There’s something magical about a steaming bowl of homemade soup—it wraps you up like a warm hug and instantly makes everything feel a little better. And trust me, this Italian Ground Turkey Soup is the kind of cozy, flavor-packed dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Imagine tender ground turkey, hearty beans, and vibrant veggies all simmering in a rich, herby tomato broth. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water! Whether you’re curled up on the couch or hosting a laid-back dinner with friends, this soup delivers big on both comfort and taste. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make—so let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love Italian Ground Turkey Soup
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile This soup is the ultimate blank canvas! Swap out the veggies, add some pasta, or spice it up with red pepper flakes—the possibilities are endless.
Budget-Friendly Made with simple, affordable ingredients like ground turkey, canned beans, and tomatoes, this soup is a cost-effective way to feed a crowd.
Quick and Easy No complicated steps or fancy techniques here! You’ll have this soup simmering away in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Customizable Want it creamier? Stir in a splash of heavy cream. Prefer a bit more heat? Add extra chili flakes. You can easily tweak this recipe to match your cravings.
Crowd-Pleasing A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Italian Ground Turkey Soup
Here’s the magic of this soup—it’s made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Ground Turkey The star of the show! Lean, protein-packed, and full of flavor, turkey makes this soup hearty without being too heavy.
Onion & Garlic These two bring serious depth and aroma. A little sautéing goes a long way in building flavor.
Carrots & Celery A classic combo for soups! They add a natural sweetness and a nice bit of crunch.
Canned Tomatoes The rich, tangy base that ties everything together. Fire-roasted tomatoes add extra depth if you have them.
Beans Cannellini or kidney beans make this soup extra satisfying, adding both texture and protein.
Chicken Broth The liquid gold that makes everything come together. Use low-sodium broth if you want to control the salt level.
Italian Seasoning A beautiful blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that gives the soup its signature Italian flair.
Spinach or Kale A pop of green that adds freshness and a boost of nutrients.
Parmesan Cheese A sprinkle of Parmesan takes the flavor up a notch—because cheese makes everything better!
Olive Oil For sautéing and adding a touch of richness.
Salt & Pepper The essential duo to enhance all the flavors.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Sauté the Aromatics Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and softened. This is where the flavor starts to build!
Cook the Turkey Add ground turkey to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, making sure to stir occasionally.
Add the Veggies Toss in the carrots and celery, letting them cook for a few minutes to soften slightly. Their natural sweetness will enhance the broth.
Pour in the Tomatoes and Broth Stir in the canned tomatoes, beans, and chicken broth. Give it all a good stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
Season to Perfection Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer together, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Stir in the Greens Add the spinach or kale just a few minutes before serving. They’ll wilt quickly and add a gorgeous pop of color.
Final Touches Ladle the soup into bowls, top with freshly grated Parmesan, and serve with crusty bread on the side.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
Calories per serving 250
Preparation Time
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
How to Serve Italian Ground Turkey Soup
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Crusty Bread A warm, toasty baguette is perfect for soaking up all that delicious broth.
- Garlic Bread Because more garlic is always a good idea.
- Side Salad A light, refreshing green salad with balsamic dressing complements the richness of the soup.
- Grated Parmesan & Red Pepper Flakes Let guests customize their bowls with extra cheese or a bit of heat.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Make it ahead This soup tastes even better the next day! Store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.
- Freeze for later It freezes beautifully—just portion it into airtight containers for a quick meal later on.
- Use what you have Swap in ground chicken or even beef if that’s what’s on hand.
- Add pasta Small pasta shapes like ditalini or orzo make this soup extra filling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well and offers a similar texture and taste.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes! Let the soup cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
What type of beans should I use?
Cannellini, kidney, or even chickpeas work great in this recipe.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the turkey first, then toss everything into the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
How do I make this soup spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while cooking.
What’s the best way to reheat this soup?
Warm it over medium heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Of course! Just skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
Mix up your own with dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.
Can I add potatoes?
Yes! Diced potatoes add a hearty touch—just let them cook until tender.
Conclusion
There you have it—a soul-warming, flavor-packed Italian Ground Turkey Soup that’s as easy as it is delicious. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, feeding a hungry family, or just craving a comforting homemade meal, this recipe has got you covered. Give it a try, and trust me—you’re going to love it!
Print
Italian Ground Turkey Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A hearty and flavorful Italian Ground Turkey Soup packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs. This easy-to-make soup is perfect for a cozy meal and meal prep. Serve it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete dish!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground turkey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup spinach or kale, chopped
- 1/2 cup cooked small pasta (optional)
- 1 tbsp Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the carrot, celery, and zucchini. Cook for another 3–4 minutes.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Add oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add the spinach (or kale) and cooked pasta (if using). Stir and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- You can swap ground turkey for ground chicken or beef.
- For a low-carb version, omit the pasta.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: ~250 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 55mg