Turkey Tortilla Soup is one of our favorite ways to use leftover turkey because it turns simple ingredients into a warm, flavor packed soup. Chicken broth, shredded turkey, tomatoes, corn, black beans, green chiles, and spices all simmer together in the slow cooker until everything is warm, flavorful and delicious.
We love this after Thanksgiving, but it’s easy enough for any chilly weeknight when you have cooked turkey to use up. Add all your favorite toppings like tortilla strips, sour cream, Monterey Jack cheese, avocado, and cilantro right before serving, and everyone can build their own tasty bowl.
For more great soups, be sure to check out our Chicken Tortilla Soup, King Ranch Chicken Soup, and White Chicken Chili.
Why you’ll love it + Why it works:
- Use Up Leftovers: Great way to turn leftover turkey into a tasty meal.
- Hand Off Favorite: Slow cooker does the work with simple pantry ingredients.
- Slow Cooking Blends the Flavors: The broth, spices, tomatoes, chiles, and turkey simmer together for a cozy, well-seasoned soup.
- Toppings Add Texture and Freshness: Tortilla strips, cheese, avocado, sour cream, and cilantro make each bowl extra delicious.
Turkey Tortilla Soup Ingredients
- Chicken stock or chicken broth (6 cups): Creates the savory soup base.
- Shredded cooked turkey (2 cups): Adds protein and makes this a perfect leftover turkey recipe.
- Diced tomatoes, drained (1 can, 14.5 ounces): Adds texture, acidity, and tomato flavor.
- Corn, drained (1 can, 14.5 ounces): Adds sweetness, color, and texture.
- Black beans, drained and rinsed (1 can, 15.25 ounces): Makes the soup hearty and filling.
- Diced green chiles (1 can, 4 ounces): Adds mild heat and great flavor.
- Chopped onion, optional (½ cup): Adds savory flavor to the broth.
- Minced garlic (2 teaspoons): Adds depth and flavor.
- Salt (1½ teaspoons): Seasons the soup and brings all the flavors together.
- Black pepper (¾ teaspoon): Adds mild spice.
- Ground cumin (½ teaspoon): Adds warm, earthy flavor.
- Chili powder (¼ teaspoon): Adds a little smoky spice.
- Corn tortilla strips, sour cream, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, chopped avocado, chopped fresh cilantro (optional toppings): Adds crunch, creaminess, freshness, and flavor right before serving.
How to Make Turkey Tortilla Soup
COOK. In a slow cooker, combine all ingredients except the toppings.
Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
SERVE. Add cheese, tortilla strips, and other favorite toppings right before serving.
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- Use leftover Thanksgiving turkey or rotisserie-style turkey to make prep extra easy.
- Drain the tomatoes, corn, and beans so the soup does not get watered down.
- Cook on low for the best flavor if you have time.
- Add toppings right before serving so tortilla strips stay crunchy and avocado stays fresh.
- Make-ahead tip: this soup reheats well, so make it a day ahead and add toppings when serving.
Turkey Tortilla Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 cups chicken stock, or chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded cooked turkey
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 (15.25-ounce) can can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
- ½ cup chopped onion, optional
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- ¾ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
Toppings
- Optional: corn tortilla strips (store-bought or homemade), sour cream, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, chopped avocado, chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- In a slow cooker, combine all ingredients except the toppings.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Add cheese, tortilla strips, and other favorite toppings right before serving.
Notes
- Use leftover Thanksgiving turkey or rotisserie-style turkey to make prep extra easy.
- Drain the tomatoes, corn, and beans so the soup does not get watered down.
- Cook on low for the best flavor if you have time.
- Add toppings right before serving so tortilla strips stay crunchy and avocado stays fresh.
- Make-ahead tip: this soup reheats well, so make it a day ahead and add toppings when serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Refrigerate soup without toppings in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm on the stovetop, in the microwave, or in the slow cooker until heated through.
Freeze soup without toppings for up to 3 months.
Thaw: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat and add fresh toppings before serving.
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This recipe was first shared September, 2026.
