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🦃 Turkey Day Afterglow Stew

A warm, nourishing next-day turkey stew made by simmering the turkey carcass into a rich homemade stock, adding classic vegetables, lots of herbs, leftover turkey, bouillon for depth, and soft noodles. The ultimate cozy bowl to enjoy after Thanksgiving — especially with warm Rhodes rolls or French bread.
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Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Stock & Base
  • Turkey carcass picked clean of extra meat
  • 10 –14 cups water or enough to fully cover carcass
  • 3 –4 carrots diced
  • 3 –4 celery stalks diced
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 6 chicken bouillon cubes adjust to taste; see Notes
  • Additional turkey or chicken stock as needed
  • 2 –4 cups leftover cooked turkey chopped
  • Herbs Generous Amounts
  • 1 –1½ tsp dried rosemary
  • 1 –1½ tsp dried sage
  • 1 –1½ tsp dried thyme
  • Optional: 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • Optional: 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Noodles
  • 2 –3 cups egg noodles or preferred pasta
  • For Serving
  • Fresh baked Rhodes rolls or warm French bread

Method
 

  1. Make the Turkey Stock
  2. Remove extra meat from turkey carcass and set aside.
  3. Place the carcass in a large pot and cover with water (usually 10–14 cups).
  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30–45 minutes.
  5. Remove and discard carcass.
  6. Strain broth if desired and return liquid to pot.
  7. Sauté the Vegetables
  8. In a skillet, sauté carrots, celery, and onion in a little butter or oil until softened.
  9. Add sautéed vegetables into the pot of turkey stock.
  10. Build the Flavor
  11. Add 6 chicken bouillon cubes (or to taste depending on water amount).
  12. Add extra turkey or chicken stock if you want a larger batch or more broth.
  13. Stir in chopped leftover turkey.
  14. Add herbs: rosemary, sage, thyme, and optional fresh parsley/thyme.
  15. Simmer 20–30 minutes to deepen flavor.
  16. Add the Noodles
  17. Add noodles directly to the simmering stew.
  18. Cook until noodles are soft (8–12 minutes).
  19. Taste and adjust seasoning and herbs as needed.
  20. Serve
  21. Serve hot with fresh Rhodes rolls or warm French bread.

Notes

  • Bouillon Strength Guide: 1 cube seasons about 2 cups of water. If using a very large pot or a lot of water, 6 cubes is appropriate. Adjust up or down by taste.
  • Add more herbs if you like a stronger, cozy holiday flavor — this stew handles them well.
  • Noodles will absorb broth as it sits; add extra stock when reheating if needed.
  • You can substitute rice, potatoes, or dumplings instead of noodles.