Turkey Meatball Soup Recipe

Soup is one of the most comforting and versatile dishes that exists in the culinary world. From broths to creamy concoctions, soups offer endless variations that can satisfy any craving, whether you’re in the mood for something light and refreshing or hearty and filling. One such variation that hits the sweet spot between healthy and comforting is Turkey Meatball Soup.

This Turkey Meatball Soup brings together lean ground turkey meatballs with an aromatic broth, vegetables, and spices, creating a light yet satisfying dish. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner on a chilly evening or a nourishing meal to fuel your day, turkey meatball soup is an excellent option. The lean turkey meatballs provide a protein-packed base, while the vegetables and broth add warmth and flavor.

The History of Meatball Soup

Soup is a dish that has existed in various forms for centuries across many cultures, and meatballs are a classic component of many traditional soups and stews. Meatball soup, in particular, has roots in Italian, Mediterranean, and Eastern European cuisine. The idea of combining ground meat with bread or rice, seasonings, and herbs to form meatballs, which are then cooked in a flavorful broth, has been a staple in these regions for hundreds of years.

Meatballs themselves are believed to have originated in ancient civilizations, with the first mention of ground meat and spices being used to make small spherical shapes dating back to Roman times. Meatball soups and stews became popular because they were easy to make, could feed large families, and could be made with whatever ingredients were available.

In Italy, for example, “Polpette in Brodo” is a traditional meatball soup, often made with beef or pork. Similarly, in Eastern Europe, countries like Poland and Hungary have their own versions of meatball soups, such as Polska Flaki or Gulyásleves.

The Turkey Meatball Soup recipe, however, is a modern twist on these traditional dishes, substituting turkey for the more common beef or pork. This makes it a leaner, lighter option while still offering the same comforting heartiness and flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Turkey Meatball Soup

Making Turkey Meatball Soup is a fairly straightforward process that involves creating both the meatballs and the soup base. Here’s how to make this delicious and comforting dish.

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey Meatballs

1. Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated, but don’t overwork the mixture as this can make the meatballs tough.

2. Form the Meatballs: Use your hands or a tablespoon to form small meatballs, about 1 to 1 ½ inches in diameter. You should end up with around 20-24 meatballs, depending on the size.

3. Cook the Meatballs: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the meatballs for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides. They do not need to be fully cooked through at this point, as they will cook further in the soup.

4. Remove and Set Aside: Once the meatballs are browned, remove them from the pan and set them aside.

Step 2: Make the Soup Base

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent.

2. Add the Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the diced tomatoes and their juices, followed by the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.

3. Add Seasonings: Once the broth is boiling, add the bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

4. Simmer the Soup: Reduce the heat to a simmer and add the browned meatballs into the soup. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the meatballs to cook through. The meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

5. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.

Step 3: Serve the Soup

1. Garnish: Once the soup is done, remove the bay leaves and discard them. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like some heat.

2. Enjoy: Serve the turkey meatball soup hot, with crusty bread on the side for dipping, if desired.

Tips for Perfect Turkey Meatball Soup

1. Don’t Overwork the Meatball Mixture: Overmixing the meatball mixture can result in dense and tough meatballs. Mix the ingredients until just combined.

2. Use Lean Ground Turkey: For a lighter soup, use lean ground turkey breast. If you want a richer flavor, ground turkey thigh will add more depth.

3. Brown the Meatballs First: Browning the meatballs in a skillet adds flavor and helps them retain their shape during cooking. Don’t worry if they’re not cooked through at this stage, as they will finish cooking in the soup.

4. Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to add or swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand. Zucchini, spinach, or potatoes are all great additions.

5. Make It Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Variations on Turkey Meatball Soup

While the base recipe is delicious as is, there are many variations you can try to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

A. Low-Carb or Keto Turkey Meatball Soup

• To make the soup lower in carbs, you can skip the breadcrumbs in the meatballs and substitute them with ground almonds or coconut flour. You can also use zucchini noodles instead of pasta.

B. Vegetarian Version

• For a vegetarian version, replace the turkey meatballs with plant-based meatballs, or use a mixture of lentils, beans, or tofu for a protein-packed alternative.

C. Spicy Turkey Meatball Soup

• Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or chili powder to the soup to bring some heat. You could also drizzle in some sriracha sauce or hot sauce for an extra kick.

Conclusion

Turkey Meatball Soup is a warm, hearty, and wholesome meal perfect for any time of the year. Its delicious combination of lean turkey meatballs, savory broth, and fresh vegetables makes it a satisfying and nutritious option. With its customizable ingredients and flavor variations, this soup can easily be adapted to suit your family’s tastes and dietary needs.

Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner, meal prepping for the week, or looking for a dish to impress your guests, this turkey meatball soup is sure to be a winner. Enjoy crafting this comforting soup, and remember, food is best enjoyed with loved ones!

Yield: 6-8

Turkey Meatball Soup Recipe

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Soup is one of the most comforting and versatile dishes that exists in the culinary world. From broths to creamy concoctions, soups offer endless variations that can satisfy any craving, whether you’re in the mood for something light and refreshing or hearty and filling. One such variation that hits the sweet spot between healthy and comforting is Turkey Meatball Soup.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Turkey Meatballs:
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian style)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the Soup:
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (optional)
• 1/2 cup small pasta (such as orzo or elbow macaroni)
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the meatballs:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overwork the mixture.
• Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter (you should get about 20-24 meatballs).

2. Cook the meatballs:

• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
• Add the meatballs in batches, browning them on all sides for about 3-4 minutes. They don’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage because they will finish cooking in the broth. Once browned, remove the meatballs and set them aside.

3. Make the soup:

• In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
• Add the carrots and celery, cooking for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Pour in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth) and bring it to a simmer.
• Once the broth is simmering, carefully add the meatballs back into the pot, followed by the diced tomatoes (if using) and pasta.
• Simmer the soup for about 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through, the vegetables are tender, and the pasta is cooked al dente.

4. Finish the soup:

• Stir in the spinach or kale (if using) during the last few minutes of cooking, allowing it to wilt down.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

5. Serve:

• Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.

Notes

• Vegetable options: You can swap or add other vegetables to the soup, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans.
• Pasta alternatives: If you prefer a lower-carb option, you can omit the pasta or use zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or a grain like quinoa instead.
• Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.