Creamy Turkey Enchilada Soup Recipe

Sizzling Turkey Enchilada Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Steaming bowls of comfort await with this hearty turkey enchilada soup that brings zesty southwestern flavors right to your kitchen.

Packed with tender chunks of seasoned turkey and rich, bold spices, this soup promises a delightful culinary adventure.

Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of warmth and tangy goodness that will make your taste buds dance.

Home cooks love how simple ingredients can create such a remarkable meal in under an hour.

The vibrant blend of beans, corn, and aromatic herbs transforms ordinary turkey into an extraordinary soup experience.

Topped with crispy tortilla strips and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, this recipe turns an everyday dinner into a memorable feast.

Let’s find out this soul-warming soup and let the flavors transport you to a cozy southwestern kitchen.

Storage for Turkey Enchilada Soup Leftovers

  • Soup Stash Strategies: Smart Ways to Store and Enjoy
  • Refrigerator Revival: Store leftover soup in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to maintain fresh flavors and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Freezer-Friendly Batch: Portion soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently to preserve texture.
  • Quick Reheating Trick: Warm soup on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of chicken broth if needed to restore original consistency. Avoid microwave to prevent uneven heating.
  • Ingredient Swap Magic: Keep garnishes separate when storing. Add fresh cheese, crispy tortilla chips, and creamy sour cream right before serving to maintain crunch and prevent sogginess.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 7

Turkey Enchilada Soup Ingredients Guide

For Aromatics and Spices:
  • Olive Oil: Provides a smooth, rich base for sautéing and enhancing flavor profiles.
  • Yellow Onion: Delivers a sweet, robust foundation that builds depth in the soup.
  • Red Bell Pepper: Adds vibrant color and a subtle, fresh crunch to the dish.
  • Garlic: Introduces a pungent, aromatic kick that elevates the overall taste.
  • Chili Powder: Brings warm, earthy heat and complexity to the soup.
  • Smoked Paprika: Contributes a smoky, slightly sweet undertone with mild spiciness.
  • Oregano: Offers an herbal, slightly bitter note that complements the Mexican-inspired flavors.
  • Salt and Black Pepper: Enhance and balance the seasoning of the entire dish.
For Protein and Vegetables:
  • Cooked Turkey: Provides lean, tender protein that makes the soup hearty and satisfying.
  • Ro-tel Tomatoes with Chiles: Introduces tangy, zesty elements with a subtle spicy kick.
  • Black Beans: Adds creamy texture, plant-based protein, and earthy richness.
  • Corn: Brings natural sweetness and a delightful pop of texture to the soup.
For Liquid and Thickening Agents:
  • Chicken Broth: Creates a flavorful, light base that allows other ingredients to shine.
  • Instant White Rice: Helps thicken the soup and adds a soft, comforting element.
  • Cornstarch: Ensures a silky, smooth consistency by gently thickening the broth.

Equipment Checklist for Turkey Enchilada Soup

  • Large soup pot or Dutch oven: Essential for cooking the entire soup base with all ingredients.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure spices and salt for balanced flavor.
  • Measuring cups: Needed for precise liquid and ingredient quantities.
  • Sharp knife: Useful for chopping onions and red bell peppers.
  • Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping vegetables.
  • Ladle: Great for serving hot soup into bowls.

Cooking Instructions for Turkey Enchilada Soup

  • Kitchen Prep

Get a large soup pot ready with all your ingredients nearby. Warm the kitchen with exciting cooking aromas waiting to unfold.

  • Vegetable Sauté

Gently soften diced onions, bright red bell peppers, and minced garlic in olive oil until they become tender and release their delicious fragrances.

  • Spice Awakening

Sprinkle in a blend of zesty chili powder, smoky paprika, and earthy oregano. Let the spices dance and bloom, creating a rich flavor foundation.

  • Hearty Blend

Tumble in shredded turkey, zesty tomatoes, creamy black beans, sweet corn, and fluffy rice. Pour in savory chicken broth to create a robust soup base.

  • Simmering Magic

Allow the soup to gently bubble and thicken, stirring occasionally. Let all the ingredients mingle and develop deep, comforting flavors.

  • Delightful Finish

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and crown with crispy tortilla chips, melty cheddar cheese, and a dollop of cool sour cream. Enjoy your culinary creation!

Flavor Tips for Turkey Enchilada Soup

  • Experiment with different chili powders like ancho or chipotle to create unique flavor profiles that make this soup sing with excitement.
  • Swap ground turkey for shredded chicken, pulled pork, or even plant-based crumbles to match your dietary preferences or pantry availability.
  • Transform day-old soup by adding fresh toppings like diced avocado, chopped cilantro, or a squeeze of lime to brighten up the flavors and give new life to your meal.
  • Adjust the spiciness by choosing mild or hot Ro-tel tomatoes, or add a dash of hot sauce for those who crave an extra kick of warmth and excitement.

How to Serve Turkey Enchilada Soup Hot

  • Cozy Comfort Bowl: Top this hearty soup with a generous sprinkle of crispy tortilla strips for added crunch and texture that transforms each spoonful into a delightful experience.
  • Fiesta Flavor Boost: Enhance the soup with fresh chopped cilantro, diced avocado, and a squeeze of lime juice to brighten the rich, warm flavors and add a zesty Mexican-inspired touch.
  • Protein Power-Up: Complement the soup with a side of warm cornbread or a small quesadilla to create a more substantial meal that satisfies hunger and adds extra protein for a complete dinner.
  • Cheese Lover's Dream: Create a melty cheese moment by sprinkling extra sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese on top, allowing it to slightly melt and create irresistible strings of gooey goodness.
Print
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Creamy Turkey Enchilada Soup Recipe

Creamy Turkey Enchilada Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Hearty Southwestern Soup embraces turkey enchilada soup with robust flavors from Mexican cuisine. Spicy broth combines shredded turkey, black beans, and corn for a satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups turkey (chopped)
  • 1 can (14 oz/400 g) black beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 4 cups (32 fl oz/960 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 large yellow onion (diced)
  • 1 small red bell pepper (diced)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 can (11 oz/312 g) Ro-tel tomatoes with chiles
  • 1 cup corn
  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp oregano (crushed)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Black pepper (to taste)
  • ½ cup instant white rice
  • 2 tbsps cornstarch (dissolved in 34 tbsps water)
  • Shredded cheddar (for serving)
  • Sour cream (for serving)
  • Tortilla chips (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then sauté onion, red bell pepper, and garlic until softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
  2. Spice Infusion: Sprinkle chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper into the vegetable mixture, stirring to distribute spices and release their aromatic qualities.
  3. Brown Turkey: Add ground turkey to the spiced vegetables, breaking meat into small crumbles and cooking until no longer pink and lightly browned.
  4. Liquid and Additions: Pour in Ro-tel tomatoes, black beans, corn, white rice, and chicken broth, creating a robust soup base.
  5. Thicken and Simmer: Whisk cornstarch with cold water to create a smooth slurry, then stir into the soup. Reduce heat to low-medium and simmer for 18-22 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Final Touch and Serve: Adjust seasoning to taste, then ladle into bowls and top with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, sour cream, and crispy tortilla chips for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

  • Spice Control: Adjust chili powder and paprika levels to match your heat tolerance, remembering spices intensify during cooking.
  • Meat Preparation: Use lean ground turkey and break into tiny crumbles for even cooking and better soup texture.
  • Thickening Technique: Whisk cornstarch slurry thoroughly to prevent lumps and ensure smooth soup consistency.
  • Garnish Strategy: Add cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips just before serving to maintain maximum crunch and freshness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Boiling, Sautéing, Simmering
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds

Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Modern American and European Cuisines​, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.​

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.​

Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.

Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.

At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.

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