cream cheese for freezing?

          Reply
          • Kristen Chidsey

            November 30, 2020 at 6:47 am

            I wouldn't suggest freezing with sour cream either. What I would suggest is to remove portions of the soup to freeze before you add either cream cheese or sour cream. Then add a reduced amount of the cream cheese to the remaining recipe. When you defrost the soup, you can add sour cream or cream cheese before serving. I hope that helps.

            Reply
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