The first time I made this Turkey Wild Rice Soup, the smell of herbs and slow-simmered broth made the whole kitchen feel warm and calm. The turkey was tender, the rice hearty, and every spoonful tasted like comfort in a bowl.
I whipped it up after Thanksgiving, using leftover turkey, and it quickly became a family favorite. It’s cozy, filling, and perfect for chilly days when you want something that feels homemade.
If you love creamy, flavorful soups that make you slow down and savor, this turkey wild rice version is the one you’ll keep coming back to.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Leftovers: Turns extra turkey into something everyone looks forward to eating.
- Rich and Creamy: Heavy cream creates a luxurious texture without being too heavy.
- Hearty and Filling: Wild rice and vegetables make this a complete meal in one bowl.
- Great for Meal Prep: Tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: About an hour
Servings: This recipe makes 8 generous bowls of soup. Perfect for feeding a family or enjoying leftovers throughout the week. Want more? The recipe doubles easily.
Difficulty: Easy enough for weeknight cooking. The rice takes the longest, but the process is simple and straightforward.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle for serving
Ingredients for Turkey Wild Rice Soup
Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting soup (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):
- Olive Oil: Helps sauté the vegetables and adds richness to the base.
- Carrot: Adds natural sweetness and a pop of color to every spoonful.
- Celery: Brings earthy flavor and a pleasant texture.
- Yellow Onion: Creates the aromatic foundation of the soup.
- Mushrooms: Add depth and an earthy, savory note.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances all the other flavors.
- Garlic Salt: Seasons the soup with both garlic flavor and salt.
- All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the broth to create a creamy consistency.
- Turkey Broth or Chicken Broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties everything together.
- Wild Rice: Nutty, chewy grains that make the soup hearty and satisfying.
- Cooked Turkey: The star protein that makes this soup special.
- Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: Creates the creamy, velvety texture.
Variations for Turkey Wild Rice Soup
- Use Chicken: Swap turkey for rotisserie chicken if you don’t have turkey on hand.
- Add More Veggies: Toss in frozen peas, corn, or green beans during the last few minutes.
- Make It Lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or try milk with a bit of cornstarch.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in fresh thyme or parsley at the end for brightness.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or black pepper for warmth.
How to Make Turkey Wild Rice Soup Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Vegetables
Dice the carrot, celery, and yellow onion into small, even pieces. Slice the mushrooms into thin pieces. Having everything ready makes the cooking process smooth.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the carrot, celery, and onion. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. Add the mushrooms and cook for another 3 minutes until they release their moisture.
3. Season and Thicken
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and garlic salt. Stir well to coat the vegetables. Add the flour and stir constantly for about 2 minutes. This creates a base that will thicken your soup.
4. Add the Liquids and Rice
Slowly pour in the turkey broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Add the wild rice and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes until the rice is tender.
5. Add Turkey and Cream
Stir in the cooked turkey pieces and heavy cream. Let the soup simmer uncovered for another 5 minutes to heat the turkey through and blend the flavors. Taste and add more garlic salt if needed.
6. Serve Hot
Ladle the soup into bowls while it’s hot and steaming. The creamy broth with tender turkey and nutty rice makes each spoonful satisfying.
Serving and Decoration
How to Serve Turkey Wild Rice Soup
This cozy soup pairs wonderfully with:
- Crusty Bread: A warm baguette or sourdough is perfect for dipping.
- Simple Salad: A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness.
- Crackers: Butter crackers or oyster crackers add a nice crunch.
- Grilled Cheese: Make it a complete comfort meal with a toasted sandwich on the side.
- Fresh Herbs: Top each bowl with chopped parsley or thyme for color and freshness.
Storing Turkey Wild Rice Soup
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The rice will absorb liquid as it sits, so add a splash of broth when reheating.
- Freezer: Freeze the soup in portions for up to 3 months. Note that the texture of the cream may change slightly when thawed. Reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring often.
- Reheating Tips: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding extra broth if the soup has thickened too much.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Cook Rice Properly: Wild rice needs the full cooking time to become tender. Don’t rush this step.
- Prevent Lumps: Add flour to the vegetables before adding liquid, and stir constantly to avoid clumps.
- Don’t Boil After Adding Cream: Keep the heat low once cream is added to prevent curdling.
- Use Good Broth: Quality turkey or chicken broth makes a big difference in flavor.
- Adjust Thickness: If the soup is too thick, add more broth. If too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes.
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Cholesterol | 75mg |
| Sodium | 680mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 3g |
| Protein | 18g |
Nutritional information is approximate and based on 8 servings.
PrintTurkey Wild Rice Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 6 cups turkey broth or chicken broth
- 1 cup wild rice, uncooked
- 3 cups cooked turkey, cubed or shredded
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add carrot, celery, and onion. Cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add mushrooms and cook 3 more minutes.
- Add Seasonings and Flour: Stir in Italian seasoning and garlic salt. Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir constantly for 2 minutes.
- Add Broth and Rice: Slowly pour in broth while stirring. Add wild rice and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes until rice is tender.
- Add Turkey and Cream: Stir in turkey and cream. Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes to heat through.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Ladle into bowls and serve hot with bread or crackers.
Turkey Wild Rice Soup FAQs
You can, but wild rice gives this soup its signature nutty flavor and chewy texture. If using white rice, reduce cooking time to 15-20 minutes.
Wild rice absorbs liquid as it sits. When storing leftovers, keep extra broth on hand to thin the soup when reheating.
Yes. For a lighter version, use milk and add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water to maintain thickness.
Use rotisserie chicken, cooked chicken breast, or even diced chicken thighs. The soup will be just as delicious.
It’s best to add cream near the end to prevent curdling from extended heat exposure.
Conclusion
Turkey Wild Rice Soup brings comfort and satisfaction to any table. The combination of tender vegetables, nutty wild rice, savory turkey, and creamy broth creates a bowl of pure warmth. Whether you’re using Thanksgiving leftovers or cooking with fresh ingredients, this soup delivers homestyle flavor that feels like a hug in a bowl. Make a big batch and enjoy it all week long.
