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Crockpot Turkey Rice Soup

There’s something undeniably inviting about a warm bowl of soup, especially as the cool winds blow outside. Kick back, cozy up, and enjoy a comforting bowl of Crockpot Turkey Rice Soup, brimming with tender turkey, wholesome vegetables, and comforting rice. With minimal effort, this flavorful dish makes dinnertime feel like a warm hug, perfect for chilly evenings or bustling weeknights when you just want to unwind.

Why Make This Recipe

Hearty and satisfying, perfect for using up leftover turkey.
Loaded with nutritious ingredients for a well-rounded meal.
Effortlessly cooked in your slow cooker, allowing you to spend more time enjoying life and less time in the kitchen.

Ready to learn how to create this delicious and easy soup? Let’s dive in.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Crockpot Turkey Rice Soup

This Crockpot Turkey Rice Soup is not just a meal; it’s an experience. From the delightful aroma that fills your home to the tantalizing flavors that dance on your taste buds, each step is designed to bring out the best in your ingredients. With your trusty slow cooker by your side, let’s embark on this culinary adventure.

Ingredients

Before we get cooking, let’s gather the ingredients needed for this comforting dish:

3-4 cups cooked, shredded or diced turkey (or 1.5-2 pounds ground turkey, browned and drained)
2 tablespoons olive oil (if browning ground turkey or sautéing vegetables)
1 large yellow onion, chopped
4 celery stalks, chopped
3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups chicken or turkey broth (low-sodium recommended)
½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon dried rosemary
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried sage
2 bay leaves
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice, rinsed
½ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish and adding freshness)
Optional: 1 cup frozen peas or corn
Optional: Fresh lemon juice, hot sauce, or grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Directions

Now that we have everything ready, let’s dive into the preparation steps.

Prepare Turkey & Sauté Aromatics

To start, if you’re using ground turkey, brown it in one tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until it turns a golden brown, then drain any excess fat. Transfer the browned turkey into a 6-quart or larger slow cooker.

Now, let’s add some flavor. In the same skillet, add in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil (if needed) and toss in the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for about 8 to 10 minutes until they soften beautifully. The aroma will start filling your kitchen. Add the minced garlic and let it cook for an additional minute to unleash its fragrant goodness.

Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Once the vegetables are perfectly sautéed, it’s time to combine everything. Deglaze the skillet by adding a splash of broth or water, scraping up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom. This is where the flavor lives! Transfer the aromatic vegetable mixture to the slow cooker, adding it to the turkey.

Next, pour in eight cups of low-sodium chicken or turkey broth. Add in the Worcestershire sauce, dried rosemary, dried thyme, dried sage, bay leaves, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. The herb-infused scents will leave you anticipating the delicious meal ahead. Stir everything thoroughly to combine.

Slow Cook the Soup Base

Placing the lid securely on your slow cooker is essential now. Cook the mixture on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. You want the vegetables to become tender and the flavors to meld into a beautifully cohesive soup. If you feel like adding a little love, gently stir it halfway through to enhance the infusion of flavors.

Add Rice & Finish Cooking

When you’re nearing the end of the cooking time, approximately 30 to 45 minutes before serving, remove and discard those bay leaves. Rinse one cup of long-grain white rice under cold running water until the water runs clear, ensuring it’s ready to soak up all the delicious broth when added to the mix. Stir this rinsed rice into the slow cooker, mixing well, and continue cooking on HIGH for about 20 to 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

If at any point the soup seems too thick for your liking, don’t hesitate to add an additional half to one cup of hot broth or water to reach the perfect consistency.

Final Seasoning & Serve

With the rice cooked to perfection, give your soup a final taste test. Adjust the salt and pepper as desired until the flavors pop. Stir in half of the chopped fresh parsley to add a burst of freshness. Ladle generous portions of this hearty soup into bowls and garnish with the remaining fresh parsley.

For those who want to add a personal touch, consider serving with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, a dash of hot sauce, or a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an unforgettable flavor experience.

Best Way to Store Crockpot Turkey Rice Soup

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is likely because this soup is so good), here’s how to keep your delicious creation fresh and ready for another round:

Refrigerate: Store leftover soup in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days at 40°F or lower.
Freeze: If you want to savor it later, freeze the soup for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top of the container, as liquids expand when frozen.
Reheating: When ready to eat, reheat gently in a saucepan on the stove. Add a splash of extra broth or water if the rice has absorbed too much liquid during storage.

Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Turkey Rice Soup

This soup is delightful on its own, but if you’re looking to elevate your meal or create a more rounded dining experience, consider some of these pairing ideas:

Warm Artisan Bread: Serve alongside crusty bread or a soft dinner roll for dipping.
Simple Salad: A fresh green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup beautifully. Think mixed greens, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes lightly dressed.
Cheese Plate: Having a small cheese plate with sharp cheddar or a herb-infused cheese can add an indulgent touch.
Wine Pairing: A light white wine such as Pinot Grigio or a crisp rosé pairs perfectly with the flavors in this soup.

Tips to Make Crockpot Turkey Rice Soup

Quality Broth Matters: Use homemade or high-quality low-sodium broth for a more flavorful base.
Herb Variations: If you have fresh herbs on hand, feel free to substitute dried spices with their fresh counterparts for an aromatic kick.
Texture Preference: If you prefer a thicker soup, consider adding more rice, or for a thinner consistency, stir in additional broth before serving.

Variations or Substitutions

If you’re looking to mix things up, here are a couple of options to tailor this recipe to your taste or dietary needs:

Swapping Proteins: If you have leftover chicken or even lean pork, feel free to swap out the turkey for these proteins. The end result can be just as satisfying!
Vegetable Boost: Add any vegetables you have in hand, such as green beans or zucchini. They’ll add extra nutrients and flavors without impacting the overall essence of the soup.

FAQs about Crockpot Turkey Rice Soup

Q: Can I make this soup in advance?
A: Absolutely! In fact, it often tastes even better the next day once the flavors have melded.

Q: How do I make it spicier?
A: If you enjoy a little heat, consider adding red pepper flakes, a splash of hot sauce, or diced jalapeños during the cooking process.

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of turkey?
A: Yes, chicken thighs can add more flavor and moisture to the soup. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly for tender meat.

Q: What kind of rice can I use?
A: While long-grain white rice works best for this recipe, you can also experiment with brown rice or even jasmine rice, but keep in mind cooking times may vary.

Q: Can I add beans to the soup?
A: Certainly! Beans are a great way to increase protein and fiber in the soup. Just drain and rinse canned beans before adding them into the slow cooker.

This Crockpot Turkey Rice Soup isn’t just a meal; it’s a complete experience that nourishes both the body and soul. With the ease of preparation, delicious flavors, and the ability to work with what you have at hand, it stands as a lasting favorite in any kitchen. So, grab your ingredients and let your slow cooker work its magic, bringing unparalleled comfort to your table. Happy cooking!