Leftover Turkey Barley Soup - Easy Budget Recipes (2024)

The recipe prices will vary based on fluctuating grocery costs. Please use what is posted as a guide.

Turkey Barley Soup is a great way to use leftover turkey. It takes just 20 minutes to make, it’s nutritious, and it’s the best turkey soup ever!

Our Leftover Turkey Barley soup serves six and costs about $5.52 to make, which is only $0.92 per serving.

We love this soup after the holidays, but you can easily swap out the turkey for chicken and enjoy it all soup season long. For more soup recipes, do not miss out on our Slow Cooker Gnocchi Soup, Chicken Noodle Soup, or our Slow Cooker Italian Harvest Soup.

Leftover Turkey Barley Soup - Easy Budget Recipes (1)

Table of Contents

Leftover Turkey Soup

There is an unwritten rule that the day after a holiday is for relaxing and eating leftovers.This Turkey and Barley Soup is the perfect solution for the day after a holiday meal. It is easy to make and uses up your leftover turkey, giving you another option besides turkey sandwiches.

Our Leftover Turkey Soup recipe is packed full of veggies and herbs. The soup is not only healthy but also filling. It takes just a few minutes to prepare, so you are not spending another full day in the kitchen prepping meals.

Now you can veg out and still get your veggies in with this Turkey Soup!

What is the difference between pearl barley and quick barley?

Quick barley has been quick steamed, allowing it to cook in just 15 minutes compared to pearl barley, which can take hours. For this recipe, I recommend quick barley since it is a quick and easy meal.

Is Barley Soup healthy for you?

Barley is a good source of vitamins, fiber, and minerals, making it a healthy grain. Add in with the veggies in this soup, and you have a healthy soup to enjoy.

Does barley need to be cooked before adding to soup?

You do not need to pre-cook the barley before adding it to the soup. The barley will cook in the broth while making the soup.

How much will this Turkey Barley Soup recipe cost to make:

Leftover Turkey Barley Soup - Easy Budget Recipes (2)

RECIPE COST: $5.52

PRICE PER SERVING: $0.92

  • 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil –$0.03
  • 1 small onion –$0.28
  • 2 large carrots –$0.28
  • 2 celery stalks –$0.18
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning –$0.13
  • 6 cups chicken broth –$1.86
  • 2/3 cup quick-cooking barley – $0.32
  • 2 cups leftover Turkey$2.08
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley –$0.22

To find out more about how we price our recipes, check out Budget Recipes Explained.

How to make Turkey Soup from leftovers:

STEP ONE:First, heat oil in a large dutch oven over medium heat. Then add in the veggies to cook.

STEP TWO:Next, add in the garlic and Italian seasoning to cook for one minute. After that, pour in the broth and barley.

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STEP THREE:Allow the soup to cook for 15 minutes. Then add the turkey and parsley and cook for another two minutes.

STEP FOUR: Add salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Cook’s Tools:

  • Soup Ladle
  • Dutch Oven
  • measuring cups
  • cutting board
  • knives
  • measuring spoons
  • liquid measuring cup

The Flavor and Recipe Variations

Instead of leftover turkey, you can use chicken or leftover ham.

If you don’t have Italian seasoning, then you can use poultry seasoning.

Chicken Broth Alternatives

This quick and easy recipe uses boxed chicken broth, which is excellent if you are in a hurry. However, you can easily make your own turkey broth using the carcass from your leftover turkey.

To make your own broth, combine the carcass with some onions, carrots, celery, parsley, garlic, peppercorns, and bay leaves in a stockpot. Cover with cold water and simmer for 2 hours, skimming away any foam or fat as needed.

How long is it good for:

Serve: As with most recipes, you shouldn’t leave this soup out for longer than 2 hours.

Store:Like most soups, this recipe warms up nicely. When using leftover turkey from the day before, this soup can be enjoyed up to four days when properly stored in an airtight container. Barley does soak up the broth, so sometimes I add a little extra chicken broth with leftovers.

Freeze: Once the finished soup has cooled, place the soup in freezer-safe Ziploc bags or freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 6 months. To reheat: Thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and then heat in a saucepan until heated through. You may need to add more chicken broth when reheating.

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How to get the kids involved with this recipe:

Ages 2-3: Let your little one put the veggies in the pot. They can also help put the garnishes on top for the finishing touch!

Ages 4-5:Have your little one practice measuring and counting skills by pouring in the chicken broth. Your kiddo can also measure and pour in the seasoning and barley.

Ages 6-8: Teaching proper knife safety; let your child chop up the veggies. We love this Kids’ Starter Knife set.

Ages 9-11: Supervise them while they prepare the entire recipe. Remember to have them read it twice before beginning the recipe.

Ages 12+: Let them prepare the entire recipe, unsupervised, while you do the happy dance in the corner!

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  • Chick-Fil-A Copycat Frosted Lemonade
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  • Corn Muffins
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  • English Muffin Pizzas
  • French Toast with Blueberry Syrup
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Leftover Turkey Barley Soup - Easy Budget Recipes (6)

Turkey Barley Soup

Leftover Turkey Barley Soup - Easy Budget Recipes (7) Recipe Cost 5.52

Leftover Turkey Barley Soup - Easy Budget Recipes (8) Serving Cost 0.92

Course Main Course, Soup

Cuisine American

Turkey Barley Soup is a great way to use leftover turkey. It takes just 20 minutes to make, it’s nutritious, and it’s the best turkey soup ever!

Servings: 6 people

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Equipment

  • soup ladle

  • Dutch oven

  • measuring cups

  • cutting board

  • knives

  • Measuring spoons

  • Liquid measuring cup

Ingredients

  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion chopped
  • 2 large carrots chopped
  • 2 large celery stalks chopped
  • 2 large garlic cloves minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • cup quick-cooking barley
  • 2 cups leftover turkey chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped

US CustomaryMetric

Instructions

  • Heat oil in a large dutch oven over medium heat. Cook onion, carrots, and celery stalks for about 5 minutes or until tender.

  • Add garlic and Italian seasoning and cook for 1 additional minute.

  • Pour in chicken broth and add barley. Cover and cook for 15 minutes.

  • Add the turkey and parsley and cook for 2 more minutes or until heated through.

  • Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve.

Notes

Crockpot Instructions:
You can make this meal in the crockpot too! Start by sweating the veggies in the microwave for 5 minutes before adding them to the slow cooker. Next, add the seasonings and broth. Cook on high for 2 hours. Add the turkey, barley, and parsley and cook an additional hour before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1.5cup | Calories: 217kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 51mg | Sodium: 930mg | Potassium: 469mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 4238IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 48mg | Iron: 2mg

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Leftover Turkey Barley Soup - Easy Budget Recipes (2024)

FAQs

How long does barley soup last in the fridge? ›

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan until warmed through. Since the barley absorbs liquid while it sits in the soup, you will need to add some extra broth or a little water when reheating.

Should you cook barley before adding to soup? ›

Do you cook barley before adding it to soup? Your beef barley soup will simmer long enough to cook the barley. There is no need for the additional step of cooking the barley first. The barley takes about 30 minutes to cook completely.

What is the purpose of barley in soup? ›

Barley's fiber content helps prevent constipation and promote regularity for a healthy digestive tract. Eating fiber-rich foods such as barley may also contribute to weight loss. This is because it functions as a “bulking agent” in the digestive system, making a person feel fuller for longer.

What if I put too much barley in my soup? ›

As barley is a starch the best you can do is dilute it, or thin it out a bit. You may need to add a fair bit of broth and more of your vegetal ingredients. Possibly to the point of doubling your recipe. It will depend on when you find the taste and texture to have gotten back to acceptable levels.

How can you tell if barley has gone bad? ›

Secondly, inspect your barley for signs of mold, which could appear as spots of fuzz or discoloration. If you see these signs, it's best to discard the entire package. Also, sniff the barley; if it has a stale or off smell, it is likely past its prime and should be tossed.

Can I eat soup that has been in the fridge for a week? ›

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), soups and stews containing meat and vegetables will be safe to eat for three to four days if refrigerated.

Is barley healthier than rice? ›

First, is barley better for you than rice? Barley and brown rice both have their benefits. If you're avoiding gluten, then brown rice should be your go-to, because barley has gluten. When it comes to folate and vitamin E, brown rice wins; but barley takes the trophy for fiber (it has much, much more) and calcium.

What is the difference between barley and pearl barley? ›

Hulled barley, considered a whole grain, has had just the indigestible outer husk removed. It's darker in color and has a little bit of a sheen. Pearled barley, also called pearl barley, is not a whole grain and isn't as nutritious. It has lost its outer husk and its bran layer, and it has been polished.

How healthy is barley soup? ›

Barley is high in fiber, especially beta-glucan, which may reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels. It may also aid weight loss and improve digestion. Whole-grain, hulled barley is more nutritious than refined, pearled barley.

Is barley soup anti-inflammatory? ›

Research shows that barley helps to regulate blood pressure, boost immunity and provide anti-inflammatory effects.

Is barley anti-inflammatory? ›

Barley has been shown to have antitumor properties through regulating the immune system and limiting cancer cell proliferation and dissemination. Furthermore, barley possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics, which may contribute to its anticancer potential.

Is barley good for high blood pressure? ›

Barley water has also been known to lower blood pressure. High blood pressure has often been known to be one of the leading causes of the cardiovascular disease called atherosclerosis. Since barley water helps reduce and regularize blood pressure, it can effectively help reduce the onset of atherosclerosis.

What to avoid when taking barley? ›

Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity: The gluten in barley can make celiac disease worse. Avoid using barley. Allergies to cereal grains: Consuming barley might cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to other cereal grains, including rye, wheat, oat, corn and rice.

What are the side effects of too much barley? ›

However, if you consume too much of it, its fiber content can cause stomach cramps, constipation, bloating, and gas. Unwanted weight gain. Barley water is high in calories per serving. You can further increase the calorie count if you add fruit juices or sweeteners like honey to your barley water mix.

What happens if you don't rinse barley before cooking? ›

Barley must be rinsed to remove any dust, dirt and debris just like you would with lentils for example. Preboiling removes any toxic substances that may be lurking on the barley and stops you from getting any of it.

Is soup good after 5 days in fridge? ›

A general rule of thumb is that soup can be stored in the refrigerator for about three days, but you should always taste your dish before deciding to reheat. A clear, vegetable-based soup with some acidity, such as tomatoes, may last longer. Chicken soup usually lasts three to five days.

How long can you keep cooked barley in the fridge? ›

Once cooked, barley can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Uses: Barley can replace rice in stir fries, curries, and risottos. It is a common ingredient in soups and can also be added to salads and pilafs.

Is soup good in the fridge for 5 days? ›

For best safety and quality, plan to eat refrigerated soup within 3 to 4 days or freeze it. And avoid letting soup set at room temperature for more than TWO hours. Don't put a large pot of hot soup directly into your refrigerator.

Does cooked barley go bad? ›

Tips for storing barley

It will keep in a cool, dry place such as a pantry for up to one year. Cooked barley should be stored in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for 3-5 days or in the freezer for one month.

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