Turkey Tortilla Soup

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Turkey Tortilla Soup is a perfect use for leftover turkey!

Thanksgiving dinner is a big deal and takes a lot of planning.  But luckily, there are usually a lot of leftovers and you can eat again and again. When I start planning for the holiday dinner, I also start planning for the leftovers!  The leftovers are just about as important as the main dinner!

 This turkey tortilla soup is a must for the after holiday menu.  It’s delicious, easy to make, and uses up that huge turkey you just had to make!

What is turkey tortilla soup?

This soup has a liquid broth flavored with chili powder, tomatoes, onions and garlic. It is loaded with chunks of turkey, black beans, corn and green chilies. The soup is topped with crunchy tortilla strips, green onions and fresh cilantro. 

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. It is great to leave simmering on the stove, or make up a batch and store in the refrigerator and then reheat at lunch or dinner time. 

Can I freeze turkey tortilla soup?

Yes, this soup can be frozen. I often make a double batch and then freeze half for another meal. Just add the fresh topping and tortillas strips when ready to eat. 

What ingredients do I need?

• Turkey broth or chicken broth
• Turkey
• Onions
• Garlic
• Chili powder
• Corn meal
• Black beans
• Corn
• Canned tomatoes
• Canned chilies – or use your own fire roasted chilies
• Salt and Pepper
• Corn tortillas
• Taco seasoning (optional) 

How do I make turkey tortilla soup?

• Saute onions.
• When soft, add garlic and corn meal. Stir over low heat for 1 minute.
• Sprinkle on chili powder. Stir for 1 minute. Do not overcook chili powder or it will turn bitter.
• Pour broth over onion mixture and cook over medium heat until simmering.
• Add black beans, corn, turkey and tomatoes.
• Add salt and pepper.
• Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.

What kind of toppings do you add?

You can add a variety of topping to this soup, depending on what you have on hand and your individual taste.  I always like to add freshly chopped cilantro, green  onions and crispy tortilla strips. You could also add shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, fresh avocado, fresh tomatoes, and jalapeno slices. 

 How do I make the crispy tortilla strips?

• Slice corn tortillas into thin strips.
• Place on a baking sheet and spray with cooking spray.
• Toss strips with your fingers and spray again.
• Sprinkle with taco seasoning. 
• Place in a 400 degree oven for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and toss lightly.
• Return to oven for an additional 10 minutes or until strips are crispy. 

Tips for making turkey tortilla soup

• If your family doesn’t like spicy, decrease the amount of chili powder used.
• Most canned chilies have a heat index – mild, medium or hot. Select the type that best fits your taste.
• Add all the juices from the canned tomatoes. 
• Be certain to rinse all the sauce from the canned black beans before using in this soup.
• This soup can also be made using leftover chicken – chicken tortilla soup

Other Great Soup Recipes

• Creamy Tomato Soup
• Cheesy Broccoli Soup
• Chicken Noodle Soup
• Clam Chowder
• Enchilada Soup
• Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

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This soup recipe was originally posted in November of 2015. The pictures, text and recipe have been updated. 

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop

Check out all my other delicious Recipes! 

5 from 7 votes

Print

Turkey Tortilla Soup

Prep Time

30 mins

Cook Time

30 mins

Total Time

1 hr

 

A Delicious soup filled with turkey, black beans, corn and green chilies.

Course: Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine: Mexican

Keyword: leftover turkey recipes, tortilla soup, turkey soup, turkey tortilla soup

Servings: 8 people

Calories: 203 kcal

Author: Kathy

Ingredients

Soup

• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 Tablespoon chili powder
• 1/4 cup corn meal
• 8-10 cups turkey or chicken broth
• 1 8 oz can roasted chili peppers chopped
• 2 cups cooked turkey shredded or chopped
• 1 14.5 oz can chopped tomatoes
• 1 15 oz can black beans rinsed and drained
• 1 1/2 cups frozen corn kernels
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper

Tortilla Strips

• 1 Tablespoon taco seasoning
• 12 corn tortillas

Toppings

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
• 1/4 cup green onions chopped

Instructions

Soup

1. Saute onions.
2. When soft, add garlic and corn meal. Stir over low heat for 1 minute.
3. Add chili powder. Stir for 1 minute. Do not overcook chili powder or it will turn bitter.
4. Add broth and cook over medium heat until simmering.
5. Add black beans, corn, turkey and tomatoes.
6. Add salt and pepper.
7. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.

Toppings

1. Slice corn tortillas into thin strips.

2. Place on a baking sheet and spray with cooking spray.

3. Toss strips with your fingers and spray again.Sprinkle with taco seasoning. 

4.  Place in a 400 degree oven for 10 minutes.

5. Remove from oven and toss lightly.Return to oven for an additional 10 minutes or until strips are crispy. 

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

Tips for making turkey tortilla soup

• If your family doesn't like spicy, decrease the amount of chili powder used.
• Most canned chilies have a heat index - mild, medium or hot. Select the type that best fits your taste.
• Add all the juices from the canned tomatoes. 
• Be certain to rinse all the sauce from the canned black beans before using in this soup.
• Can also be made using leftover chicken.

Nutrition Facts

Turkey Tortilla Soup

Amount Per Serving (1 cup)

Calories 203 Calories from Fat 54

% Daily Value*

Fat 6g9%

Saturated Fat 1g6%

Cholesterol 18mg6%

Sodium 1297mg56%

Potassium 423mg12%

Carbohydrates 30g10%

Fiber 4g17%

Sugar 2g2%

Protein 10g20%

Vitamin A 418IU8%

Vitamin C 19mg23%

Calcium 58mg6%

Iron 2mg11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.