There is something undeniably comforting about a bowl of homemade soup that warms you from the inside out, and this Ground Turkey Soup Recipe hits all the right notes. Combining lean ground turkey with vibrant vegetables and fragrant herbs, it’s a flavorful and healthy meal that feels both nourishing and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a cozy meal to share with friends, this soup brings together simple ingredients in a way that’s hearty, colorful, and utterly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Ground Turkey Soup Recipe comes together with straightforward, wholesome ingredients that each add a unique touch to the final dish, creating a beautiful balance of flavor, texture, and color.
- 1 pound ground turkey: The lean protein base that makes the soup hearty without heaviness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps brown the turkey and adds a subtle richness.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth when softened.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings its unmistakable aromatic punch to the pot.
- 3 medium carrots, sliced: Provide a touch of natural sweetness and bright orange color.
- 2 stalks celery, chopped: Adds a gentle crunch and savory undertones.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties everything together.
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes: Infuses the soup with a subtle tang and vibrant hue.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers a delicate earthiness to complement the meat.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Gives the soup a warm, herbal aroma.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all other flavors in perfect harmony.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a little mild heat and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Lends a smoky warmth and beautiful color.
- 1 cup green beans, chopped: Bring freshness and a slight bite to the mix.
- 1/2 cup corn kernels: Sweet bursts of texture and color.
- 1/2 cup peas: Sweet and tender, they round out the vegetable medley.
How to Make Ground Turkey Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Turkey
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and adding the olive oil. Once shimmering, add the ground turkey. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until it is nicely browned and no longer pink. This step builds the foundation of flavor, so take your time to get a good sear.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Remove the turkey from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook it until soft and translucent—about 3 to 4 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds, releasing its wonderful aroma without burning.
Step 3: Cook the Base Vegetables
Add sliced carrots and chopped celery to the pot, stirring and cooking them for roughly 5 minutes. These vegetables will start to soften and develop natural sweetness here, creating a rich base for the soup.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Seasonings
Pour in the chicken broth along with the entire can of diced tomatoes, juice and all. Sprinkle in dried thyme, oregano, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir to mix all those beautiful flavors, then bring the soup to a gentle simmer before lowering the heat.
Step 5: Simmer and Tenderize
Let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the carrots and celery to become tender while the herbs infuse the broth with their delightful aromas. This simmering time is key for melding the flavors perfectly.
Step 6: Add Remaining Vegetables and Finish Cooking
Stir in the chopped green beans, corn, and peas. Continue to simmer the soup for another 5 to 7 minutes, until the green beans have just softened and the peas are warmed through. Give it a final taste and adjust seasoning as needed to suit your palate.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once everything is perfectly cooked and seasoned, ladle the soup into bowls and prepare to enjoy one of the coziest, most comforting meals you can make with simple ingredients.
How to Serve Ground Turkey Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few thoughtful garnishes can elevate this soup from everyday to extraordinary. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a pinch of red pepper flakes can brighten flavors and add a bit of visual flair. A dollop of sour cream or a swirl of plain yogurt also makes the soup creamy and luxurious.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls, perfect for dunking and soaking up every last drop. For a light meal, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the hearty richness of the soup. You can also serve it alongside a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort food combo.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls for a playful presentation that guests will love. You could also top each bowl with a handful of crunchy homemade croutons or crispy bacon bits to add an unexpected burst of texture. Layering chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan right before serving adds an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Ground Turkey Soup Recipe holds up beautifully in the fridge. After allowing the soup to cool completely, transfer it to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making leftovers taste even better the next day.
Freezing
You can easily freeze this soup for longer storage. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, leaving some room for expansion. Frozen soup keeps well for up to three months and can be a lifesaver for quick meals on busy days.
Reheating
To warm leftover soup, gently heat it in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until piping hot. Add a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick. Microwaving works too, just cover the bowl and heat in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heat.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken can be substituted one-for-one with ground turkey in this recipe and will yield a similarly delicious, lean soup that’s just as comforting.
Is this soup spicy?
This Ground Turkey Soup Recipe is mild and warming rather than spicy. However, you can easily add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you want to give it a little kick.
Can I add noodles or rice?
Yes! Adding cooked noodles or rice can make the soup heartier. Add them near the end of cooking or stir in cooked grains just before serving to prevent them from becoming mushy.
What if I’m short on time?
You can speed things up by using pre-chopped vegetables and cooking the turkey in a wider pan to brown it faster. Just be mindful to allow enough simmering time for flavors to develop fully.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Ground Turkey Soup Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and avoid any contaminated canned ingredients.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—an easy, wholesome, and absolutely delicious Ground Turkey Soup Recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s nourishing, vibrant, and perfect for any occasion where comfort food is called for. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and experience the cozy joy it brings with every spoonful!
Print
Ground Turkey Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 45m
- Total Time: 1h 0m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This hearty Ground Turkey Soup is a wholesome and comforting meal packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner, it combines ground turkey with a medley of carrots, celery, green beans, corn, and peas simmered in a flavorful tomato and chicken broth base.
Ingredients
Meat & Oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
- 1/2 cup peas
Liquids & Canned Goods
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat a large pot over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to warm it up for cooking.
- Cook the turkey: Add the 1 pound of ground turkey to the hot pot and cook it by breaking it apart with a spoon until browned and no longer pink.
- Remove turkey: Take the cooked turkey out of the pot and set it aside to add back later.
- Sauté onion: In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Cook carrots and celery: Add sliced carrots and chopped celery, cooking for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add liquids and tomatoes: Pour in 4 cups chicken broth and the entire can of diced tomatoes with their juice.
- Season the soup: Stir in dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and paprika to build flavor.
- Simmer: Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Add remaining vegetables: Stir in chopped green beans, corn kernels, and peas.
- Continue simmering: Cook for another 5 to 7 minutes until green beans are tender and peas are heated through.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and add more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen green beans, corn, and peas depending on availability.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- For a lower sodium version, use low-sodium chicken broth and adjust added salt accordingly.
- Adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving can brighten the flavors.
