Craving a warm, comforting bowl of goodness that's also incredibly easy to make? Then look no further! This Crock Pot Turkey Noodle Soup recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal. Forget spending hours slaving over a stove – this recipe lets your slow cooker do all the work, resulting in a flavorful, tender, and undeniably delicious soup the whole family will adore. It's a fantastic example of healthy meals made simple, perfect for homemade cooking enthusiasts of all skill levels.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked turkey, shredded (leftover turkey works perfectly!)
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup egg noodles
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This simple step adds depth of flavor to your soup.
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Combine ingredients in the slow cooker: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to your slow cooker. Add the shredded turkey, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, rosemary, black pepper, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
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Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the vegetables are tender. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will become. This is where the magic of slow cooking truly shines, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Add noodles: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the egg noodles. Cooking the noodles directly in the slow cooker ensures they are perfectly cooked and absorb the delicious flavors of the soup.
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Season and serve: Once the noodles are cooked, remove the bay leaf. Season with salt to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. This simple garnish elevates the presentation and adds a pop of freshness.
Tips for the Best Crock Pot Turkey Noodle Soup:
- Use leftover turkey: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover roasted turkey, making it a great way to minimize food waste.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, green beans, or corn. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite variations.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk at the end for a richer, creamier soup.
Variations:
- Chicken Noodle Soup: Substitute the turkey with cooked chicken.
- Vegetarian Noodle Soup: Omit the meat and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or spinach. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a truly vegetarian version.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 5-8g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This Crock Pot Turkey Noodle Soup is a perfect example of delicious dishes that are easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. It’s a quick dinner idea that’s both healthy and hearty, making it a winner for busy families and anyone looking for a comforting and flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy!