The Perfect Turkey Enchilada Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Turkey enchilada soup upgrades ordinary leftovers into an extraordinary culinary adventure, blending Mexican-inspired flavors with hearty comfort food.

Southwest-style cooking rarely feels this satisfying and simple to execute.

Robust spices dance through each spoonful, creating a vibrant and warming experience that goes beyond traditional soup preparations.

Families craving something different will appreciate this recipe adaptable nature and bold taste profile.

Complex layers of flavor emerge from simple ingredients, making each bite a delightful surprise.

Rich and satisfying, this soup bridges home cooking with restaurant-quality cuisine.

Grab your favorite toppings and get ready for a meal that will become a new household favorite.

Why Turkey Enchilada Soup Is a Must for Cozy Nights

• Savor Hearty Tex-Mex Comfort: This turkey enchilada soup delivers a warm, satisfying meal packed with bold southwestern flavors that'll make your taste buds dance with excitement.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Winner: Ready in under 30 minutes, this one-pot wonder simplifies dinner preparation while providing a nutritious, protein-rich meal that's perfect for busy families.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Loaded with lean turkey, black beans, and veggies, the soup offers a balanced combination of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients without compromising on taste or satisfaction.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Top with cheese, sour cream, or crispy tortilla chips to personalize each bowl, making it a versatile recipe that adapts to individual preferences and ensures everyone at the table is happy.

All the Ingredients for Turkey Enchilada Soup

• Turkey: Lean protein that adds hearty flavor and substance to the soup.
• Black Beans: Protein-rich legume with creamy texture and earthy taste.

• Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Garlic: Classic flavor base that provides depth and sweetness to the soup.

• Chicken Broth: Provides rich liquid base and additional savory flavor.
• Ro-tel Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes with green chilies that add moisture and mild spiciness.
• Olive Oil: Healthy cooking fat for sautéing vegetables.
• Chili Powder, Smoked Paprika, Oregano: Warming spices that create complex, southwestern-style flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing overall taste.

• Cornstarch: Helps thicken soup and create smooth consistency.
• Rice: Adds body and texture to the soup.
• Corn: Sweet kernel vegetable that provides additional texture.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty topping that adds richness.
• Sour Cream: Creamy, tangy topping that balances spices.
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy element for textural contrast.

How to Cook Turkey Enchilada Soup at Home

Step 1: Prepare the Base

• Onion
• Red bell pepper
• Garlic

Step 2: Add Aromatic Spices

• Chili powder
• Smoked paprika
• Oregano
• Salt
• Pepper

Step 3: Combine Soup Ingredients

• Cooked turkey
• Ro-tel tomatoes
• Black beans
• Corn
• Rice
• Chicken broth

Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Thicken and Simmer

Slowly drizzle cornstarch slurry into the soup while stirring constantly. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Final Flavor Check

Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed for perfect flavor balance.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Crushed tortilla chips

Enjoy your hearty and warming Turkey Enchilada Soup!

Top Tips for Rich and Flavorful Turkey Enchilada Soup

• Perfectly Brown Turkey: Ensure the turkey is well-browned before adding other ingredients to develop deep, rich flavors and prevent a bland soup base.
• Customize Spice Level: Adjust chili powder and smoked paprika to match your heat preference, tasting as you go for the perfect balance.
• Thicken Wisely: Slowly add cornstarch slurry while stirring continuously to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Enhance Texture: Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese and crisp tortilla chips for maximum flavor and satisfying crunch.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This soup tastes even better the next day, so consider preparing in advance to let flavors meld and intensify.

How to Store and Reheat Turkey Enchilada Soup Without Losing Flavor

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer cooled soup into airtight containers and seal tightly. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. The soup's flavors will actually develop more depth overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.
• Freezer Storage: Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving about an inch of space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating Method: Warm soup gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick. Stir until heated through completely. Top with fresh cheese and chips just before serving to maintain their crunch and texture.

What to Serve with Turkey Enchilada Soup

• Boost Flavor with Mexican Craft Beer: Pair this hearty turkey enchilada soup with a crisp, light Mexican lager like Modelo Especial or Pacifico, which cuts through the rich soup and complements its spicy undertones.
• Create a Zesty Side Salad: Whip up a quick cilantro-lime salad with mixed greens, diced avocado, and a tangy vinaigrette that echoes the soup's southwestern flavor profile.
• Elevate with Cornbread Accompaniment: Serve warm jalapeño cheddar cornbread on the side, offering a slightly sweet and spicy counterpoint that soaks up the soup's robust broth perfectly.
• Fresh Garnish Finale: Top the soup with extra crispy tortilla strips, chopped fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime to brighten the overall dish and add texture and acidity.

Creative Turkey Enchilada Soup Variations to Explore

• Spicy Southwest Soup: Replace chili powder with chipotle powder and add diced jalapeños for extra heat. Incorporate pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a zesty kick.
• Vegetarian Bean Fusion: Swap turkey with plant-based ground meat or additional black beans. Use vegetable broth and add diced zucchini for more nutrition and texture.
• Green Chile Turkey Soup: Incorporate roasted green chiles and swap regular rice with cilantro-lime rice. Top with fresh cilantro and queso fresco for a Mexican-inspired variation.
• Creamy Southwestern Soup: Blend in cream cheese or heavy cream before serving to create a richer, smoother consistency. Garnish with crispy bacon bits for added depth of flavor.

Turkey Enchilada Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Turkey Enchilada Soup brings Mexican-inspired comfort to your table with a delightful blend of shredded turkey, zesty spices, and rich broth. Packed with robust flavors and easy to prepare, this soup offers a perfect weeknight meal that satisfies hunger and warms souls.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 3 cups cooked turkey (chopped)
• 1 can black beans (14 ounces, drained and rinsed)
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 large yellow onion (diced)
• 1 small red bell pepper (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 can Ro-tel tomatoes with chiles (11 ounces)
• 1 cup corn
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon oregano (crushed)
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)

Thickeners and Additional Ingredients:

• ½ cup instant white rice
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (dissolved in 3–4 tablespoons water)
• Shredded cheddar (for serving)
• Sour cream (for serving)
• Tortilla chips (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, creating a smooth cooking surface.
2. Introduce finely chopped onion, diced red bell pepper, and minced garlic into the heated oil, gently sautéing until vegetables become translucent and tender, approximately 4-5 minutes.
3. Sprinkle chili powder, smoked paprika, and dried oregano into the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously to distribute spices evenly and release their aromatic essence. Incorporate kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, cooking for 45-60 seconds until the spices become wonderfully fragrant.
4. Incorporate ground turkey into the spiced vegetable base, breaking the meat into small crumbles and cooking until it loses its raw pink color and becomes lightly browned.
5. Pour in Ro-tel tomatoes, drained black beans, sweet corn kernels, cooked white rice, and low-sodium chicken broth, creating a rich and hearty soup foundation.
6. Prepare a cornstarch slurry by whisking cornstarch with cold water until smooth, then slowly stream into the simmering soup while stirring constantly.
7. Reduce heat to low-medium, allowing the soup to gently simmer for 18-22 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent sticking and ensure even thickening.
8. Taste the soup and fine-tune seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed, ensuring a balanced and robust flavor profile.
9. Ladle the piping hot soup into serving bowls, garnishing with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a dollop of cool sour cream, and crispy tortilla chips for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Customize the soup’s heat level by adjusting chili powder and adding diced jalapeños for extra kick.
• Swap ground turkey with rotisserie chicken or shredded beef for a different protein variation.
• Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months, ensuring maximum flavor preservation.
• Transform this soup into a meal prep option by preparing ingredients in advance and storing separately.
• Consider using low-sodium broth to control salt content and accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling, Sautéing, Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 50mg