Easy Turkey Vegetable Soup Recipe

Turkey Vegetable Soup is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s nourishing, comforting, and just packed with flavor. Plus, it’s the kind of meal that’s both easy to make and versatile enough to adjust based on what you’ve got in your pantry. Whether you’re trying to use up leftover turkey or simply looking for a hearty, healthy soup that won’t take hours to prepare, this recipe is perfect.

What’s even better? You can adjust this soup to your tastes or dietary needs-whether that’s low-carb, gluten-free, or just a great way to get some veggies into your day. So, let’s dive in and explore how to make this delicious soup, step by step.

This recipe is quick, simple, and made with wholesome ingredients that will warm you from the inside out. With savory turkey, fresh vegetables, and a rich broth, it’s an ideal meal for busy weekdays or chilly evenings. Here’s everything you need to know to make this simple yet satisfying soup.

Ingredients Needed

For the soup to come together just right, these ingredients are essential:

Ground Turkey (1 lb) – Lean turkey is the base of the soup, providing protein and a mild flavor that complements the veggies.
Carrots (2 large) – Sweet and tender when cooked, they give a pop of color and flavor.
Celery (2 stalks) – A classic soup veggie, celery adds a refreshing crunch and subtle earthy taste.
Onion (1 medium) – The aromatic backbone of the soup, bringing out the savory notes.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Garlic adds a rich, savory punch that ties all the flavors together.
Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz) – Adds a bit of acidity and sweetness, balancing out the other ingredients.
Green Beans (1 cup) – Fresh or frozen, they provide a great texture and are packed with vitamins.
Corn kernels (1 cup) – Optional but highly recommended for a slight sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the turkey and broth.
Broth (4 cups) – Chicken broth is ideal, but turkey broth works even better if you have it. If you want a vegetarian version, you could use vegetable broth.
Seasonings
- Salt and Black Pepper – To taste, of course! Season generously, but remember you can always adjust as it cooks.
- Italian Seasoning (1 tsp) – A simple way to add depth, blending herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
- Bay Leaves (2) – A key seasoning that infuses the broth with an extra layer of flavor. Don’t forget to remove them before serving!

Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s get down to the cooking part. Here’s how to bring all these ingredients together into one big, hearty pot of soup.

Sauté The Turkey And Veggies
- Heat a large soup pot over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, add the ground turkey. Stir occasionally and cook until browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks (about 6-8 minutes). This helps to develop a rich flavor.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot. Stir everything together and sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables soften and the garlic becomes fragrant. This builds a strong flavor base for your soup.
Add The Broth And Tomatoes
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes (with their juices). Bring everything to a simmer, making sure to scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot (that’s all flavor, baby!). Stir in the Italian seasoning, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
Simmer And Add The Veggies
- Let the soup simmer on low for about 20-30 minutes. The goal here is to allow all the flavors to meld together and for the vegetables to become tender. Check the seasoning halfway through and adjust if necessary.
- In the last 10 minutes of cooking, add the green beans and corn. These don’t need as much time to cook, but they’ll add a satisfying crunch and flavor when they do.
Final Touches
- Taste the soup one last time. Is it rich enough? Does it need more salt, pepper, or a dash of something extra? Now’s the time to make any adjustments.
- Once everything is cooked through, discard the bay leaves, and your soup is ready to serve!

Ingredient Insights

Every ingredient in this soup brings something special to the table. Let’s take a closer look at why these ingredients work so well together:

Ground Turkey: It’s a lean protein, making it perfect for a healthy soup. Plus, its mild flavor allows the vegetables and broth to shine.
Carrots: They’re packed with beta-carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A, great for eye health. Carrots also add a slight sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
Celery: Known for its high water content, celery helps create a light and refreshing base for the soup. It also provides fiber and antioxidants.
Garlic and Onion: These two aromatics are foundational in almost every savory dish. They form the flavor base, offering depth and umami while supporting digestion and immune function.
Green Beans: Full of fiber and vitamins A, C, and K, green beans add a nice texture contrast to the softer ingredients like carrots and turkey.
Corn: This sweet ingredient balances the soup’s flavors and adds another layer of texture. Plus, it’s rich in antioxidants and fiber.

Expert Tips

A few tips from the pros can help elevate this soup to the next level:

Use Leftover Turkey: If you have some turkey leftovers, feel free to shred or dice them and add them in. It saves time and adds even more turkey flavor to the soup.
Add Greens: For extra nutrition, you can toss in some spinach or kale near the end of cooking. They’ll wilt down into the soup, adding vitamins without overwhelming the flavor.
Make it Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, throw in some crushed red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño when sautéing the veggies.
Don’t Skip the Bay Leaves: It’s a small touch, but bay leaves can truly elevate the broth with their subtle, herbal aroma. Just remember to remove them before serving!

Recipe Variations

Want to mix things up? Here are a few variations you can try:

Zucchini & Squash: Swap in zucchini and yellow squash for a change of pace. They’ll add a fresh, summer-like flavor that works perfectly with turkey.
Sweet Potato: Add diced sweet potatoes for a hearty, slightly sweet addition that pairs well with the savory turkey and veggies.
Cabbage: For a more filling soup, consider adding some chopped cabbage. It’ll add bulk and texture while keeping the soup light.
Spicy Turkey Soup: For a spicier twist, incorporate chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, or some diced green chilies into the base. This adds a smoky heat to balance the turkey’s mildness.

Final Words

This Turkey Vegetable Soup is the ultimate in cozy comfort. It’s incredibly easy to make, yet so satisfying and nutritious. It’s the kind of recipe that can be tweaked to suit whatever you have on hand, and it’s perfect for meal prep or a quick dinner during the week. With its combination of lean turkey, fresh veggies, and a rich, flavorful broth, it’s a bowl of goodness that’ll leave you feeling nourished and happy.

Easy Turkey Vegetable Soup Recipe