If you’re craving something comforting, nourishing, and bursting with vibrant flavors, this Wholesome Ground Turkey Veggie Soup Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Packed with tender ground turkey, colorful vegetables, and a rich tomato base, it offers a satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for an easy dinner to please the family, this soup is a delightful way to enjoy a hearty, healthy dish that’s as wholesome as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Wholesome Ground Turkey Veggie Soup Recipe plays a key role, from building layers of flavor to adding texture and nourishment. The fresh vegetables bring brightness and crunch, while the ground turkey adds lean protein, and the herbs enhance the aroma with subtle depth.
- 1.25 lb ground turkey: Lean and tender, it provides the perfect protein base without being heavy.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing, adding a silky richness that wakes up the flavors.
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds: They bring sweetness and a slight crunch that contrasts nicely with the tender meat.
- 2 celery stalks: Adds an aromatic freshness and slight earthiness that balances the soup.
- 3 potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes: Their creamy texture makes the soup hearty and filling.
- 1 large onion, finely diced into 1/4-inch pieces: The foundational flavor that adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 14.5 oz canned diced tomatoes: Opt for fire-roasted to introduce smoky nuances and vibrant acidity.
- 6 oz tomato paste: Concentrated tomato goodness that thickens the broth and intensifies flavor.
- 6 cups broth (low-sodium chicken broth recommended): The soul of any great soup, creating a savory, comforting base.
- 15 oz canned corn: Sweet bursts of flavor and appealing texture contrast.
- 14 oz canned green beans: Adds earthiness and color for a visually pleasing bowl.
- 4 garlic cloves, freshly minced: The star aromatic that adds warmth and zest.
- 1/2 tsp thyme: Herbaceous notes that complement the turkey perfectly.
- 1/2 tsp oregano: Adds a hint of Mediterranean flair to the soup.
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika: Smoky warmth that deepens and rounds out the flavors.
- 1 bay leaf: Subtle background layer of earthiness and complexity.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the ingredients together.
How to Make Wholesome Ground Turkey Veggie Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Ground Turkey
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until they’re soft and fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes. This step is crucial as it builds the flavor foundation for the soup. Then, add the ground turkey, breaking it up with your spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, which locks in the juicy protein that will make this soup satisfying.
Step 2: Add Vegetables and Herbs
Next, it’s time for the vibrant vegetables! Toss in the sliced carrots, chopped celery, and cubed potatoes, stirring them through the turkey and onions to combine. Add thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, and the bay leaf now so they can slowly infuse the broth. This layering of ingredients allows the flavors to meld beautifully as the soup simmers.
Step 3: Stir in Tomato Elements and Broth
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring well to evenly distribute the rich tomato flavors throughout the pot. Follow with the low-sodium chicken broth, which will form the hearty soup base. Bring the entire mixture to a gentle boil before lowering the heat to let it simmer softly and develop deep, comforting flavors over the next 25 to 30 minutes.
Step 4: Incorporate Canned Vegetables and Season
About 10 minutes before you’re ready to serve, add the canned corn and green beans, giving them just enough time to heat through and maintain their texture and color. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking—this final step enhances all the previous flavors and ensures each spoonful delivers a perfect balance.
How to Serve Wholesome Ground Turkey Veggie Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your bowl by topping it with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. A little swirl of plain yogurt or sour cream also adds a lovely creamy finish. These simple garnishes make the soup feel extra special and inviting at the table.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls, perfect for dunking and soaking up every last bit of the flavorful broth. A crisp green salad or simple roasted vegetables complement the wholesome, hearty nature of the soup without overwhelming it.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving this soup in bread bowls for a rustic, cozy presentation that guests love. Alternatively, ladle the soup over cooked grains such as quinoa or brown rice for a more filling meal. For a fun twist, top with crumbled tortilla chips and a squeeze of fresh lime juice to add a bit of crunch and zing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Wholesome Ground Turkey Veggie Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve freshness and ensure the flavors stay vibrant.
Freezing
To enjoy the soup another day, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It can last up to three months frozen without losing its delicious taste or texture, making it a perfect meal prep option.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened too much as it cools. This will restore its comforting, broth-forward quality every time.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well and offers a similarly mild flavor that complements the veggies and broth. Just be sure to adjust cooking times if needed to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap ground turkey for plant-based crumbles or simply increase the variety of vegetables and add beans or lentils for protein. Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
Fresh green beans are a fantastic option if you prefer. Just blanch them briefly before adding to the soup in the final minutes to keep their vibrant color and slight crunch intact.
How spicy is this soup?
This recipe is mild in spice, with smoky paprika adding warmth but no heat. You can spice it up by adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper if you like some kick.
What’s the best way to thicken the soup if it’s too watery?
If you want a thicker consistency, you can mash a few of the potatoes inside the soup or stir in a small amount of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) during the last few minutes of cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Wholesome Ground Turkey Veggie Soup Recipe is a lovely, feel-good dish that never fails to bring comfort in every spoonful. It’s simple to make, packed with nutrients, and flexible enough to adapt to whatever you have on hand. I really hope you give it a try soon—it’s the kind of soup that warms the soul and delights the taste buds every time.
Print
Wholesome Ground Turkey Veggie Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Wholesome Ground Turkey Veggie Soup is a hearty and nutritious one-pot meal packed with lean ground turkey, fresh vegetables, and rich tomato flavors. Perfect for a comforting lunch or dinner, this soup combines protein and vegetables in a savory broth seasoned with herbs and spices, making it both satisfying and healthful.
Ingredients
Meat and Oil
- 1.25 lb ground turkey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Vegetables
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, finely diced into 1/4-inch pieces
- 4 garlic cloves, freshly minced
Canned Goods
- 14.5 oz canned diced tomatoes (preferably fire roasted)
- 6 oz tomato paste
- 15 oz canned corn, drained
- 14 oz canned green beans, drained
Liquids and Broth
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Seasonings
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables and ground turkey: Peel and slice the carrots, dice the celery and onion, peel and cube the potatoes, and mince the garlic cloves. This preparation ensures even cooking and balanced flavors in the soup.
- Sauté the turkey and aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Then, add the diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add vegetables and seasonings: Stir in the sliced carrots, celery, and potatoes along with thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the ingredients with the seasonings.
- Incorporate tomatoes and broth: Add the diced tomatoes and tomato paste to the pot, stirring to combine. Pour in the 6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, ensuring the ingredients are submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the soup: Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer gently for about 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and flavors meld together.
- Add canned corn and green beans: Stir in the drained canned corn and green beans and cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat through without overcooking the vegetables.
- Finalize and serve: Remove the bay leaf, taste the soup, and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot for a wholesome and comforting meal.
Notes
- Use low-sodium broth to control the salt content and keep the soup heart-healthy.
- Fire-roasted diced tomatoes add depth of flavor but regular diced tomatoes can also be used.
- Feel free to swap ground turkey with lean ground chicken or ground beef if preferred.
- For a thicker soup, reduce the broth quantity slightly or simmer uncovered toward the end.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.
