Italian Ground Turkey Soup Recipe
There’s nothing like a bowl of Italian Ground Turkey Soup to warm you up on a chilly evening and instantly make dinnertime special. Brimming with lean ground turkey, hearty beans, and a colorful parade of fresh veggies, this soup brings together the bright, herby flavors of Italy in a way that feels both healthy and utterly comforting. Whether you’re craving a light but satisfying meal or looking for a clever way to pack in your greens, this soup is destined to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed by how simple, approachable ingredients can come together to create such a vibrant, soul-hugging bowl. Each component plays a starring role, bringing its own taste, texture, or pop of color to your Italian Ground Turkey Soup.
- Olive oil: Adds a silky richness and helps all the flavors meld from the very first step.
- Ground turkey: Lean and protein-packed, it soaks up all those Italian herbs for a light yet robust base.
- Yellow onion: Sweet and aromatic, onion forms the flavor foundation of the soup.
- Garlic: A classic Italian must-have, bringing big, bold flavor in just two cloves.
- Carrots: Provide subtle sweetness and gorgeous color throughout every spoonful.
- Celery: Adds irresistible crunch and that signature aromatic note you expect in good soup.
- Zucchini: Tender and mild, it melts right into the mix and adds a beautiful green hue.
- Diced tomatoes: Canned tomatoes deliver tanginess and a touch of bold color, making the broth bright and vibrant.
- White beans: Creamy and filling, beans help make this soup extra satisfying.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful, comforting backdrop for every fresh ingredient.
- Dried basil: Infuses the soup with the unmistakable taste of Mediterranean sunshine.
- Dried oregano: Classic herbal depth that always shines in an Italian-inspired dish.
- Dried thyme: Adds a hint of woodsy flavor that complements the lean turkey beautifully.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a sparkle of heat—skip or add more as your heart desires!
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors into delicious harmony.
- Fresh spinach or kale: Tossed in at the end so their greens stay vibrant and don’t overcook.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Every bowl feels just a bit fancier and richer with a shower of Parm on top.
How to Make Italian Ground Turkey Soup
Step 1: Brown the Turkey
Start by heating a swirl of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks. You’ll want to brown it thoroughly—this step gives the soup a deep, savory flavor that really anchors every bite.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Once the turkey has lost all its pink, stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for just a few minutes until fragrant—the combination is what makes your kitchen smell so inviting and promises depth of flavor.
Step 3: Add the Veggies
Now bring in the carrots, celery, and zucchini. Stir and let them cook for about 5 minutes so they soften slightly and start to soak up all those wonderful aromatics. This is how you get that medley of textures with every spoonful!
Step 4: Build the Broth
Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), white beans, and chicken broth. Sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes if you’re craving some zest. Season everything with salt and black pepper to your taste. Give everything a gentle stir—already it’s starting to look like pure comfort!
Step 5: Simmer Until Tender
Bring the pot to a lively boil, then reduce the heat so the soup simmers gently, uncovered, for 20 to 25 minutes. This lets the vegetables get nice and tender, and all those flavors come together into something far greater than the sum of their parts.
Step 6: Stir in the Greens
With just a few minutes left, stir in your chopped spinach or kale. Let the greens wilt gently into the hot broth for 2 to 3 minutes—they’ll stay vibrant and fresh, adding unbeatable color and nutrients to your Italian Ground Turkey Soup.
Step 7: Taste, Adjust, and Serve
Taste your soup one last time and tweak the seasonings if needed. Serve steaming hot, dishing into bowls and adding a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan for that final touch of creamy, salty goodness.
How to Serve Italian Ground Turkey Soup
Garnishes
A simple garnish makes every bowl of Italian Ground Turkey Soup feel extra special. My go-to is a fluffy layer of grated Parmesan, but fresh basil leaves or even a twist of cracked black pepper can add an instant wow factor. Try a squeeze of lemon for a bit of brightness—you’ll love how it lifts the whole dish!
Side Dishes
This soup shines alongside crusty Italian bread, a rustic baguette, or warm garlic knots—perfect for dunking into the savory broth. For a lighter pairing, serve with a crisp green salad dressed simply with olive oil and vinegar. And don’t overlook roasted vegetables—earthy, caramelized flavors make a dreamy match.
Creative Ways to Present
Hosting friends? Serve Italian Ground Turkey Soup in sturdy mugs for a cozy, casual vibe, or ladle it into shallow pasta bowls with plenty of space for toppings. You can also ladle the soup over a scoop of cooked rice or small pasta shapes for an even more filling twist—your guests will be wowed!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One of the best things about this Italian Ground Turkey Soup is that it tastes even better the next day. Allow any leftovers to cool completely, then transfer them into airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days, and you’ve got lunch or dinner ready to go!
Freezing
This soup freezes like a dream. Simply ladle cooled soup into freezer-safe bags or containers—leaving a little room for expansion—and freeze for up to three months. When you’re craving a warm bowl, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.
Reheating
To reheat, pour the desired amount into a saucepan and warm over medium heat until steaming, stirring occasionally. If you froze your soup, let it defrost in the refrigerator first. If the soup thickens a bit after storing, just add a splash of water or broth to bring back its original consistency.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well in this recipe and offers a similar light, tender texture. If you love a slightly richer flavor, ground beef can also be substituted, making the soup feel heartier.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, Italian Ground Turkey Soup is naturally gluten-free as written, since it relies on vegetables, beans, and protein rather than pasta or grains. Just double-check your broth and any toppings to ensure they’re gluten-free if you need to be certain.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
It’s easy! Swap the ground turkey for a plant-based ground alternative or increase the amount of beans for extra protein. Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth, and the soup stays hearty and flavorful while fitting a vegetarian diet.
Can I add pasta or rice to the soup?
Definitely—adding small pasta shapes like ditalini, or a scoop of cooked rice, makes your Italian Ground Turkey Soup even more substantial. Just stir them in during the last five minutes so they don’t overcook or soak up all the broth.
What vegetables work best as substitutes?
The beauty of this soup is its flexibility. You can easily toss in bell peppers, spinach instead of kale, or even frozen mixed veggies if you’re in a pinch. Feel free to use up what’s in your fridge for a custom twist!
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and wholesome about sharing a steaming pot of Italian Ground Turkey Soup with family and friends. With its simple ingredients, vibrant veggies, and soul-warming seasoning, I hope this recipe inspires you to stir up a batch and savor every cozy spoonful.
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Italian Ground Turkey Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Warm up with a bowl of hearty Italian Ground Turkey Soup, packed with vegetables, beans, and flavorful herbs. This gluten-free soup is a comforting and nutritious choice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add ground turkey and cook until browned.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add diced onion and minced garlic, sauté until fragrant.
- Cook vegetables: Stir in carrots, celery, and zucchini, cook until beginning to soften.
- Add remaining ingredients: Pour in tomatoes, white beans, chicken broth, herbs, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20-25 minutes.
- Finish soup: Stir in spinach and cook until wilted. Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- This soup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- It freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Customize with ground chicken or beef, or add pasta or rice for a heartier meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
