Name: Italian Ground Turkey Vegetable Soup (30 Minutes!)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: italian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 zucchini, diced; 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 1 tbsp Italian seasoning; 2 bay leaves; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 1 (15 oz) can cannellini or kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 2 cups spinach or kale, chopped; Parmesan cheese, for garnish; Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Italian Ground Turkey Vegetable Soup is a wholesome, hearty, and comforting meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. Packed with lean protein, vibrant vegetables, and flavorful Italian seasoning, this soup is both nutritious and satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or chilly days, it’s a one-pot wonder that delivers bold flavors without the extra effort. Plus, it’s easily customizable, making it a great recipe for using up whatever vegetables you have on hand.

Ingredients

Ground turkey
Olive oil
Onion
Garlic
Carrots
Celery
Bell peppers
Zucchini
Diced tomatoes
Tomato paste
Chicken or vegetable broth
Italian seasoning
Bay leaves
Salt
Black pepper
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Cannellini beans or kidney beans
Spinach or kale
Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

Directions

Sauté the Aromatics – In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Brown the Turkey – Add the ground turkey to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Add the Vegetables – Stir in chopped carrots, celery, bell peppers, and zucchini. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.
Incorporate the Tomatoes and Broth – Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken or vegetable broth. Add Italian seasoning and bay leaves, then stir well to combine.
Simmer the Soup – Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add Beans and Greens – Stir in the drained beans and chopped spinach or kale. Cook for another 5 minutes until the greens wilt and beans are heated through.
Final Seasoning and Garnish – Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove bay leaves and discard. Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil or parsley.

Variations

Make it Spicy – Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Low-Carb Option – Skip the beans and add more low-carb veggies like mushrooms or cauliflower.
Protein Swap – Replace ground turkey with ground chicken, beef, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version.
Extra Hearty – Stir in cooked pasta, rice, or quinoa for a heartier meal.
Creamy Version – Mix in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk for a richer texture.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6-8 servings

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

How can I thicken the soup?

You can mash some of the beans or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) to thicken the broth.

Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?

Yes! Ground beef, chicken, or even Italian sausage work well in this soup.

What vegetables work best in this soup?

Aside from the listed vegetables, mushrooms, green beans, peas, or even potatoes make great additions.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the turkey and sauté the onions and garlic first, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Is this soup keto-friendly?

Without beans and with added low-carb veggies, this soup can easily fit a keto diet.

Can I add pasta to this soup?

Yes! Cook pasta separately and add it to each bowl before serving to avoid it becoming mushy.

How do I make this soup dairy-free?

Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

What broth is best for this soup?

Both chicken and vegetable broth work well. Use homemade or low-sodium store-bought broth for best results.

Can I use canned or frozen vegetables?

Yes! Canned beans, diced tomatoes, and frozen spinach or bell peppers are great time-saving options.

Conclusion

This Italian Ground Turkey Vegetable Soup is a quick, nutritious, and flavor-packed meal perfect for any occasion. With its versatility, ease of preparation, and hearty ingredients, it’s a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or meal prepping. Try it today and enjoy a comforting bowl of goodness in just 30 minutes!

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