Italian Ground Turkey Soup Recipe

Italian Ground Turkey Soup is a warm, hearty meal that combines rich Italian flavors with the lean protein of ground turkey, nutritious vegetables, and fragrant herbs. Perfect for chilly days, this soup is a healthy, flavorful option that’s both filling and easy to make. It’s also incredibly versatile, so you can easily modify the ingredients to suit your preferences.

Introduction

Italian Ground Turkey Soup is more than just a bowl of warmth; it’s a nutritious, protein-packed meal that’s perfect for feeding the family or preparing for a week of lunches. This soup brings together the flavors of Italy with fresh herbs, juicy tomatoes, savory garlic, and lean ground turkey. Unlike heavy, cream-based soups, this Italian-inspired dish is broth-based, making it light yet hearty enough to be satisfying.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Ideal for cooking a large batch of soup.
• Wooden Spoon or Ladle: For stirring and serving.
• Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping vegetables.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure out your ingredients accurately.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Ingredients

1. Dice the Vegetables: Finely chop the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, zucchini, and bell pepper. Try to keep them roughly the same size for even cooking.
2. Gather Spices and Broth: Measure out your Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Keep your broth and canned tomatoes within reach for easy access.

2. Sautéing and Browning the Turkey

1. Heat the Olive Oil: Place your pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
2. Cook the Ground Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the turkey from the pot and set it aside.

3. Building the Soup Base

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if necessary. Sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, bell pepper, and zucchini. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
2. Add the Seasonings: Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the veggies. Stir well to coat everything evenly and release the aromatic oils in the spices.

4. Simmering the Soup

1. Add the Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and the can of diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir well to combine.
2. Return the Turkey to the Pot: Add the browned turkey back into the soup. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
3. Simmer: Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 20-25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and develop.

5. Finishing Touches

1. Add Spinach: Once the soup has simmered, add in the fresh spinach. Stir until it’s wilted, which should only take a minute or two.
2. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve Hot: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of crusty Italian bread for dipping.
• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: This soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. If it’s thickened too much, add a splash of broth.

Recipe Variations

1. Make it Creamy: Add ½ cup of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a creamy version.
2. Vegetarian Option: Omit the ground turkey and use extra beans and vegetable broth.
3. Add Grains: Add ½ cup of uncooked quinoa, barley, or farro for added texture and nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Simply brown the turkey and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.

Q2: Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely. Ground chicken is a great substitute and will work just as well.

Q3: Can I add pasta to the soup?

Yes, small pasta like orzo or ditalini can be added. Cook it separately and stir it in before serving to avoid overcooking.

Q4: How can I make the soup thicker?

You can blend a portion of the soup before adding the spinach or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water) to thicken it.

Q5: What’s the best way to add heat?

Adding red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce gives the soup a nice kick without overwhelming the flavors.

Conclusion

This Italian Ground Turkey Soup is an ideal meal for those who love hearty, flavorful dishes that don’t take hours to make. It’s perfect for meal prep, easy to store, and full of nutritious ingredients like lean turkey, fresh vegetables, and wholesome spinach. With its robust flavors and comforting warmth, this soup is bound to become a family favorite! Enjoy it with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a slice of warm bread for a truly satisfying meal.

Yield: 6

Italian Ground Turkey Soup Recipe

Print

Italian Ground Turkey Soup is a warm, hearty meal that combines rich Italian flavors with the lean protein of ground turkey, nutritious vegetables, and fragrant herbs. Perfect for chilly days, this soup is a healthy, flavorful option that’s both filling and easy to make. It’s also incredibly versatile, so you can easily modify the ingredients to suit your preferences.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup baby spinach or kale, chopped
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Sauté the Turkey:
   In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5-6 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then transfer to a plate and set aside.
   
2. Cook the Vegetables:
   In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and red bell pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
   
3. Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Seasonings:
   Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir in the Italian seasoning, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
   
4. Simmer the Soup:
   Reduce the heat to a simmer and add the browned turkey back into the pot. Let the soup cook for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
   
5. Add Zucchini and Spinach:
   Stir in the zucchini and chopped spinach (or kale) and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
   
6. Serve:
   Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Notes

Add Beans: For extra protein and texture, add a can of cannellini beans or chickpeas.

Make It Spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.