Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ground Turkey Soup is a healthy and satisfying alternative to heavier soups. It comes together quickly, uses simple ingredients, and can be easily customized with your favorite vegetables or grains. The ground turkey adds a mild, savory flavor and makes this soup rich in protein while keeping it low in fat. Plus, it’s great for making ahead and tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

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

Ground turkey
Olive oil
Onion
Garlic
Carrots
Celery
Diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
Tomato paste (optional for depth)
Chicken or vegetable broth
Zucchini or spinach (optional add-ins)
Dried Italian herbs or seasoning blend
Bay leaf
Salt
Black pepper
Cooked pasta, rice, or beans (optional)
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
Add garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for another 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
Stir in tomato paste (if using), diced tomatoes, and seasonings. Cook for 2–3 minutes to blend the flavors.
Pour in the broth and add the bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes.
Stir in zucchini or spinach if using, and cook for another 5 minutes until tender.
Add cooked pasta, rice, or beans if desired for a more filling soup.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Low-Carb: Skip pasta or rice and add more non-starchy vegetables like cabbage or cauliflower.
Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a kick.
Mexican-Inspired: Use cumin, chili powder, and corn; top with avocado and lime.
Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk for a richer broth.
Grain-Free: Use riced cauliflower instead of grains.
Different Protein: Substitute ground chicken or beef if preferred.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover Ground Turkey Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. This soup also freezes well — freeze in individual portions or a large container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as needed. If using pasta or rice, consider adding it fresh after thawing to avoid sogginess.

FAQs

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen veggies work great and save time. Just add them during the last 10–15 minutes of simmering.

What’s the best type of ground turkey to use?

Use lean ground turkey (93% lean) for a good balance of flavor and health. Avoid extra lean if you want more richness.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, it stores and reheats beautifully. In fact, the flavors improve after a day.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, brown the turkey and aromatics first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.

Can I add pasta or rice?

Absolutely. Add cooked pasta, rice, or quinoa at the end, or cook them directly in the soup with extra broth.

How do I make this soup thicker?

Let it simmer uncovered to reduce the broth or add a tablespoon of tomato paste or mashed beans for extra body.

Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Yes, freeze it without pasta or rice for best texture, and add those fresh when reheating.

What other veggies can I use?

Green beans, bell peppers, kale, cabbage, or corn all work well in this soup.

Can I make it spicy?

Yes, add crushed red pepper, cayenne, or diced chili peppers to taste.

How do I keep the turkey from drying out?

Avoid overcooking. Brown it just until cooked through, then let it finish cooking in the broth.

Conclusion

Ground Turkey Soup is a light yet hearty dish that checks all the boxes: healthy, easy to make, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick family dinner or a warm, nutritious meal prep option, this soup delivers. With endless ways to customize it, this recipe will easily become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

Ground Turkey Soup

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Ground Turkey Soup is a healthy, protein-rich, and comforting one-pot meal made with lean ground turkey, vegetables, and flavorful broth. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
Add garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for another 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
Stir in tomato paste (if using), diced tomatoes, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes to blend the flavors.
Pour in broth and add bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes.
Add zucchini or spinach if using and simmer for another 5 minutes until tender.
Stir in cooked pasta, rice, or beans (if using) and heat through.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove bay leaf before serving.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

For a low-carb version, skip pasta/rice and add extra non-starchy veggies like cabbage or cauliflower.
Use lean ground turkey (93%) for better texture and flavor.
Freeze soup without grains for best texture — add pasta/rice after reheating.
Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes or diced chili peppers.
Great for meal prep — flavors improve after a day in the fridge.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 270
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 24g
Cholesterol: 60mg