Turkey Vegetable Soup

Turkey Vegetable Soup is the perfect comfort food, especially when you’re looking for a nutritious meal. This hearty soup is loaded with vegetables and lean ground turkey, making it a great choice for weight loss or simply enjoying a healthy dish. Its rich flavors and satisfying texture will impress your family and friends on any occasion, whether it’s a cozy dinner or a meal prep for the week ahead.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Low Calorie Delight: This Turkey Vegetable Soup is packed with nutritious veggies and lean turkey, making it a great option for anyone counting calories.
• Flavorful and Filling: Ground turkey brings incredible flavor to this soup without the extra calories, ensuring you stay full longer.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or adjust quantities based on what you have at home.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep days.
• Hearty and Satisfying: The combination of meat, beans, and veggies creates a filling dish that can stand alone as a complete meal.

Tools and Preparation

To whip up this delicious Turkey Vegetable Soup, you’ll need some essential tools to make the process easier. Gather these items before you start cooking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot (6-quart capacity or larger)
• Chopping board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: This allows you to cook all the ingredients evenly while accommodating the large quantity of soup.
• Chopping board & knife: Essential for prepping your veggies quickly and safely, ensuring even cuts for consistent cooking.
• Measuring spoons: Accurate measurements help maintain flavor balance in your soup.

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Ingredients

To make this hearty Turkey Vegetable Soup, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground turkey
• 1 large onion (chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (smashed and minced; at least 1 tablespoon)
• 2 & 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
• 1 teaspoon basil
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or 6 fresh thyme sprigs
• 10-12 cups chicken or turkey broth
• 4-5 large carrots (chopped)
• 1 & 1/2 cups celery (chopped)
• 1 sweet potato (peeled and chopped)
• 2 cups coleslaw cabbage (or more to taste)
• 1 (14-oz) can diced tomatoes (fire roasted recommended)
• 1 (14-oz) can white beans
• 1 zucchini (chopped)
• 1 yellow squash (chopped)
• Chopped parsley (to garnish; optional)
• Pesto (to garnish individual bowls; optional)
• Parmesan cheese to garnish; optional)

How to Make Turkey Vegetable Soup

Step 1: Cook the Turkey

In a very large soup pot, add the ground turkey and chopped onion. Sauté over medium-high heat until the turkey is browned.

Step 2: Drain Excess Fat

Turn off the heat and drain any fat from the pot. You can do this by tilting the pot slightly and using a spoon to scoop out grease.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Spices

Turn the heat back on to medium. Add minced garlic along with kosher salt, black pepper, oregano, garlic powder, smoked paprika, celery seed, basil, crushed red pepper, and thyme. Cook until fragrant.

Step 4: Incorporate Broth

Add chicken or turkey broth into the pot. If using broth base like Better than Bouillon Turkey Base, combine according to package instructions.

Step 5: Bring to Boil

Increase heat to high until boiling. Add carrots, celery, sweet potato, coleslaw cabbage, and fresh thyme if using.

Step 6: Add Tomatoes and Beans

Include diced tomatoes with their juice into the mixture. Drain white beans before adding them in as well.

Step 7: Simmer Your Soup

Once boiling, lower heat to medium simmer for about 20 minutes until carrots and sweet potatoes are almost fork-tender.

Step 8: Stir in Zucchini and Squash

Add chopped zucchini and yellow squash. Continue simmering for an additional 5–10 minutes until tender.

Step 9: Final Touches

Skim off any foam that may have gathered on top of your soup. If using fresh thyme sprigs, remove stems before serving.

Step 10: Serve Hot!

Serve your soup hot! Garnish with parsley for a fresh touch or add pesto/parmesan cheese as desired. Enjoy your hearty meal!

How to Serve Turkey Vegetable Soup

Serving Turkey Vegetable Soup is an opportunity to enhance its flavor and presentation. Here are some great suggestions for how to serve it that will delight your guests or family.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
• Basil Leaves: Add whole basil leaves for a fragrant touch that complements the soup’s flavors.

Accompany with Bread

• Crusty Whole Grain Bread: Serve warm slices of whole grain bread for dipping.
• Garlic Bread: Pair with garlic bread for an irresistible side that adds flavor and crunch.

Add a Side Salad

• Garden Salad: A simple garden salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette balances the meal.
• Caesar Salad: A light Caesar salad can add a rich flavor that contrasts nicely with the soup.

Offer Toppings

• Pesto Swirl: Drizzle pesto on top of each serving for an extra layer of taste.
• Shredded Cheese: Provide shredded cheese as an optional topping for those who want a creamier texture.

How to Perfect Turkey Vegetable Soup

To ensure your Turkey Vegetable Soup is delicious every time, follow these simple tips.

• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables to enhance the flavor and nutrition of your soup.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed throughout cooking for the best flavor balance.
• Cook Low and Slow: Simmer your soup on low heat to allow flavors to meld together beautifully.
• Add Veggies Gradually: Introduce harder vegetables first, then soft ones later to achieve perfect texture.
• Use Quality Broth: Select a high-quality broth or homemade stock for richer flavor in your soup.

Best Side Dishes for Turkey Vegetable Soup

Pairing side dishes with Turkey Vegetable Soup can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Crusty Bread: A hearty rustic loaf pairs perfectly to soak up the soup’s flavors.
2. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with vegetables offers added protein and texture.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies make a delightful and healthy addition.
4. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides a sweet contrast to the savory soup.
5. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can add richness and variety to your meal.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers can be filled with grains and veggies for a filling side dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes will make your Turkey Vegetable Soup even better. Here are a few tips to ensure your soup turns out perfectly.

• Skipping the Sauté: Not sautéing the ground turkey and onions first can lead to a lack of depth in flavor. Always start with this step to enhance the overall taste.
• Ignoring Vegetable Sizes: Cutting vegetables into inconsistent sizes can result in uneven cooking. Make sure to chop all veggies to similar sizes for a more uniform texture.
• Overcooking the Veggies: Cooking vegetables too long can lead to mushy textures. Keep an eye on cooking times, especially for softer vegetables like zucchini and squash.
• Not Adjusting Seasonings: Every broth has a different salt level, so don’t forget to taste as you go. Adjust spices and salt to fit your personal preference for maximum flavor.
• Using Low-Quality Broth: Poor-quality broth can make your soup taste bland. Opt for high-quality chicken or turkey broth for the best results.
• Neglecting Garnishes: Skipping garnishes can make your soup look less appealing. Consider adding fresh parsley or a dollop of pesto to elevate presentation and flavor.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Turkey Vegetable Soup in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Turkey Vegetable Soup

• To freeze, place cooled soup in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• It can be stored for up to 3 months; label containers with dates for easy tracking.

Reheating Turkey Vegetable Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat until warm throughout.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Turkey Vegetable Soup that may help you enjoy this recipe even more.

Can I use other meats instead of turkey?

Yes! You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean beef if desired.

How do I customize my Turkey Vegetable Soup?

Feel free to add any seasonal vegetables you enjoy or adjust spices based on your taste preferences for variety.

Is this Turkey Vegetable Soup good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This soup stores well and is perfect for meal prep, making it an excellent choice for busy weeks.

What can I serve with Turkey Vegetable Soup?

Pair it with whole-grain bread or a fresh salad for a balanced meal that’s both filling and tasty.

How many servings does this recipe yield?

This recipe yields about 15 servings, making it great for gatherings or leftovers throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Turkey Vegetable Soup is not only delicious but also versatile! You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting seasonings. This makes it perfect whether you’re starting a healthy eating plan or just looking for a comforting meal. Give it a try and enjoy its wholesome flavors!