Cozy Ground Turkey Vegetable Soup

$To make this hearty soup, you will need the following ingredients: - 1 lb ground turkey - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 garlic cloves, minced - 3 carrots, diced - 2 celery stalks, diced - 1 bell pepper (any color), diced - 1 zucchini, diced - 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 cups fresh spinach - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) You can add these extra ingredients to boost the flavor: - A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat - 1 tablespoon lemon juice for brightness - Fresh herbs like basil or oregano for a fresh taste If you have specific dietary needs, here are some easy swaps: - Use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey - Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth for a vegetarian option - Replace zucchini with squash for a different texture - Use quinoa or rice instead of beans for a gluten-free choice These options keep your soup fun and tasty while meeting your needs! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, take a large pot or Dutch oven. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground turkey. Use a spoon to break it apart. Cook until it turns brown and is no longer pink. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Next, stir in 1 medium diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook until the onion looks clear, which will be about 3 minutes. Now, add 3 diced carrots, 2 diced celery stalks, and 1 diced bell pepper. Stir occasionally for 5 minutes. You want the vegetables to start softening. Then, mix in 1 diced zucchini and 1 cup of green beans cut into 1-inch pieces. Stir everything together until well combined. Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Then, add 1 can of diced tomatoes, including the juices. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once it boils, lower the heat to let the soup simmer. Let it cook for 20 to 25 minutes. This time allows the flavors to mix and the vegetables to become tender. Just a few minutes before serving, stir in 2 cups of fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts, which takes only a minute or two. After that, taste the soup. Adjust the seasoning if you need to. Serve the soup hot and garnish it with chopped fresh parsley. This adds a nice touch and fresh flavor to your dish. Enjoy your cozy bowl of ground turkey vegetable soup! To boost the taste of your soup, use fresh herbs. Fresh parsley adds a nice touch. Add lemon juice for brightness. A splash of soy sauce can deepen the umami flavor. You can also try adding a bay leaf while it simmers. Remember to remove it before serving. Some veggies take longer to cook than others. Carrots and celery need about 5 minutes to soften. Zucchini and green beans cook faster, about 3-4 minutes. If you add frozen vegetables, check the package for cooking times. Stir them in with the broth to heat through. This soup is great for meal prep! Make a big batch and store it in the fridge. Use airtight containers for the best results. It lasts up to four days. You can also freeze it in portions. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This way, you always have a warm meal ready! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your soup. Choose seasonal produce for the best results. Customize Your Protein: Feel free to substitute ground turkey with ground chicken, beef, or even a plant-based alternative to suit your dietary preferences. Add More Spices: Experiment with additional herbs and spices, such as basil or oregano, to customize the flavor profile of your soup. Make It Ahead: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months, making it perfect for meal prep! {{image_2}} You can boost the soup's nutrition by adding more vegetables. Try adding: - Sweet potatoes: These add sweetness and a creamy texture. - Kale: This hearty green gives a nice color and nutrients. - Peas: They add a pop of sweetness and a nice texture. - Corn: This adds a sweet crunch and bright color. - Broccoli: It adds fiber and a nice bite to the soup. Feel free to mix and match! The more colors on your plate, the better. If you want to switch things up, consider these protein options: - Ground chicken: This is a lean choice with a similar taste. - Lean beef: It gives a richer flavor. Just drain the fat. - Tofu: Use firm tofu for a plant-based protein boost. - Lentils: These are a great substitute for meat. They add fiber and protein. - Chickpeas: They add texture and a nutty flavor. Each option changes the taste, so have fun experimenting! You can easily make this soup gluten-free or low-carb. Here are some tips: - For a gluten-free version, use low-sodium chicken broth labeled gluten-free. - Instead of regular pasta, try zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. - Skip the carrots if you want a low-carb option. They add sugar. - Use a variety of non-starchy vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, and zucchini. These changes keep the soup tasty while meeting your dietary needs. To keep your Ground Turkey Vegetable Soup fresh, follow these tips. First, let the soup cool to room temperature. This step helps prevent condensation in the storage container. Next, use an airtight container. This keeps the soup from absorbing other odors in the fridge. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, freezing is a great option. Freezing your soup is easy and effective. First, allow the soup to cool completely. Then, pour it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave some space at the top. Soup expands when it freezes. Label the containers with the date. This way, you know when to use it. You can freeze the soup for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. When it’s time to enjoy your soup, reheat it carefully. Pour the soup into a pot and warm it over medium heat. Stir it often to ensure even heating. If the soup seems thick, add a splash of broth or water. This helps bring back its creamy texture. You can also microwave the soup in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the soup from getting too hot or boiling over. Enjoy your cozy meal! You can add heat to your soup easily. One way is to include red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch and adjust to taste. You can also use a dash of hot sauce. If you want more flavor, try adding diced jalapeños or serrano peppers. These fresh peppers give a nice kick. Just remember to taste as you go! Yes, frozen vegetables work great in this soup. They save time and still taste good. Just add them in the last 10 minutes of cooking. This way, they stay bright and tender. You can use a mix of frozen veggies, like peas, corn, or carrots. They will blend well with the turkey and broth. Many herbs and spices can add depth to your soup. Basil and oregano are great choices. They give a fresh flavor that pairs well with turkey. You can also try adding a bay leaf while it simmers. Just remove it before serving. For a smoky taste, consider more smoked paprika. Experiment and find what you love! This blog post guides you through making Ground Turkey Vegetable Soup. We covered all the key ingredients, steps, and tips for a tasty meal. You learned how to adapt the soup to your needs and preferences. Remember, cooking can be fun and full of flavors. Adjust ingredients and spices as you like. Enjoy your warm bowl of soup, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Happy cooking!$

Cozy Ground Turkey Vegetable Soup

A warm and hearty soup filled with ground turkey and fresh vegetables, perfect for chilly days.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 35

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 medium carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1 medium bell pepper, diced
1 medium zucchini, diced
1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
to taste salt and pepper
2 cups fresh spinach
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the diced onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.
Add the carrots, celery, and bell pepper, stirring occasionally for another 5 minutes until they start to soften.
Mix in the zucchini and green beans, stirring to combine.
Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Lower the heat and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and vegetables to tenderize.
Stir in the fresh spinach just a few minutes before serving, until wilted.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

Feel free to add any other vegetables you have on hand.

Keyword healthy, soup, turkey, vegetable