Name: Ground Turkey Vegetable Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground turkey; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 medium carrots, sliced; 2 stalks celery, sliced; 1 zucchini, chopped; 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes; 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce; 6 cups chicken broth; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup frozen green beans; 1 cup frozen corn

Why You’ll Love Ground Turkey Vegetable Soup Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it offers all the cozy flavors of a classic vegetable soup, but with a lighter, protein-rich twist. It’s made with lean ground turkey, a variety of colorful veggies, and simple pantry staples. It’s easy to throw together and holds up beautifully for leftovers or freezing. The soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb ground turkey (93% lean / 7% fat) browned
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 large carrots, sliced
2 stalks celery, sliced
2 medium russet potatoes, diced
1 medium onion, diced
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
6 cups chicken broth
1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
1 can (14 oz) green beans, drained
3 cloves garlic, minced
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
1 bay leaf
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions

In a large soup pot, brown the ground turkey over medium-high heat until fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and set the turkey aside.
In the same pot, heat the olive oil. Add the celery and carrots and cook for about 3–4 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the onion and cook another 3–4 minutes.
Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth until well combined.
Return the cooked turkey to the pot along with the corn, green beans, potatoes, thyme, oregano, and the bay leaf. Stir to combine.
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 30–35 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the soup has thickened slightly.
Remove the bay leaf, then season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve warm, ideally with crusty bread or crackers if you like.

Servings and timing

Makes approximately 8 servings
Prep time: about 15 minutes
Cook time: about 45 minutes
Total time: around 1 hour

Variations

Add cooked brown rice or small pasta to make the soup more filling
Stir in beans (such as black beans or kidney beans) to boost fiber and plant-based protein
Swap the lean ground turkey for ground beef or shredded chicken if preferred
Toss in extra vegetables like baby spinach, kale, zucchini, or sweet potatoes for additional nutrients and color
For a flavor twist, use Italian seasoning in place of thyme/oregano, or add a pinch of crushed red pepper or a few drops of hot sauce for heat

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Cool the soup completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 4 days in the fridge.
Freezer: Portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Gently reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or use the microwave in intervals until heated through.

FAQs

What type of ground turkey should I use?

For best texture and flavor, it’s recommended to use 93% lean / 7% fat ground turkey. That slight fat content keeps the meat juicy while still being considered lean. You could use 99% lean if you prefer an even lighter version.

Can I substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth?

Yes. You can absolutely use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth. If you’re skipping the turkey and adding beans instead, you can even adapt this to a vegetarian version.

How do I keep the vegetables from becoming too soft?

If you prefer your vegetables with more bite, consider cutting them into larger pieces and shorten the simmering time slightly. Alternatively, add more delicate vegetables (like zucchini or spinach) in the final few minutes of cooking.

Can this soup be made in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes. For the slow cooker: add all ingredients and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. For the Instant Pot: first brown the turkey using the sauté function, then cook everything on high pressure for about 10 minutes with a natural release.

What can I serve with this soup?

This soup pairs nicely with crusty bread, crackers, a light green salad, or even some garlic bread. The bean/corn mix in the soup gives it substantial heft so you don’t need a heavy side.

Can I add pasta to the soup?

Absolutely. If you want a heartier version, stir in cooked pasta (small shapes like shells or elbows) toward the end of cooking so the pasta doesn’t get mushy.

Does the soup taste better the next day?

Yes. Like many soups, the flavors deepen and blend over time, so leftovers often taste even better the next day.

Can I adjust the broth thickness?

Yes. If you prefer a thinner soup, simply add a little extra broth or water. If you like it thicker, you can reduce the simmering liquid longer or slightly mash a few of the potatoes in the pot to naturally thicken the broth.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes. This is an excellent freezer soup recipe. Once fully cooled, you can portion it and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

How do I adjust the seasoning?

Give the soup a taste toward the end of cooking and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. The sodium content will vary depending on the broth used. If you add extra ingredients (beans, grains, veggies), you might also need to adjust seasoning accordingly.

Conclusion

This ground turkey vegetable soup is a versatile, healthy, and satisfying recipe that’s perfect for busy dinners, meal prep, or a comforting bowl on a cool evening. With simple ingredients, minimal fuss, and plenty of room for customization, you’ll find it both nourishing and delicious.