Turkey and Rice Soup in the Crock Pot – A Simple and Comforting Meal

Turkey and rice soup made in the crock pot is the perfect simple dinner during the busy week or a comforting weekend meal. This easy turkey soup comes together with minimal prep and ingredients you likely have on hand. Once assembled let the crock pot work its magic transforming the ingredients into a flavorful and hearty soup.

Why Make Turkey and Rice Soup?

There are so many great reasons to make turkey and rice soup in the slow cooker Here are just a few

• It’s budget-friendly and uses economical ingredients like turkey leftovers, carrots, celery, and rice.
• The prep work is minimal – no lengthy cooking required. Simply chop the veggies, add to the slow cooker, and let it do the work.
• It’s kid-friendly and provides a serving of protein and vegetables. The rice makes it perfectly hearty.
• It reheats beautifully and leftovers can be portioned out for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
• The soup is highly customizable based on ingredients you have on hand. Adjust seasonings or add other veggies as desired.

Tips for Turkey and Rice Soup Success

Follow these simple tips for the best pot of turkey and rice soup:

• Use gluten-free chicken or turkey broth. Check labels carefully to ensure the broth does not contain gluten or wheat. Homemade broth is ideal

• Flavor boosters are key. Dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, oregano add lots of flavor. You can also use fresh herbs if available. Garlic and onion powder are great too.

• Pick your protein. Leftover roasted or rotisserie turkey works wonderfully. But you can also poach turkey breasts or use ground turkey.

• Go beyond white rice. Try brown rice, wild rice, or other whole grain rice varieties. They add bonus nutrition to this nourishing soup.

• Customize with veggies. Carrots, celery, peas, green beans, corn, and potatoes are all tasty additions. Use frozen for convenience.

• Let it simmer. Be sure to let the soup simmer several hours for the rice to fully cook and vegetables to become fork-tender.

• Finish with garnishes. Fresh parsley, croutons, shaved parmesan, lemon wedges, or a drizzle of olive oil provide the perfect finishing touch.

Easy Ingredient List

The simple ingredients for turkey and rice soup likely include several items you already have stocked in your pantry and fridge.

• Turkey leftovers or cooked ground turkey
• Chicken or turkey broth – 6-8 cups
• Diced celery – 1 cup
• Diced carrots – 1 cup
• Minced garlic – 2 cloves or 1⁄2 tsp garlic powder
• Diced onion – 1⁄2 cup
• Uncooked rice – 1⁄2-1 cup
• Dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, oregano
• Salt and pepper
• Frozen peas or other vegetable
• Garnishes like parsley, Parmesan, lemon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for easy turkey and rice soup:

1. Add broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, rice, salt, pepper, and herbs to crockpot. Give it a stir.

2. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours.

3. In the last 30 minutes of cook time, stir in cooked turkey and frozen peas or veggies.

4. Serve soup in bowls with desired garnishes.

And that’s it! The crock pot does all the cooking for you.

Recipe Variations

The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing this simple and adaptable turkey rice soup recipe.

• For a Creamy Turkey and Rice Soup – Stir in 1 cup half and half or heavy cream when adding the turkey and peas.

• For Turkey and Wild Rice Soup – Use wild rice blend instead of white or brown rice.

• To make it Southwest Turkey and Rice Soup – Add diced green chiles, corn, cumin, and chili powder. Top with avocado, Monterey Jack cheese, or tortilla strips.

• For Turkey and Rice Soup with Potatoes – Dice 2-3 russet or gold potatoes and add to the crockpot during the first step with other veggies.

• To add Turkey Meatballs – Form ground turkey into small balls and add during the last 30 minutes of cook time to gently cook through.

Tips for Leftovers

The great thing about turkey and rice soup made in the crockpot is that it provides leftovers for days. Here are tips for storing and reheating.

• Allow soup to cool slightly and transfer to airtight containers. It will keep 4-5 days in the refrigerator.

• Reheating on the stovetop allows you to thin soup with additional broth if desired. Gentle rewarming retains texture.

• Portion soup into freezer-safe containers leaving 1-inch headspace. It will keep frozen for 2-3 months.

• Thaw frozen soup overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stovetop over medium heat until hot throughout.

Flavorful Pairings

What goes well with comforting bowls of turkey and rice soup? Here are some tasty pairings:

• Crusty bread – Dinner rolls, French bread, or rustic sourdough are perfect for dunking.

• Green salad – Crisp lettuce, cabbage, or kale salads balance the heartiness of the soup.

• Cheese – Grated cheddar, Parmesan, or crumbled feta.

• Fresh fruit – Slices of apple, pear, grapes, or citrus fruits.

• Sweet cornbread, biscuits, or muffins – Excellent complements to the savory soup.

• Wine – Dry white wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. For reds, Pinot Noir or Cabernet work nicely.

Cozy Crock Pot Soup for Dinner Tonight

Now that you know how easy it is to make turkey and rice soup in the slow cooker, there’s no need to wait to enjoy bowls of this nourishing comfort food. Simply grab ingredients at the grocery store on your way home, chop a few veggies, toss everything in the crock pot, and let the appliance work its magic. Soon your kitchen will be filled with the inviting aroma of herb-seasoned turkey soup. Ladle it into bowls, add favorite garnishes, and relax over a simple yet completely satisfying meal. Any night of the week can feel cozy and comforting with this effortless turkey rice crockpot soup on the menu!