Ground Turkey Soup is a comforting and healthy meal that’s perfect for any day. Made with lean ground turkey, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful broth, this soup is easy to prepare and packed with protein. It’s a quick, satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Why We Love This Ground Turkey Soup
Ground Turkey Soup is one of those recipes that’s not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this soup hits all the right notes. Here’s why we love it:
- Healthy & Low-Fat: Ground turkey is a lean protein, making this soup a great choice for those looking to enjoy a satisfying meal without the extra fat. It’s a perfect option for anyone trying to eat healthier or reduce their calorie intake.
- Packed with Protein: Thanks to the ground turkey, this soup is full of protein, helping to keep you full and satisfied longer. It’s an ideal choice for anyone needing a quick, nutritious boost after a workout or a busy day.
- One-Pot Simplicity: No need for a bunch of pots and pans! This ground turkey soup is made in one pot, saving you time on cleanup. Plus, the ingredients come together beautifully, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly.
- Versatile & Customizable: You can add your favorite vegetables, beans, or even grains like quinoa or rice. Want to make it a bit spicier? Just throw in some chili flakes or hot sauce—this soup is all about making it your own.
- Quick & Easy: With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up this nutritious and hearty soup in under 30 minutes. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a wholesome meal fast.
Ingredients for ground turkey soup
Making this Ground Turkey Soup is simple and requires just a few wholesome ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need to get started:
Ground turkey – The main protein in this ground turkey soup. It’s lean, filling, and adds great flavor.
Olive oil – Used to cook the turkey and vegetables. Adds a light, healthy base.
Onion – Gives the soup a mild sweetness and depth. Yellow onion works best.
Celery – Adds flavor and balances the texture in this ground turkey soup.
Zucchini – Makes the soup feel hearty without being heavy.
Chicken broth – Forms the soup base. Low-sodium broth gives better control over seasoning.
Diced tomatoes – Add brightness and texture. Go with no-salt-added if you prefer.
Thyme and oregano – Simple dried herbs that give the soup warmth and depth.
Spinach – Stir in fresh spinach at the end for color and nutrients.
Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to bring this Ground Turkey Soup to life. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious, hearty meal in no time!
Sauté the vegetables – In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until soft.
Cook the turkey – Add ground turkey. Break it up and cook for 6–8 minutes until browned.
Add broth and seasoning – Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Stir in thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 10–15 minutes.
Add zucchini and spinach – Stir in zucchini and spinach. Cook for 3–5 minutes until tender.
Adjust seasoning – Taste and add more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.
Serve – Ladle into bowls and enjoy your warm ground turkey soup.
Pro Tips for Ground Turkey Soup
Want to take your Ground Turkey Soup to the next level? Here are some pro tips to make sure your soup turns out perfect every time:
Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: When cooking the ground turkey, make sure to break it into small pieces as it cooks. If the pot is overcrowded, the turkey might steam instead of browning, which can affect the texture and flavor. A well-browned turkey adds a depth of flavor that makes a big difference!
Enhance the Flavor with Herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary, basil, or parsley can add a pop of flavor to your soup. If you have fresh herbs on hand, toss them in towards the end of cooking for a fresh, vibrant taste. Dried herbs work great too, just remember to adjust the quantities as dried herbs tend to be more concentrated.
Use Homemade Broth for Extra Richness: While store-bought broth is convenient, homemade chicken or vegetable broth can elevate the flavor of your soup. If you have the time, making your own broth adds richness and depth that pre-packaged versions can’t match.
Add a Little Heat: If you enjoy a bit of spice, add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño along with the vegetables for an extra kick. This will give your soup a pleasant, warming heat without overwhelming the flavor.
Customize the Veggies: The beauty of this soup lies in its flexibility. Feel free to swap out the zucchini for other veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or even sweet potatoes for a unique twist. Adding a variety of colorful vegetables not only boosts the nutrition but also makes the soup visually appealing.
Make It a Meal: For an even heartier dish, add some cooked quinoa, rice, or small pasta like orzo. This turns your soup into a complete meal that’s even more filling and satisfying.
Store & Reheat Well: Leftovers? No problem! This soup stores beautifully in the fridge for 3-4 days and actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, and add a splash of broth if it’s too thick.
Variations
One of the best things about Ground Turkey Soup is how adaptable it is. You can easily make this soup your own by swapping in different ingredients or tweaking the seasonings to suit your taste. Here are some great variations to try:
Add Beans for Extra Protein: If you want to make the soup even heartier, add a can of beans—like black beans, cannellini beans, or kidney beans. Not only will they boost the protein content, but they’ll also add a satisfying texture and flavor.
Go Low-Carb: For a keto-friendly option, skip the carrots and potatoes and focus on low-carb vegetables like spinach, kale, and cauliflower. Cauliflower rice is a great substitute if you’re craving a bit of texture without the carbs.
Swap in Ground Chicken: If you prefer ground chicken, it’s an easy swap. The flavor and texture will be similar, but ground chicken tends to be a bit lighter than turkey, giving the soup a slightly different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
For a simple and satisfying meal, pair your Ground Turkey Soup with these two delicious options:
Serve with Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty bread is the perfect companion to your soup. A fresh baguette or sourdough works wonders for dipping into the rich, flavorful broth. The bread absorbs the soup’s essence, adding a hearty touch to each bite.
Pair with a Protein: To make your meal even more filling, serve your soup with a protein side. Grilled chicken breast, roasted shrimp, or even a hard-boiled egg would be excellent choices to complement the soup’s flavors and add an extra layer of satisfaction.
FAQs about ground turkey soup
Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey in this soup?
Yes, you can easily swap ground turkey for ground beef if you prefer a richer, heartier flavor. Just keep in mind that ground beef has a higher fat content, so you may want to drain excess fat after cooking to keep the soup from becoming too greasy.
How do I store leftovers of Ground Turkey Soup?
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to thin it out if needed.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! To make this soup in a slow cooker, simply brown the turkey and then add it along with the remaining ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Is Ground Turkey Soup spicy?
This recipe is not overly spicy, but you can easily adjust the heat level to your preference. Add more chili flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to spice it up to your liking.
ground turkey soup
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey lean, for a healthier option
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 carrots peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 1 zucchini diced
- 4 cups chicken broth low-sodium for a lighter soup
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, for a hearty twist
Instructions
- Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.
- Cook the ground turkey: Add the ground turkey to the pot and break it up with a spoon. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, or until the turkey is browned and fully cooked through. Make sure to stir occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly.
- Add the broth and seasonings: Once the turkey is cooked, add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir everything together and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and the soup to thicken slightly.
- Add the zucchini and spinach: Toss in the diced zucchini and fresh spinach (or kale if you prefer). Stir well and cook for another 3-5 minutes, just until the vegetables are tender and the spinach wilts.
- Taste and adjust seasoning: Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add a little more salt, pepper, or herbs depending on your preference.
- Serve and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls, and you’re ready to enjoy a warm, nutritious meal!