Use leftover turkey—or rotisserie chicken—in this simple, satisfying Turkey Lentil Soup. Packed with vegetables and warm, comforting flavor, this hearty soup is easy to make and perfect with a grilled cheese or crusty bread.
I’m a big soup fan and could live on soups and chilis. With the holidays and roast turkey on the table, leftovers pile up fast—this turkey lentil soup is a delicious way to transform that extra meat into a nutritious, cozy meal.
This recipe is flexible: use leftover roasted turkey, chopped or shredded, or substitute cooked chicken. The combination of lentils, vegetables, tomatoes and herbs creates depth of flavor while keeping the preparation quick and straightforward.
Why You Will Love This Turkey Lentil Soup:
- A smart way to use leftover turkey.
- Only about 15 minutes of hands-on prep time.
- Freezes well for easy future meals.
- Comforting, hearty, and full of vegetables.
Recipe Ingredients:
- turkey: Use leftover roasted or cooked turkey, shredded or cubed. You can add bones to the pot for extra flavor. Chicken works well as a substitute.
- veggies: Carrots, celery and onion form the base. Optional greens like spinach or kale can be stirred in at the end.
- lentils: Any dried lentils will work—green, brown, or Puy lentils are good choices. Rinse before cooking.
- broth: Chicken broth is preferred, low- or no-sodium, but vegetable broth is an easy swap.
- crushed tomatoes: Canned crushed tomatoes add acidity and body; include the liquid.
- garlic: Fresh minced garlic offers the best flavor; garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
- seasoning: Dried oregano and basil (or Italian seasoning) complement the tomatoes and lentils.
- bay leaves: Optional but add a subtle depth when simmered with the soup.
- tomato paste: Helps thicken and enrich the broth; omit if you prefer a thinner soup.
How to Make This Turkey Lentil Soup:
Because the turkey is already cooked, this soup comes together quickly and easily.
- Sauté chopped carrots, celery and onion in olive oil over medium-high heat until the onion is translucent.
- Add garlic, lentils, crushed tomatoes, broth, tomato paste, seasonings, bay leaves and turkey (and bones if using). Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer 20–25 minutes, until the lentils are tender. Adjust seasoning to taste.
That’s it—an easy, homemade, nutritious soup ready in under an hour.
Recipe Tips:
- Add turkey bones for extra flavor. If you have carcass pieces from a roast, simmer them in the pot and remove before serving for a richer broth.
- Short on time? Use canned or pre-cooked lentils and frozen or pre-chopped vegetables to speed things up.
- Stir in greens. Add chopped spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking to boost nutrition and color.
Storing this Turkey Lentil Soup:
Store refrigerated in an airtight container for 3–4 days. This soup freezes very well—portion into freezer-safe containers for 2–3 months and reheat for quick lunches or dinners.
Other Soup Recipes:
- Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Vegetable Meatball Soup
- Sausage Gnocchi Soup
- Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
- Instant Pot Potato Leek Soup
- Tortellini Tomato Soup
- Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
- White Bean Kale and Roasted Squash Soup
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Turkey Lentil Soup
Ingredients
- 1 T olive oil
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 2-3 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 onion, small diced
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1½ tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp basil
- ½ tsp Salt adjust to taste
- ½ tsp pepper
- 8 c broth
- 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 2 c lentils (uncooked), rinsed
- 2½ cups shredded turkey, or cubed
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 T tomato paste
Instructions
-
Prepare the vegetables, shred the turkey and rinse the lentils.
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Heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add carrots, celery and onion and sauté until the onion is translucent.
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Add garlic, lentils, crushed tomatoes, broth, tomato paste, seasonings, bay leaves and turkey. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 20–25 minutes or until lentils are tender. Adjust seasoning.
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Serve topped with shaved Parmesan and chopped parsley, if desired.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
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