This hearty and nutritious soup is packed with lean ground turkey, fresh vegetables, and an aromatic blend of spices. It’s a perfect dish for cozy dinners, meal prep, or even feeding a crowd. With its flavorful broth and comforting ingredients, it’s sure to warm you up from the inside out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthy and filling: The ground turkey offers a lean protein source, while the variety of vegetables ensures a nutrient-packed dish.
Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is quick to prepare and perfect for beginners or busy cooks.
Customizable: Feel free to swap vegetables or adjust the seasonings to your personal preference.

Ground Turkey and Vegetable Soup

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 pounds ground turkey
1 large onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, smashed and minced (at least 1 tablespoon)
2 & 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
1 teaspoon basil
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or 6 fresh thyme sprigs
10-12 cups chicken or turkey broth
4-5 large carrots, chopped
1 & 1/2 cups celery, chopped
1 sweet potato, peeled and chopped
2 cups coleslaw cabbage, or more to taste
1 (14-oz) can diced tomatoes (fire roasted recommended)
1 (14-oz) can white beans
1 zucchini, chopped
1 yellow squash, chopped
Chopped parsley, to garnish (optional; low calorie)
Pesto, to garnish individual bowls (optional; not low calorie)
Parmesan cheese to garnish, optional (not low cal)

directions

Cook the ground turkey: In a large pot, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Sauté the aromatics: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot with the turkey. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Season the soup: Stir in the kosher salt, black pepper, oregano, garlic powder, smoked paprika, celery seed, basil, crushed red pepper, and thyme. Cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the spices to bloom.
Add the broth and vegetables: Pour in the chicken or turkey broth, then add the chopped carrots, celery, sweet potato, and cabbage. Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Let the soup cook for 15 minutes.
Add the remaining vegetables: Stir in the diced tomatoes, white beans, zucchini, and yellow squash. Continue to simmer the soup for another 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Adjust the seasonings: Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings if necessary. Add more salt, pepper, or crushed red pepper to your liking.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley, a dollop of pesto, and grated parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and timing

Servings: 8-10 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35–40 minutes
Total time: 50–55 minutes

Variations

Add more greens: Add spinach, kale, or Swiss chard for extra greens and nutrition.
Change up the protein: Substitute ground chicken or even ground beef for the turkey.
Make it spicier: Add more crushed red pepper or a dash of hot sauce to kick up the heat.

storage/reheating

To store: Cool the soup completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat: Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the entire pot on the stove over low heat, adding a bit more broth if necessary.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen vegetables can be used. Just add them towards the end of cooking to avoid overcooking them.

2. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, brown the turkey and sauté the onions and garlic first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

3. Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Ground chicken or beef would work well in place of turkey.

4. Can I add more beans?

Yes, you can add more beans, such as kidney beans or chickpeas, to make the soup heartier.

5. Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then store in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.

6. Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, this soup is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure the broth and any added ingredients are gluten-free.

7. Can I make this soup spicier?

Yes! Increase the crushed red pepper or add a few dashes of hot sauce to suit your spice preference.

8. Can I make this soup vegan?

To make it vegan, replace the ground turkey with a plant-based protein (like crumbled tempeh or tofu) and use vegetable broth instead of chicken or turkey broth.

9. How can I make this soup more filling?

Add more starchy vegetables like potatoes or beans for extra heartiness, or serve it with crusty bread on the side.

10. What should I serve this soup with?

This soup pairs well with a side of crusty bread, a fresh salad, or even a grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting meal.

Conclusion

This Ground Turkey and Vegetable Soup is an easy-to-make, filling, and nutritious dish that’s perfect for chilly days or meal prep. The lean turkey, fresh vegetables, and savory seasonings create a flavorful, hearty soup that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you enjoy it with a bit of pesto and parmesan or keep it light with fresh parsley, this soup is bound to become a favorite in your household!