Instant Pot Turkey Soup with Savory Stuffing Dumplings

Put that leftover turkey to good use with this comforting Instant Pot Turkey Soup with Stuffing Dumplings. This recipe is also easy to adapt for a slow cooker.

After you make turkey stock from the carcass, turn that rich broth into a hearty turkey soup. This recipe transforms leftover roast turkey and stuffing into a warming one-pot meal the whole family will enjoy.

If you’re looking for other creative ways to use leftover turkey, consider turkey tostadas with pomegranate guacamole, cranberry turkey puff pastry for brunch, or a turkey pot pie with a puff pastry crust for an easy dinner. Each one gives your Thanksgiving leftovers new life.

How do I make turkey soup in a pressure cooker?

Making turkey soup in an electric pressure cooker (Instant Pot) is quick and straightforward:

• Set the cooker to Sauté, melt butter, then add chopped onion, carrots, celery and minced garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
• Season with salt and black pepper, then add a bay leaf, chopped fresh rosemary, thyme and sage. Stir in shredded leftover turkey and pour in turkey stock.
• Cancel Sauté, lock the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes.
• When the timer ends, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10–15 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure and open the lid.

How do you make turkey soup in a crock pot?

To make this soup in a slow cooker:

• Place the onions, carrots, celery, garlic, salt, pepper, bay leaf, fresh herbs, shredded turkey and turkey stock into the crock pot.
• Cook on Low for 6–8 hours or on High for 3–4 hours.
• When the soup is ready, add the stuffing dumplings and spoon hot broth over them. Let the dumplings sit in the hot soup for 5–7 minutes until heated through.

How do you make turkey stock in a pressure cooker?

Turkey stock is easily made in a pressure cooker using the leftover carcass, aromatics and water. Simmer the carcass with onion, carrot, celery, bay leaf and peppercorns under pressure to extract flavor. (If you have a specific Instant Pot turkey stock recipe, follow the steps in that recipe for exact quantities and timing.)

What vegetables are good in turkey soup?

The classic base is onion, carrot and celery, but you can add other vegetables you have on hand. Fresh spinach, diced sweet potato, mushrooms, peas or green beans are all good options and help stretch the soup into a complete meal.

How do you make stuffing dumplings?

Stuffing dumplings are an easy way to incorporate leftover stuffing into the soup:

• Whisk two large eggs, then stir in about 6 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
• Add roughly 2 cups of leftover stuffing and mix until combined. If the mixture feels too dry, moisten with a little turkey broth or water. If it’s too wet, add a bit more flour.
• Form into approximately eight rounded tablespoon-sized dumplings.
• After the soup finishes cooking and the pot is opened, drop the dumplings into the hot broth and spoon liquid over them. Let them steam in the soup for 5–7 minutes until warmed through and slightly set.

What else can you make with leftover stuffing?

Beyond dumplings, leftover stuffing works well in appetizers like cream cheese–stuffing jalapeño poppers or as a crust in a savory quiche with mushrooms, spinach and turkey. It’s a versatile ingredient for repurposing holiday leftovers.

Recipe: Instant Pot Turkey Soup with Stuffing Dumplings

Summary: A comforting way to use leftover turkey and stuffing—rich turkey stock, vegetables and herbs turned into a satisfying soup finished with rustic stuffing dumplings.

Servings: 8 people

Prep time: 15 minutes   Cook time: 30 minutes   Total time: 45 minutes

Author: Whitney Bond

Ingredients

Turkey Soup

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
• 1 cup leftover shredded turkey
• 8 cups turkey stock (homemade or store-bought)

Stuffing Dumplings

• 2 large eggs
• 6 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups leftover stuffing

Instructions

Turkey Soup

1. Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté. Melt the butter, then add onions, celery, carrots and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
2. Add salt, pepper, bay leaf, rosemary, thyme, sage, shredded turkey and turkey stock to the pot.
3. Cancel the Sauté function, secure the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes.
4. When the timer finishes, allow the pot to naturally release pressure for 10–15 minutes, then carefully open the lid.

Stuffing Dumplings

1. While the soup cooks, whisk the eggs and stir in the flour, salt and pepper. Add the leftover stuffing and mix until evenly combined. Adjust with a bit of stock or flour if too dry or too wet.
2. After the Instant Pot is opened, drop rounded tablespoons of the stuffing mixture into the hot soup (about 8 dumplings).
3. Spoon hot broth over the dumplings, cover the pot or leave them in the hot soup and let sit for 5–7 minutes until heated through. Serve immediately.

Nutrition (per serving, approximate)

• Calories: 354 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Fat: 13 g (Saturated fat: 4 g)
• Sodium: about 1132 mg (varies with stock)
• Fiber: 3 g

Tips & Variations

• Adjust herbs to taste. If you prefer a milder herb profile, reduce the rosemary and sage and boost thyme instead.
• For a heartier soup, add diced potatoes, sweet potatoes or mushrooms when you add the stock.
• To save time, prepare the stuffing dumpling mixture ahead and refrigerate until ready to add to the hot soup.
• If the soup is too thin, simmer uncovered for a few minutes or mash some cooked carrots into the broth to thicken naturally.

Storage

Refrigerate leftover soup in airtight containers for 3–4 days. Freeze portions for longer storage—properly stored, soup can keep in the freezer for 2–3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until steaming hot.

Enjoy this cozy, resourceful recipe that turns holiday leftovers into a fresh, comforting meal any time you need a simple, satisfying dinner.