Italian Ground Turkey Soup

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“A hearty and healthy soup loaded with Italian flavors, lean ground turkey, vegetables, and herbs. Perfect for a cozy meal!”

Ingredients

For the  Soup Base:

  • 1 pound  ground turkey
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
  • 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 (15 oz) can white beans (cannellini or navy, drained and rinsed)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Add-Ins:

  • 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or orzo)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, roughly chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the  Turkey

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the  ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Remove from the pot and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

  1. In the same pot, add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, or until softened.
  2. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

  1. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth to the pot. Stir to combine.
  2. Return the cooked ground turkey to the pot and add the zucchini, white beans, and dried herbs (oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes).

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

  1. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. If using pasta, add it during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Step 5: Add Greens and Serve

  1. Stir in the spinach or kale (if using) during the last few minutes of cooking until wilted.
  2. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Serving Suggestions

  • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil.
  • Serve with a side of crusty bread or garlic toast for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Healthy and Hearty: Lean ground turkey and a medley of vegetables make it nutritious and satisfying.
  • Italian Flavors: The blend of herbs and tomatoes gives it a comforting, classic taste.
  • Customizable: Add pasta, greens, or your favorite vegetables to make it your own.

Pro Tips for Success

  1. Ground Turkey Substitute: Use ground chicken or sausage for a different flavor profile.
  2. Thicker Soup: Mash some of the beans or reduce the broth for a thicker consistency.
  3. Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Storage and Reheating

  • Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add extra broth if it has thickened.

This Italian Ground Turkey Soup is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Enjoy its rich, savory goodness with every spoonful! 🍲✨🥳