Ground Turkey Vegetable Soup Recipe

Ground turkey vegetable soup is one of those soul-warming dishes that never fails to impress. It’s not just a meal – it’s a wholesome, hearty experience that brings together rich flavors, vibrant vegetables, and lean protein in a way that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, this soup offers a great balance of taste, health, and comfort.

What’s even better is how versatile this soup is. With a few tweaks to the ingredients, you can adjust it to your personal preferences or dietary needs. The combination of ground turkey with fresh vegetables and savory broth creates a mouthwatering, filling dish that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

Let’s dive into the recipe, starting with the ingredients you’ll need to make this comforting bowl of goodness.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making a delicious and healthy ground turkey vegetable soup. This recipe is perfect for meal prep or a cozy dinner, and it’s packed with nutrient-rich veggies and lean protein, making it an ideal dish for both comfort and wellness.

Ingredients Needed

For a flavorful and nutritious soup, here’s a comprehensive list of ingredients that you’ll need:

Ground Turkey: 1 lb – Ground turkey is lean and protein-packed, making it a great alternative to fattier meats. It serves as the base of the soup, absorbing the flavors from the broth and vegetables.
Carrots: 2 large – Carrots add a natural sweetness and color to the soup. They are also a rich source of vitamin A, supporting eye health and skin.
Celery: 2 stalks – Celery contributes a subtle crunch and earthy flavor, making it an essential element of the soup’s vegetable medley.
Onion: 1 medium – Onions are a key aromatic ingredient, providing depth and flavor to the soup. Sautéing them first will bring out their natural sweetness.
Garlic: 2-3 cloves – Garlic adds a wonderful aromatic base that gives the soup its savory undertone.
Zucchini: 1 medium – Zucchini brings a soft texture and mild taste, complementing the other vegetables without overpowering them.
Green Beans: 1 cup – Fresh or frozen green beans offer a satisfying crunch and are rich in fiber, which helps with digestion.
Tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 oz) diced – Canned diced tomatoes provide a tangy and slightly acidic balance to the richness of the broth and ground turkey.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth: 4 cups – The broth is the foundation of the soup, carrying all the flavors and moisture. You can use low-sodium broth to keep the soup lighter.
Bay Leaves: 2 – Bay leaves add an aromatic touch that enhances the overall flavor of the soup as it simmers.
Italian Seasoning: 1 tsp – A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme, Italian seasoning brings warmth and complexity to the soup’s flavor profile.
Salt and Pepper: To taste – These essential seasonings help balance and enhance the overall flavor.
Olive Oil: 1 tbsp – For sautéing the vegetables and turkey, a little olive oil adds a rich texture and healthy fats.

Cooking Instructions

Cooking this ground turkey vegetable soup is a breeze, and the process is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps to create a heartwarming bowl of soup:

Prepare The Ingredients
- Dice the carrots, celery, zucchini, and onion into small, bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic.
- Drain the canned tomatoes and set them aside.
Sauté The Aromatics
- In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften and the onion becomes translucent.
Brown The Ground Turkey
- Push the vegetables to one side of the pot and add the ground turkey to the other side. Cook, breaking the turkey apart with a spoon, until it’s fully browned and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Stir the turkey into the vegetables once it’s browned.
Add Broth And Tomatoes
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and the diced tomatoes. Add the bay leaves, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to combine.
Simmer The Soup
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together.
Add The Zucchini And Green Beans
- After the initial simmer, add the zucchini and green beans to the pot. Continue simmering for another 10-15 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the soup has thickened slightly.
Taste And Adjust
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning, if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to your preference.
Serve And Enjoy
- Remove the bay leaves before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Ingredient Insights

Ground Turkey: It’s a lean protein that’s versatile and easy to cook with. By using ground turkey, you’re cutting down on saturated fat compared to beef or pork, making this soup a healthier option.
Carrots: Rich in beta-carotene, carrots not only provide a vibrant color to the soup, but they also help improve vision and immune function.
Zucchini: This summer squash is low in calories and high in water content, making it a hydrating and light addition to the soup.
Green Beans: Green beans are full of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants, promoting overall health.
Tomatoes: A great source of vitamin C and lycopene, tomatoes are excellent for skin health and immune support.
Broth: Using a flavorful broth – preferably low-sodium – is key to achieving a delicious base for your soup. Broth enhances the taste and helps pull together all the other flavors.

Expert Tips

For a richer broth: Use bone broth instead of regular broth. The extra collagen and nutrients from the bones will give your soup a deeper flavor and extra body.
Add some greens: If you love greens, throw in some spinach or kale towards the end of cooking. These add even more nutrients, and they’ll wilt perfectly in the hot broth.
Boost the protein: To make the soup even heartier, add a can of white beans or chickpeas. They’ll blend seamlessly into the soup and increase the protein content.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to bring a bit of heat to the soup.
Freezer-friendly: This soup is perfect for meal prepping! You can store it in an airtight container and freeze it for up to 3 months. Just defrost and reheat when you’re ready to eat.

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian version, swap the ground turkey for plant-based crumbles or use lentils for protein.
Low-Carb: If you’re following a low-carb diet, reduce the amount of carrots and zucchini or replace them with cauliflower florets and mushrooms.
Spicy Turkey Soup: Kick up the heat by adding some diced jalapeños, a sprinkle of chili powder, or even a spoonful of sriracha to the broth.
Add Grains: If you prefer a heartier soup, you can add some cooked quinoa or brown rice to make it more filling.

Final Words

Ground turkey vegetable soup is an all-around winner when it comes to nutritious, satisfying meals. It’s incredibly flexible, so you can play around with different vegetables, seasonings, and protein options to make it your own. Plus, it’s a meal that you can prepare in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze.

Ground Turkey Vegetable Soup Recipe