Leftover Pork and Potato Soup Recipe
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Leftovers don’t have to be boring or uninspired. You can use leftover pork to recreate this hearty, comforting Leftover Pork and Potato Soup. If you’ve got leftover pork from a roast, chops, pulled pork, or even grilled tenderloin, you’re halfway to a delicious meal.
Combining savory chunks of leftover pork with soft, tender potatoes and flavorful broth turns yesterday’s dinner into today’s cozy comfort food. This soup is a wonderful way to stretch your ingredients and reduce food waste while making something the whole family will love.
Ingredients for Leftover Pork and Potato Soup
This recipe uses basic pantry staples and common leftovers. Here’s what you’ll need to make about 4-6 servings:
- onion
- garlic
- carrots
- celery
- dried thyme
- diced cooked pork (leftover roast, grilled pork chops, pulled pork, etc.)
- potatoes (russet, Yukon gold, or red potatoes)
- chicken or vegetable broth
How to Make Pork and Potato Soup
Leftover Pork and Potato Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion diced
- 2 carrots diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- salt and pepper to taste
- 8 cups chicken stock
- 2 cups pork diced
- 3 medium potatoes diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup cream
Instructions
- Place olive oil in soup pot and add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until tender
- Add garlic and thyme and cook 1 minute longer
- Add chicken stock and potatoes with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and reduce to simmer for 20-25 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender
- Add frozen peas and diced pork
- Cook for 3-5 minutes until peas are thawed and pork is warmed through
- Add cream and serve.
Nutrition
Tips for Success
Use whatever type of pork you have on hand. This soup works well with roasted pork shoulder, grilled pork chops, pork loin, or even leftover pork ribs (just remove the bones and cartilage). If the pork is heavily seasoned, taste the broth before adding more salt.
Dice the potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate. Smaller chunks will break down more and help thicken the soup, while larger chunks will hold their shape better.
For a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes in the pot with a spoon or potato masher. This adds a creamy texture without any dairy.
If you have leftover gravy or sauce from the pork, stir it into the soup for extra richness and flavor. You can also add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice at the end to brighten the flavor.
Variations and Add-Ins
This soup is flexible and forgiving, so feel free to adapt it based on what you have. Here are some delicious variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a little heat
- Southwestern Twist: Stir in black beans, corn, cumin, and a pinch of chili powder
- Herb Flavor: Add fresh herbs like dill, oregano, or basil in the last minute of cooking
- Cheesy Comfort: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Parmesan on top before serving
- Leftover Veggies: Use whatever cooked or raw vegetables you have on hand—zucchini, mushrooms, green beans, kale, or spinach all work well
What to Serve With Pork and Potato Soup
This hearty soup can easily stand on its own, but if you want to make it a full meal, it pairs well with:
- Crusty bread or dinner rolls for dipping
- Grilled cheese sandwiches for a classic comfort food combo
- Side salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness
- Cornbread or biscuits for a Southern-inspired meal
A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits on top also adds extra indulgence if you’re in the mood.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
This soup keeps well and is even more flavorful the next day. Allow the soup to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until hot, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual portions in a covered bowl for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
If you want to freeze the soup, allow it to cool and transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Keep in mind that potatoes may become softer after freezing, but the flavor will remain excellent.
Making Soup from Scratch with Leftovers
Turning leftovers into soup is one of the smartest and most satisfying ways to cook. It gives you a chance to use up ingredients you already have and enjoy something warm and wholesome with minimal effort.
This recipe is a perfect example of how leftover meat and pantry staples like broth and potatoes can be turned into something new and comforting. With just a little chopping and simmering, you can bring new life to yesterday’s meal and create something that feels just as nourishing and intentional as a freshly planned dish.
Leftover Pork Soup Ideas
For more leftover pork soup ideas, check these out:
