Introduction to Hearty Ground Turkey Soup: A Hug in a Bowl
As the chill of autumn settles in, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Hearty Ground Turkey Soup: A Hug in a Bowl to wrap you in comfort. This recipe is my go-to for those busy weeknights when time is short, yet I still want to nourish my family with something wholesome. It’s a delightful blend of ground turkey and vibrant vegetables, simmered to perfection. Whether you’re looking to impress your loved ones or simply need a quick solution for dinner, this soup is sure to bring smiles and warmth to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Hearty Ground Turkey Soup
This Hearty Ground Turkey Soup is a lifesaver for busy moms and professionals alike. It’s quick to prepare, taking just 45 minutes from start to finish. The flavors meld beautifully, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in those veggies your family might otherwise avoid. Trust me, this soup will become a cherished staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients for Hearty Ground Turkey Soup
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating your Hearty Ground Turkey Soup: A Hug in a Bowl. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Extra virgin olive oil: This adds a rich flavor and healthy fats to your soup.
- White onions: Diced onions provide a sweet base that enhances the overall taste.
- Carrots: These add a pop of color and natural sweetness, making the soup more appealing.
- Celery: A classic soup ingredient, celery brings a refreshing crunch and depth of flavor.
- Ground turkey: Lean and protein-packed, it’s the star of the show, making this soup hearty.
- Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the soup with a warm, aromatic essence that’s hard to resist.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds a delightful Italian flair to your dish.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning, these enhance the flavors of all the ingredients.
- Tomato paste: This thickens the soup and adds a rich, tangy flavor that complements the turkey.
- Chicken broth: A flavorful base that brings everything together, making the soup comforting.
- Crushed tomatoes: They add a lovely texture and a burst of tomato goodness.
- Potatoes: Diced potatoes make the soup heartier and provide a satisfying bite.
- Frozen green peas: These add a splash of color and a sweet, fresh taste to the mix.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley is the finishing touch, adding brightness and a hint of freshness.
For those looking to customize, feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or use ground chicken instead of turkey. You can find the exact quantities for each ingredient at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Hearty Ground Turkey Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by warming the extra virgin olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté these colorful veggies for about 5-7 minutes. You want them softened and the onions to turn translucent. This step is crucial as it releases their natural sweetness, creating a flavorful base for your Hearty Ground Turkey Soup. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making it feel like a warm hug already!
Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey
Next, push the sautéed vegetables to one side of the pot. Increase the heat slightly and add the ground turkey to the empty space. Cook until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to enhance the flavor. This step is key to developing a rich taste in your soup. The browned turkey adds depth, making every spoonful a delight. Trust me, your family will be asking for seconds!
Step 3: Add Garlic and Tomato Paste
Now it’s time to add the minced garlic to the pot. Stir it in and let it cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then, add the tomato paste, mixing it thoroughly with the turkey and veggies. Allow it to cook for another 2-3 minutes. This step is essential for flavor development, as the tomato paste caramelizes slightly, deepening the soup’s taste. You’ll notice the rich aroma wafting through your kitchen, making it hard to resist a taste!
Step 4: Combine Broth and Tomatoes
Pour in the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine everything. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. This is where the magic happens! The flavors meld together beautifully, creating a comforting base for your Hearty Ground Turkey Soup. Let it simmer for a few moments, and you’ll see the vibrant colors come to life. It’s like a warm embrace in a pot!
Step 5: Simmer with Potatoes
Now, toss in the diced potatoes and let the soup simmer gently for 15-20 minutes. Cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar to allow steam to escape. This step is crucial for cooking the potatoes through while keeping the soup from becoming too thick. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. The potatoes will absorb all those delicious flavors, making each bite satisfying and hearty. You’ll be amazed at how comforting this soup becomes!
Step 6: Finish with Peas and Parsley
Finally, stir in the frozen green peas and let them cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through. This adds a lovely pop of color and sweetness to your soup. Just before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of freshness. Serve hot, and watch as your family digs in with smiles on their faces. This Hearty Ground Turkey Soup is truly a hug in a bowl, perfect for any occasion!
Tips for Success
- Let the vegetables soften slowly to enhance their natural sweetness.
- Don’t rush the browning of the turkey; it adds depth to the flavor.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Feel free to adjust seasonings to suit your family’s taste preferences.
- For extra heartiness, add beans or lentils for added protein and fiber.
Equipment Needed
- Large heavy-bottomed pot: A Dutch oven works great, but any sturdy pot will do.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring and breaking up the turkey.
- Cutting board and knife: Essential for chopping your veggies.
- Measuring cups: Handy for precise ingredient amounts.
Variations of Hearty Ground Turkey Soup
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy twist.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fragrant touch.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground turkey with lentils or chickpeas for a plant-based version.
- Creamy Delight: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk for a richer texture.
- Seasonal Veggies: Swap in seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for variety.
- Whole Grain Boost: Add cooked quinoa or barley for extra fiber and heartiness.
Serving Suggestions for Hearty Ground Turkey Soup
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a warm, crusty baguette or garlic bread for dipping.
- Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad for a light, balanced meal.
- Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan on top for an extra flavor boost.
- Wine: Enjoy with a glass of white wine for a cozy evening.
FAQs about Hearty Ground Turkey Soup
Can I make Hearty Ground Turkey Soup in advance?
Absolutely! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Just remember to let it cool completely before freezing!
What can I serve with Hearty Ground Turkey Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh green salad. You can also sprinkle some grated cheese on top for an extra flavor boost. It’s a complete meal on its own, but these sides make it even more delightful!
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, you can easily substitute ground chicken for turkey in this recipe. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious. Feel free to experiment with different ground meats to find your favorite combination!
How can I make this soup spicier?
If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños when browning the turkey. You can also stir in a dash of hot sauce just before serving. It’s a great way to customize the soup to your taste!
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! Hearty Ground Turkey Soup is perfect for meal prep. You can make a big batch and portion it out for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about a bowl of Hearty Ground Turkey Soup: A Hug in a Bowl. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace after a long day. The vibrant colors and rich flavors come together to create a dish that warms both the body and soul. Whether you’re sharing it with family or savoring it alone, this soup brings joy and satisfaction. I hope it becomes a cherished recipe in your home, just as it has in mine. So grab a spoon, and let this delightful soup wrap you in its warmth!
Print
Hearty Ground Turkey Soup: A Hug in a Bowl Awaits!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Hearty Ground Turkey Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish that combines ground turkey with a variety of vegetables and seasonings, creating a warm and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup white onions, diced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- ½ lb ground turkey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups potatoes, diced
- 1 cup frozen green peas
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Warm the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onions turn translucent.
- Push the sautéed vegetables to one side of the pot and increase the heat slightly. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then, add the tomato paste and mix thoroughly, allowing it to cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Toss in the diced potatoes and let the soup simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, covering the pot with the lid slightly ajar.
- Stir in the frozen green peas and let them cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Finally, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the soup and serve hot.
Notes
- Let the vegetables soften slowly to release their natural sweetness.
- Browning the turkey properly enhances the flavor of the soup.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking of the potatoes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
