Turkey Tortilla Soup is a perfect use for leftover turkey! This delicious soup is filled with chunks of turkey, black beans and corn all in a rich broth.
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.
Key ingredients
- Cooked turkey
- Black beans
- Corn
- Canned tomatoes
How do I make turkey tortilla soup?
- Sauté 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
- Ham and Bean 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!
Turkey Tortilla Soup
Ingredients
Soup
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 Tablespoon chili powder
- ¼ 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 ½ cups frozen corn kernels
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Tortilla Strips
- 1 Tablespoon taco seasoning
- 12 corn tortillas
Toppings
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- ¼ cup green onions (chopped)
Instructions
Soup
- Saute onions.
- When soft, add garlic and corn meal. Stir over low heat for 1 minute.
- Add chili powder. Stir for 1 minute. Do not overcook chili powder or it will turn bitter.
- Add broth 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.
Toppings
- 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.
Video
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
Valentina says
Kathy, the flavors in this soup lure me right in. And it's so hearty and comforting, too. I love your new (& old) photos. All are very pretty! 🙂 Valentina
Kathy says
Thanks, Valentina!
Fred G says
A great soup. And a good use of turkey.
Kathy says
It's a great way to use every last little bit of the turkey.
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
Tortilla soup is a fave! Love how you used leftover turkey - such a yummy idea! A big of this would be delicious for lunch today!!
Kathy says
It so warm and comforting!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
Perfect for all my leftover turkey Kathy! ANd it's snowing here right now, so a nice big bowl of this would be perfect!
Kathy says
We got our first real snowfall of this year this morning. I need another bowl of soup!
Danielle @ So Munch Love says
Soup is such a great way to use up leftover turkey because if it's a bit dry, the broth pulls everything back together. I love the Mexican twist, too! Yum yum!