I remember those frantic weeknights, staring into the fridge, utterly drained, and the thought of dirtying multiple pots and pans felt like an insurmountable climb. That’s precisely when this Ground Turkey Soup recipe became my superhero. It swoops in, offering warmth, nourishment, and—most importantly for a tired chef—the promise of minimal cleanup. If you’re looking for a hearty, healthy, and genuinely stress-free meal that delivers on flavor while asking very little in return, you’ve just found your new favorite one-pot wonder.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
There are countless reasons why this Ground Turkey Soup deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. First off, it’s a total game-changer for weeknight dinners. Who has the energy for an elaborate meal after a long day? This soup is quick to assemble and then practically cooks itself. Beyond the convenience, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it to what you have on hand or what your family prefers, making it a truly flexible option. And let’s not forget the health factor: lean ground turkey combined with a colorful array of vegetables makes for a genuinely nutritious and satisfying meal, without feeling heavy. It’s the kind of comforting bowl you crave on a chilly evening, yet light enough to enjoy any time of year.
> “This soup is a lifesaver! My kids actually eat their vegetables when they’re in here, and I love that I only have one pot to wash. It’s become a staple in our house.” – A happy home cook
Preparing Ground Turkey Soup
The beauty of this soup lies in its straightforward nature. You’ll start by browning the ground turkey right in your big pot, which lays the flavorful foundation for the entire dish. Once the turkey is cooked, you’ll add your aromatic vegetables – think onions, carrots, and celery – and let them soften, absorbing all those delicious turkey drippings. Then, it’s a matter of adding your liquids, herbs, and any other veggies or starches you like, and letting everything simmer together. This process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and savory broth. Before you know it, you’ll have a steaming pot of delicious, hearty soup ready to warm you from the inside out.
What You’ll Need
To get started on this comforting Ground Turkey Soup, gather these items:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1 cup chopped spinach or kale (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup small pasta (like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or orzo) OR 1 cup cooked rice/quinoa (added at the end)
Directions to Follow
- Brown the Turkey: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot with the cooked turkey. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (with their juice) and the chicken or vegetable broth. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add Pasta/Greens: If using pasta, add it now and cook according to package directions, typically 8-12 minutes, or until al dente. If you’re adding pre-cooked rice or quinoa, you’ll stir that in the last 5 minutes of cooking just to heat through. Stir in the chopped spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking until wilted.
- Taste and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasonings (salt and pepper) if needed. Ladle hot soup into bowls and serve immediately.
What to Serve It With
This Ground Turkey Soup is substantial enough to be a meal all on its own, but a few simple additions can elevate the experience. A crusty piece of bread or a warm, soft dinner roll is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that savory broth. For a little extra texture and freshness, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a dollop of pesto can work wonders. If you’re looking to add another vegetable, a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette would complement the soup beautifully, offering a refreshing contrast to its warmth and heartiness.
Storage and Reheating Tips
One of the great things about this soup is how well it stores, making it perfect for meal prep or those inevitable leftovers. After the soup has cooled completely, transfer it to airtight containers. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
For longer storage, this soup freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags (laying them flat if using bags can save space). It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just be aware that if you’ve added pasta, it might soften a bit more upon reheating after freezing.
To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator (if frozen) and then gently warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions. If the soup seems a little thick after refrigeration or freezing, you can add a splash of extra broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Pro Chef Tips
- Don’t Skimp on Browning: Really take your time to brown the ground turkey properly. Those browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot (the “fond”) are packed with flavor. When you add the broth later, it will “deglaze” the pot, bringing all that deliciousness into your soup.
- Layer Your Flavors: Add your aromatics (onions, carrots, celery) and garlic in stages. Cooking them down after the turkey allows them to absorb the turkey’s flavor and develop their own sweetness, creating a richer base.
- Herbs Make a Difference: Don’t underestimate the power of dried herbs. Italian seasoning is great, but feel free to add bay leaves during simmering and remove them before serving, or a pinch of dried thyme or rosemary. For serving, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro can really brighten up the soup.
- Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the cooked vegetables against the side of the pot with a spoon, or even blend a cup or two of the soup with an immersion blender before stirring it back in.
- Pasta Timing is Key: If you know you’ll have leftovers, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it to individual bowls just before serving. This prevents the pasta from getting mushy and absorbing too much broth when stored. If adding to the whole pot, use small shapes.
Recipe Variations
This basic Ground Turkey Soup recipe is a fantastic springboard for all sorts of creative twists.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a subtle kick, or a chopped jalapeño for more heat. A dash of smoked paprika can also add a wonderful depth.
- Veggie Boost: Feel free to toss in other vegetables you have on hand. Chopped bell peppers, zucchini, green beans, or even corn would be delicious additions. Add heartier vegetables like potatoes or sweet potatoes earlier in the simmering process.
- Bean There, Done That: Add a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas during the last 10 minutes of simmering for extra protein and fiber.
- Grain Swap: Instead of small pasta, you could use quinoa, brown rice, or even farro for a different texture and nutritional profile. Just adjust cooking times accordingly (if using raw grains) or add pre-cooked grains at the end.
- Creamy Comfort: For a richer, creamier soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of plain Greek yogurt just before serving (don’t boil vigorously after adding cream/yogurt).
Common Questions
How can I make this soup gluten-free?
Making this soup gluten-free is very easy! Ensure your chicken or vegetable broth is certified gluten-free. Instead of small pasta, you can use gluten-free pasta, cooked quinoa, or skip the grain entirely and add extra vegetables or beans.
Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! This recipe is very forgiving. Ground chicken is a direct substitute for ground turkey and will yield a similar lean and flavorful result. If using ground beef, opt for a leaner percentage (e.g., 90/10) and ensure you drain any excess fat after browning to prevent the soup from becoming greasy.
My soup is too thin, how can I thicken it?
If your soup is thinner than you’d like, you have a few options. You can continue to simmer it uncovered for a while to allow some liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can create a slurry: mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water until smooth, then stir it into the simmering soup and cook for a few minutes until it thickens. Another trick is to remove about a cup of the soup, mash some of the vegetables with a fork or an immersion blender, and then stir it back into the pot – the starches from the vegetables will help thicken it naturally.
Hearty Ground Turkey and Vegetable Soup
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 2 carrots
- 2 celery stalks
- 2 cloves garlic
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounce) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup frozen green beans
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, then add ground turkey and cook until no longer pink, draining excess fat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes, then stir in dried thyme and basil and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until carrots and celery are tender.
- Stir in frozen corn and green beans and simmer for another 5-7 minutes until heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.