Instant Pot Turkey Soup: The Ultimate Post-Holiday Comfort Food

The holidays are over, and you’re staring down a fridge full of leftover turkey. Don’t let that precious bird go to waste! Transform it into a soul-warming, nourishing Instant Pot Turkey Soup. This recipe is not only incredibly easy and quick, thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot, but it’s also a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of Thanksgiving (or Christmas, or any turkey-centric holiday) long after the celebrations have ended. Forget spending hours simmering a stock on the stovetop; the Instant Pot delivers rich, flavorful soup in a fraction of the time.

Why This Instant Pot Turkey Soup Recipe Works

There are countless turkey soup recipes out there, but this one stands out for several reasons:

• Speed: The Instant Pot dramatically reduces cooking time. You can have a pot of delicious soup ready in under an hour, start to finish.
• Flavor: Pressure cooking extracts maximum flavor from the turkey carcass and vegetables, resulting in a rich and satisfying broth.
• Easy Clean-Up: One-pot cooking means fewer dishes to wash. Hallelujah!
• Versatility: This recipe is highly adaptable. Feel free to add or substitute your favorite vegetables, herbs, and spices.
• Waste Reduction: It’s a fantastic way to use leftover turkey, minimizing food waste and maximizing your holiday bounty.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the instructions, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for this Instant Pot Turkey Soup:

• Turkey Carcass: The star of the show! Make sure to remove as much meat as possible before adding it to the Instant Pot. You can also use leftover turkey wings, drumsticks, or thighs.
• Aromatics: Onion, carrots, and celery form the flavor base for our soup. These vegetables, often referred to as mirepoix, create a savory foundation.
• Garlic: Because everything is better with garlic! Freshly minced garlic adds a pungent and aromatic note.
• Herbs: Dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves add depth and complexity to the broth. Feel free to experiment with other herbs like sage or oregano.
• Broth or Water: Chicken broth or turkey broth will enhance the flavor, but water works just fine in a pinch.
• Cooked Turkey Meat: Leftover shredded or cubed turkey meat adds substance and protein to the soup.
• Vegetables: Diced potatoes, peas, corn, green beans, or any other vegetables you enjoy in soup. Add them towards the end of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.
• Optional Add-ins: Pasta (such as egg noodles or ditalini), rice, barley, or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! Follow these detailed instructions to make the perfect Instant Pot Turkey Soup:

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey Carcass

Remove as much meat as possible from the turkey carcass. Set the meat aside; we’ll add it back to the soup later. Break the carcass into smaller pieces if necessary to fit comfortably in your Instant Pot.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Turn on your Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function. Add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter to the pot. Once heated, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Herbs

Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaves to the pot. Sauté for another minute, until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

Step 4: Add the Turkey Carcass and Liquid

Place the turkey carcass pieces into the Instant Pot. Pour in the chicken broth or water, ensuring that the carcass is mostly submerged. If necessary, add more liquid to cover.

Step 5: Pressure Cook

Cancel the “Sauté” function. Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function and set the cooking time to 30 minutes. The Instant Pot will take some time to come to pressure before the timer starts counting down.

Step 6: Natural Pressure Release (NPR)

Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for 15 minutes. This means you don’t touch the valve and let the pressure dissipate on its own. After 15 minutes, carefully release any remaining pressure by turning the valve to the “Venting” position. Be cautious of the steam that will be released.

Step 7: Strain the Broth

Carefully remove the turkey carcass from the Instant Pot using tongs. Place a large fine-mesh strainer over a large bowl or pot. Pour the broth through the strainer to remove any bones, vegetable pieces, and herbs. Discard the solids (bones, vegetables, herbs).

Step 8: Return Broth to the Instant Pot (or Soup Pot)

Pour the strained broth back into the Instant Pot (or transfer it to a regular soup pot on the stovetop if you prefer). If using the Instant Pot, select the “Sauté” function again.

Step 9: Add Turkey Meat and Vegetables

Add the cooked turkey meat and your choice of vegetables (potatoes, peas, corn, green beans, etc.) to the broth. If you’re adding pasta, add it at this point as well. Bring the soup to a simmer.

Step 10: Cook Until Vegetables are Tender

If using the Instant Pot on “Sauté,” cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the pasta (if using) is cooked through. If using a regular soup pot on the stovetop, simmer the soup for the same amount of time.

Step 11: Season and Serve

Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, fresh flavor. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream, if desired.

Tips for Making the Best Instant Pot Turkey Soup

Here are a few tips to help you make the most delicious Instant Pot Turkey Soup:

• Don’t Overfill the Instant Pot: Be sure not to fill the Instant Pot past the maximum fill line. Overfilling can prevent the pot from reaching pressure and can be dangerous.
• Adjust Cooking Time: The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your turkey carcass and the power of your Instant Pot. If the turkey meat is not falling off the bone easily after 30 minutes, you may need to add a few more minutes of cooking time.
• Deglaze the Pot: After sautéing the vegetables, pour in a splash of broth or wine and scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. This will add extra flavor to the soup and prevent the “Burn” notice.
• Add Acid for Brightness: A squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end of cooking can brighten the flavors of the soup and balance the richness.
• Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute any vegetables you like. Root vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes would also be delicious in this soup.
• Make it Creamy: For a creamier soup, stir in a swirl of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking.
• Freeze for Later: Instant Pot Turkey Soup freezes beautifully. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Variations and Add-ins

This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to get creative and customize it to your liking. Here are a few variations and add-ins to consider:

• Spicy Turkey Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño pepper to the soup for a little heat.
• Mexican-Inspired Turkey Soup: Add a can of diced tomatoes and green chilies, some corn, and a sprinkle of chili powder and cumin for a Mexican twist. Top with avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
• Asian-Inspired Turkey Soup: Add some ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil for an Asian-inspired flavor. Top with green onions, bean sprouts, and a drizzle of sriracha.
• Add Greens: Stir in some chopped spinach, kale, or Swiss chard at the end of cooking for added nutrients and flavor.
• Add Beans: Canned beans, such as cannellini beans, kidney beans, or black beans, can add extra protein and fiber to the soup.

Serving Suggestions

Instant Pot Turkey Soup is a complete meal in itself, but here are a few serving suggestions to round out your meal:

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing!
• Side Salad: A simple green salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
• Cornbread: A warm slice of cornbread is always a welcome addition to soup.

How to Store Leftover Turkey Soup

Leftover turkey soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cool the soup completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can also freeze the soup for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Health Benefits of Turkey Soup

Besides being delicious and comforting, turkey soup is also packed with health benefits:

• Hydration: Soup is a great way to stay hydrated, especially during the colder months.
• Nutrient-Rich: Turkey soup is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
• Immune-Boosting: The broth contains electrolytes and nutrients that can help support your immune system.
• Soothing: Warm soup can help soothe a sore throat and relieve congestion.
• Comfort Food: Sometimes, all you need is a bowl of warm, comforting soup to lift your spirits.

Instant Pot Turkey Soup Recipe

Here’s the complete recipe for Instant Pot Turkey Soup:

Enjoy Your Homemade Instant Pot Turkey Soup!

This Instant Pot Turkey Soup is the perfect way to use up leftover turkey and create a comforting, flavorful meal. With its easy preparation and customizable ingredients, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your Instant Pot, and get ready to enjoy a delicious bowl of homemade turkey soup!