If you are craving a bowl of comforting, rich, and satisfying soup, look no further than this Hearty Creamy Ground Turkey Tortilla Soup Recipe. It’s the perfect combination of wholesome ground turkey, creamy cheese, and vibrant veggies all swimming in a delightfully spiced broth. This soup strikes an incredible balance between hearty and smooth textures, making it a standout option for both weeknight dinners and casual entertaining. Once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this velvety, flavor-packed soup in your kitchen repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Hearty Creamy Ground Turkey Tortilla Soup Recipe is built on simple, everyday ingredients that each bring their own magic to the bowl. From the fresh diced roma tomatoes adding brightness, to the warm, earthy cumin creating a cozy depth, every item has a role that spices up the texture and taste while keeping things incredibly approachable.
- 12 oz ground turkey: The lean protein foundation that keeps the soup hearty without heaviness.
- 1 tsp olive oil: Used to brown the turkey and enhance the soup’s overall richness.
- 2 roma tomatoes: Finely diced for a fresh burst of color and juiciness.
- 1 tbsp tomato puree: Adds concentrated tomato flavor and a gentle thickness.
- 4 oz black beans: Packed with fiber and texture, they create satisfying bites throughout.
- 3 oz corn: Sweet kernels bring a pop of natural sweetness and crunch.
- 1.5 oz cream cheese: Softened to melt beautifully, giving the soup its signature creamy texture.
- 5 fl. oz enchilada sauce: The soul of the soup, delivering the perfect balance of spice and smoky flavor.
- 0.5 cup water: To loosen the soup and create a silky broth.
- 0.25 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1 pinch pepper: Adds just a little background heat and complexity.
- 0.25 tsp ground cumin: Brings warmth and depth that beautifully complement the turkey and veggies.
- 2 oz sour cream: For tanginess and extra creaminess at the end.
- 1 oz cheese blend: A Mexican cheese blend melts perfectly and enriches the soup’s body.
- 0.5 oz tortilla strips: Adds crisp texture and an iconic tortilla soup finish.
How to Make Hearty Creamy Ground Turkey Tortilla Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Turkey
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until it is fully browned and no longer pink. This step forms the hearty base layer of flavor for your soup, so make sure to give the turkey a nice, even browning for that savory punch.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Tomato Puree
Next, stir in the finely diced roma tomatoes and tomato puree directly into the turkey. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the tomatoes soften and meld with the meat. This combination adds a rich, tangy note and bright color that really wakes up the dish.
Step 3: Incorporate Black Beans, Corn, and Spices
Now it’s time to add the black beans and corn, followed by salt, pepper, and ground cumin. Give everything a good stir to combine. These ingredients not only boost the texture and heartiness but also contribute a lovely balance of sweet and earthy flavors that give this soup character.
Step 4: Pour in Enchilada Sauce and Water
Pour the enchilada sauce and water into the pot. These liquids bring moisture and a subtle spicy smokiness to the soup, creating the luscious broth you want. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer so all the flavors have a chance to chat and blend together beautifully.
Step 5: Add Cream Cheese and Cheese Blend
Once the soup is simmering, add the softened cream cheese and cheese blend. Stir continuously as the cheeses melt to create that signature creamy texture that makes this soup truly irresistible. This is where your Hearty Creamy Ground Turkey Tortilla Soup Recipe gets its luxurious body.
Step 6: Finish with Sour Cream and Tortilla Strips
Finally, stir in the sour cream for a subtle tang and even more creaminess. Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle tortilla strips on top for a fun, crunchy contrast. These last touches elevate the dish from lovely to unforgettable.
How to Serve Hearty Creamy Ground Turkey Tortilla Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To truly celebrate this Hearty Creamy Ground Turkey Tortilla Soup Recipe, garnish generously! Fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, or a squeeze of lime juice makes fantastic additions that brighten up every spoonful. You can also add chopped green onions or a dash of hot sauce if you like to kick up the heat.
Side Dishes
This soup shines on its own but pairs beautifully with warm cornbread or crispy tortilla chips for dipping. A simple side salad with lime vinaigrette can also provide a refreshing balance that complements the soup’s creamy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this soup in a bread bowl or layer it in a clear glass mug to showcase the colorful ingredients. You could even top with a dollop of guacamole or spicy pico de gallo to turn your bowl into a vibrant fiesta for the eyes and palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to three days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers a delicious second helping that only tastes better with time.
Freezing
If you want to save this Hearty Creamy Ground Turkey Tortilla Soup Recipe for later, it freezes beautifully. Just cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and it’ll keep for about 2 to 3 months. Remember that the tortilla strips are best added fresh upon serving for maximum crunch.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the creamy cheese from separating. Adding a splash of water or broth can help revive the soup’s luscious consistency.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken will work just as well and still keep the soup light and flavorful. Just follow the same browning process to build your base.
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
Yes! You can substitute the ground turkey with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or add extra beans to maintain that filling texture. Using vegetable broth instead of water enhances the flavor for a meatless option.
Can I make this soup spicy?
Definitely. To spice things up, try adding chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the cumin. You can also use a spicier enchilada sauce to turn up the heat.
What can I substitute for enchilada sauce?
If you don’t have enchilada sauce on hand, a combination of tomato sauce mixed with chili powder, garlic, and cumin makes a great homemade replacement in this recipe.
Why does the recipe use cream cheese?
Cream cheese adds a lovely creaminess without making the soup too heavy. It melts smoothly and blends perfectly with the spices and turkey, making each spoonful ultra comforting.
Final Thoughts
This Hearty Creamy Ground Turkey Tortilla Soup Recipe is a warm hug in a bowl that you will want to make again and again. It’s straightforward to prepare but packed with layers of flavor that feel lovingly indulgent. Whether you’re feeding your family or impressing friends, this soup will quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Hearty Creamy Ground Turkey Tortilla Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Hearty Creamy Ground Turkey Tortilla Soup is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines lean ground turkey with black beans, corn, and a creamy tomato base. Enhanced with enchilada sauce and softened cream cheese, it delivers a rich, spicy, and satisfying meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Topped with a blend of cheese, sour cream, and crispy tortilla strips, this soup offers a tasty Mexican-inspired twist that is both nutritious and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Protein and Base
- 12 oz ground turkey
- 1 tsp olive oil
Vegetables and Beans
- 2 roma tomatoes, finely diced (about 1/4-inch pieces)
- 4 oz black beans
- 3 oz corn
Sauces and Dairy
- 1 tbsp tomato puree
- 5 fl. oz enchilada sauce (preferably Old El Paso)
- 1.5 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 2 oz sour cream
- 1 oz Mexican cheese blend
Liquids and Seasonings
- 0.5 cup water
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
- 0.25 tsp ground cumin
Toppings
- 0.5 oz tortilla strips
Instructions
- Cook the ground turkey: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add tomatoes and tomato puree: Stir in the diced roma tomatoes and tomato puree. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.
- Add beans, corn, and enchilada sauce: Mix in the black beans, corn, and enchilada sauce. Stir well to combine and distribute the flavors evenly.
- Add cream cheese and water: Add the softened cream cheese and water to the pot. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated, creating a creamy soup base.
- Season the soup: Add salt, pepper, and ground cumin. Stir well and let the soup simmer gently over low heat for 8-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Add cheese blend: Sprinkle the Mexican cheese blend into the soup, stirring until it melts smoothly into the broth.
- Serve with toppings: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream and a handful of crispy tortilla strips for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a dash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños.
- You can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Use low-sodium enchilada sauce to control salt content.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- For gluten-free, ensure the tortilla strips are certified gluten-free.
