For most families the day after Thanksgiving can mean a full day of Black Friday shopping or (what we do) a relaxing day without any cooking! Thanksgiving leftovers are delicious the first time, but a little tempting for the fourth meal in a row. This homemade turkey gravy recipe is the perfect way to repurpose Thanksgiving leftovers.
This soup nourishes the body with gut-healing bone broth and vegetables, which can be a welcome relief after a holiday break. Now that most Black Friday sales are available online, you can eat your leftovers from the comfort of your sofa while you shop!
Soup from Turkey
The day after Thanksgiving you may have the energy to throw together a pot of homemade turkey stock, or you may not. Our family gets free-range turkeys, which are often more expensive than regular birds. The nutrition is well worth the price though. To make use of leftover turkey carcasses I like to make turkey gravy.
Just throw the turkey bones in a slow cooker (or large pot) with some water. You can also add salt, chicken seasoning, and other herbs to taste. You can find my full recipe for homemade soup here.
If you don’t want to make your own then store bought broth works just as well. I found this one at Kettle and Fire. You can also use chicken broth as a quick option.
Turkey gravy is a great way to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey. The sauce helps keep the meat moist as turkey tends to dry out on reheating.
Once you have the broth, this process is quick. Throw all the ingredients in a soup pot or Instant Pot, and let the goodness boil. I’ve also included instructions for the Instant Pot version below the recipe.
Variations of Turkish soup
Maybe it’s not the day after Thanksgiving or your family chose duck this year. However, you can still do this with chicken. A rotisserie chicken works well to turn this into a chicken soup.
I use potatoes to add some carbs to the filling, but you can also add other starches. Gluten-free crackers or egg noodles make a great addition. Wild rice or white rice makes a delicious turkey and rice soup. Add some leftover green beans or other vegetables if desired. Since this is a leftover soup, the idea here is to keep it simple and use what you have!
Recipe for leftover turkey gravy
A simple, light, and nutritious soup for a day-after Thanksgiving snack.
- leftover turkey meat (cut)
- 2 large carrots (cut)
- 2 celery stalks (cut)
- 1 medium yellow onion (cut)
- 2 TBSP butter (or olive oil)
- 4 cups Chicken soup (or turkey stock)
- 1 tsp basil
- 1 they leafed
- 2 firewood garlic
- 2 medium potatoes (or sweet potato, diced)
- 1 A bunch of others
- 1 Cup French lemon
- salt (taste)
- black pepper (taste)
- new plants (optional, garnish)
- fresh thyme (optional, garnish)
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In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
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Saute the carrots, celery, and onion in the melted butter until they begin to soften and the onion is translucent.
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Add all remaining ingredients.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 1 hour or until the potatoes and lentils are tender.
Nutrition Facts
Recipe for leftover turkey gravy
Amount per serving (1 cup)
Calories 232
Calories from Fat 63
% Daily Value*
Fat 7g11%
Saturated fat 2g13%
Fat 0.1g
Polyunsaturated fat 1g
Monounsaturated fat 2g
Cholesterol 58 mg19%
Sodium 382 mg17%
Potassium 409 mg12%
Carbohydrates 21 g7%
Fiber 6g25%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 21 g42%
Vitamin A 2133IU43%
Vitamin C 8 mg10%
Calcium 42 mg4%
Iron 2 mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat if necessary.
Turkey Gravy Instant Pot Option
Since the turkey is already cooked, this is a quick and easy pot of soup. Use the same ingredients as in the recipe above.
- Cook the carrots, celery, and onion for 3-4 minutes in the Instant Pot on the sauce setting.
- Add the rest of the ingredients.
- Close the pressure cooker and cook for 4 minutes on high manual pressure.
- Allow 5 minutes for a natural release, then manually release the pressure.
- Place in a bowl and serve.
What to do with Turkish leftovers?
If you still have leftover turkey after the soup, put some in the fridge for easy protein for another night. Or try one of these delicious recipes. Turkey is great in a variety of sauces, gravy, and canned dishes.
- Pumpkin Chili – This recipe uses cinnamon along with allspice in an amazing traditional soup. Instead of ground beef use shredded turkey in the recipe.
- Paleo Turkey Tetrazzini – The classic recipe has been reimagined with coconut milk in a milk substitute and served with a variety of vegetables.
- Vegetable Frittata – Add shredded turkey and sweet potatoes to this basic frittata recipe. Throw in some leftover Brussels sprouts for flavor!
- Broccoli Casserole – Replace chicken with turkey in a creamy casserole dish.
What are your favorite ways to repurpose Thanksgiving turkey and other holiday leftovers? I would love to hear it!