There’s something about a bowl of Hearty Ground Turkey Soup that just feels like home. You know that moment when you come in from the cold, drop your bags by the door, and suddenly the kitchen greets you with the scent of onions, garlic, and simmering broth? That’s what this recipe promises—a hug in a bowl.
Growing up in Texas, I remember how soup had its own way of gathering people around the table. Even now in New York, when life moves faster than I’d like, this recipe brings me right back to those slower evenings when food was more than dinner—it was comfort, connection, and a story worth savoring.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Hearty Ground Turkey Soup
- It’s wholesome and packed with veggies.
- Budget-friendly—you probably have most ingredients on hand.
- Great for families, picky eaters included.
- Tastes even better the next day (hello, meal prep!).
- You can make it in under an hour—no marathon cooking session required.
What Does Hearty Ground Turkey Soup Taste Like?
Imagine a broth that’s rich but not heavy, with tender bites of potato soaking up every drop of tomato-y goodness. The turkey adds a hearty, savory backbone while the carrots, celery, and peas bring just enough sweetness to keep things balanced. It’s like the love child of a classic chicken soup and a rustic stew—warming, satisfying, and impossible to stop at just one bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Hearty Ground Turkey Soup
One of the best things about making Hearty Ground Turkey Soup is how simple, wholesome, and pantry-friendly the ingredients are. Nothing fussy—just real, fresh flavors that come together in a warm, nourishing bowl. If you’ve made my Chicken Parmesan Soup before, you’ll notice a similar balance of hearty protein, tender veggies, and rich broth, but with a lighter twist thanks to the turkey.
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
Vegetables and Base
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil – this is your cooking foundation. It helps soften the vegetables and adds a gentle richness.
- 1 cup white onions, diced – the start of almost every cozy soup; onions add depth and sweetness as they cook down.
- 1 cup carrots, diced – carrots bring natural sweetness and color, making the soup both nutritious and inviting.
- 1 cup celery, diced – celery rounds out the classic mirepoix (onion, carrot, celery) base and adds an aromatic flavor that defines homemade soups.
Protein and Seasoning
- ½ lb ground turkey – lean, mild, and protein-packed, ground turkey keeps this soup light yet filling. You can use dark or light ground turkey, depending on your preference.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – garlic adds that unmistakable punch of savory flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – this blend of herbs (usually oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary) infuses the broth with a comforting Mediterranean taste.
- Salt and pepper to taste – don’t skimp here; seasoning in layers is what makes each bite balanced.
Broth and Add-Ins
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste – gives the soup body and a deep, savory richness.
- 6 cups chicken broth – the backbone of your soup. Use low-sodium broth if you want more control over seasoning, or swap for vegetable broth to make it lighter.
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes – adds tang and depth, turning the broth slightly rustic and hearty.
- 2 cups potatoes, diced – the potatoes soak up the broth and become tender, making the soup filling enough to serve as a complete meal.
- 1 cup frozen green peas – a pop of sweetness and bright color. Frozen peas hold up beautifully and add texture.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped – the final touch of freshness that brightens every bowl.
This list may look simple, but each ingredient has its role in making Hearty Ground Turkey Soup not just another pot of soup, but a meal your family will ask for again and again. Think of it as the perfect balance: the veggies bring sweetness, the turkey brings heartiness, the tomato paste and broth bring depth, and the herbs tie everything together.
How to Make Hearty Ground Turkey Soup (Step by Step)
Making Hearty Ground Turkey Soup is straightforward, but the little details are what make it taste like a recipe passed down through generations. Take your time with each step, and you’ll end up with a rich, hearty soup that warms you from the inside out.
Step 1: Start with the Aromatics
Drizzle the olive oil into a large, heavy-bottomed soup pot or Dutch oven and set it over medium heat. Once it shimmers, add your diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook these vegetables slowly for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The onions should turn translucent, and the carrots and celery should begin to soften. This trio—called mirepoix—is the unsung hero of almost every homemade soup.
Tip: Don’t rush this stage. Letting the vegetables sweat slowly helps release their natural sweetness, which becomes the flavor base for your Hearty Ground Turkey Soup.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey
Push your softened vegetables to one side of the pot, then add the ground turkey to the empty space. Increase the heat slightly and break up the meat with a wooden spoon. Cook until it’s no longer pink and develops just a hint of golden crust—this is where the flavor builds. Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
If you’ve tried my Slow Cooker Taco Soup, you know how browning the meat first makes all the difference in depth and richness. The same principle applies here.
Step 3: Build the Flavor with Garlic and Tomato Paste
Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about one minute, just until it smells fragrant. Then, add the tomato paste. Cook the paste for 2–3 minutes, stirring it into the turkey and vegetables so it caramelizes slightly. This step deepens the flavor of the broth, giving your Hearty Ground Turkey Soup a savory, almost slow-cooked taste, even though it comes together quickly.
Step 4: Add the Broth and Tomatoes
Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the crushed tomatoes. Mix everything together until it looks like one cohesive pot of goodness. Turn up the heat just enough to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately lower it to a simmer.
Visual cue: The broth should look rich, slightly thickened from the tomato paste, and aromatic enough to make the whole kitchen smell inviting.
Step 5: Add the Potatoes and Let It Simmer
Drop in the diced potatoes, stir well, and cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar. Let the soup simmer for 15–20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and check the potatoes for doneness by piercing them with a fork—they should be tender but not falling apart.
Here’s the secret: the potatoes soak up all the broth flavors, which makes each bite hearty, satisfying, and perfect for chilly nights.
Step 6: Finish with Peas and Fresh Parsley
Just before serving, add the frozen peas and let them cook for 2–3 minutes until they’re bright green and tender. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a final pop of freshness. Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with a little extra salt or pepper if needed.
Serve your Hearty Ground Turkey Soup steaming hot, with crusty bread or buttery crackers on the side.
Bonus Serving Tip
For a creamier texture, mash a few of the cooked potatoes right in the pot before serving. It’s a clever trick that thickens the broth naturally, without adding cream.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Hearty Ground Turkey Soup
- Want more heat? Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Watching carbs? Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets.
- Prefer creamier soups? Mash some of the cooked potatoes right in the pot.
- Make it ahead—this soup tastes even better after a night in the fridge.
- Feeding a crowd? Double the recipe—it reheats beautifully.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes! The flavor will be slightly different, but it works well.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Brown the turkey and sauté veggies first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4.
What can I serve with this soup?
Try a side salad, cheesy garlic bread, or even a grilled cheese sandwich for a full meal.
Conclusion
If you’ve been searching for a cozy, family-friendly meal that feels like comfort in every spoonful, this Hearty Ground Turkey Soup is your answer. It’s the kind of dish that makes even the busiest evenings feel a little slower, a little warmer, and a lot more nourishing. Try it this week and see if it doesn’t sneak its way into your regular dinner rotation.
Follow us on Pinterest for weekly slow cooker inspiration, or join the conversation over on our Facebook page where fellow food lovers share their favorite comfort meals.
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Hearty Ground Turkey Soup: The Cozy Dinner You’ll Crave Again and Again
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This hearty ground turkey soup is a warm, nourishing bowl of comfort made with tender vegetables, flavorful broth, and perfectly seasoned turkey. A one-pot, family-friendly meal that brings cozy vibes to any day.
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
1. Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened and translucent.
2. Push vegetables to one side of the pot. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir together with vegetables.
3. Add garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2–3 minutes to caramelize.
4. Pour in chicken broth and crushed tomatoes. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil.
5. Add diced potatoes. Reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes with the lid slightly ajar, stirring occasionally.
6. Stir in frozen green peas and cook for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
7. Add fresh parsley, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Notes
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce for heat.
Mash some potatoes into the broth for natural thickening.
Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly version (without turkey).
Adjust salt at the end, especially if using a salty broth.
Frozen peas hold their texture and sweetness well.
Soup is even more flavorful the next day—great for leftovers.
Swap potatoes with cauliflower or turnips for a low-carb variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: ground turkey soup, hearty soup, turkey vegetable soup, healthy dinner
