Hearty and Comforting Turkey Burger Soup: An Easy, Wholesome Recipe
Transform everyday produce into a nourishing, crowd-pleasing dinner in just one pot.
Turkey Burger Soup: Easy, Hearty, and Packed with Flavor
Looking for a quick, comforting dinner idea that’s nourishing, flavorful, and will help you clean out your produce drawer? This turkey burger soup brings together savory ground turkey, a colorful mix of vegetables, and a gently spiced tomato broth in one easy pot. It’s the perfect answer to chilly weeknights or whenever you crave the coziness of homemade soup without a lot of fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Turkey Burger Soup
- Protein-packed with lean ground turkey for a satisfying meal.
- Vegetable-forward—use whatever vegetables you have on hand.
- One-pot—minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
- Customizable for family preferences and dietary needs.
- Meal-prep friendly and perfect for leftovers.
Ingredients: What You Need for Turkey Burger Soup
This soup uses simple ingredients you likely already have, but don’t be afraid to swap in vegetables or spices you prefer:
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the turkey and vegetables.
- Ground turkey: Choose lean (93%) for flavor without too much fat.
- Onion and garlic: Aromatic base for classic soup depth.
- Whole peeled tomatoes: Crushed by hand—adds texture and body.
- Chicken broth: Low-sodium recommended so you can control seasoning.
- Tomato paste: Intensifies the rich tomato flavor.
- Dried parsley and oregano: Offers a gentle, familiar herbal note.
- Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential for flavor balance.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): Adds just a hint of warmth.
- Carrots: Sweet, tender, and colorful.
- Red potatoes: Creamy and hearty; cut into bite-size chunks.
- Red bell pepper: Adds pop and subtle sweetness.
- Green beans: Fresh texture near the end of cooking.
Sample Ingredient Table
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 2 Tbsp |
| Ground turkey | 1 1/2 lb |
| Onion | 1 small, diced |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| Whole peeled tomatoes | 1 (14.5-oz) can, crushed by hand |
| Chicken broth | 2 cups, plus more as needed |
| Tomato paste | 1 heaping Tbsp |
| Dried parsley | 1 tsp |
| Ground oregano | 1/4 tsp |
| Kosher salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/4 tsp |
| Cayenne pepper | Pinch (optional) |
| Carrots | 2, peeled and sliced |
| Red potatoes | 2 large, cut into 1-inch chunks |
| Red bell pepper | 1 large, chopped |
| Green beans | 8 oz, cut into pieces |
How to Make Turkey Burger Soup (Step-by-Step Directions)
Just a few steps and one pot!
- Brown the turkey and aromatics:
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over high heat. Add ground turkey, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until the turkey is browned and the onions have started to soften, about 8 minutes.
- Simmer with tomatoes, broth, and seasonings:
Add the crushed tomatoes with their juices, chicken broth, tomato paste, parsley, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Give everything a good stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Add vegetables:
Stir in the carrots, potatoes, and bell pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then cover and reduce heat. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10–15 minutes or until the potatoes are starting to soften but aren’t fully cooked through.
- Finish with green beans:
Stir in the green beans, cover, and simmer for 4–5 more minutes—just until the beans are tender-crisp and the potatoes are cooked through but not mushy.
- Adjust and serve:
If you prefer a thinner soup, add a splash more broth as needed. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and enjoy hot!
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Turkey Burger Soup
- Use what you have: This soup is designed to help clear out your fridge. Try zucchini, spinach, corn, or peas in place of or in addition to listed vegetables.
- Make it a meal: Serve with a crusty roll, garlic bread, or a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top.
- Storage: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months—thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently.
- Broth flexibility: Use beef broth or vegetable broth in place of chicken broth for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Low-carb swap: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower chunks for fewer carbs.
Why Ground Turkey?
Ground turkey is a lean, protein-rich alternative to beef or sausage. It absorbs flavors beautifully, browing up with savory aromatics without making the soup too greasy. This makes it an excellent, lighter choice for burgers and stews, especially if you’re watching your saturated fat intake. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and widely available.
Make It Your Own: Variations & Add-Ins
- Spicy Turkey Burger Soup: Add more cayenne or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Cheesy Burger Soup: Top each bowl with shredded cheddar or pepper jack before serving.
- Southwest Twist: Stir in a can of black beans, corn, and a dash of cumin and chili powder.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the turkey, swap for three cans of beans (white, kidney, or chickpeas), and use vegetable broth.
What others are reading
Nutrition Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving, depending on your specific ingredients:
- Calories: 230–250
- Protein: 28–30g
- Fat: 7–8g
- Carbohydrates: 15–17g
- Fiber: 3–4g
- Sodium: Varies based on broth/added salt
Serving Suggestions
This soup is filling on its own, but you can round out the meal with:
- Buttered garlic bread or crusty baguette
- Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Parmesan or other sharp cheeses sprinkled on top
- Hot sauce on the side for spice lovers
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?
A: Yes, both ground chicken and lean ground beef work well in this soup. Chicken keeps it light, while beef adds a heartier, classic burger taste.
Q: What other veggies can I add?
A: Almost any—zucchini, spinach, corn, peas, or squash. Adjust amounts so the pot isn’t too crowded and extends cook time just a few minutes if you add harder vegetables.
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes. Brown the turkey, onions, and garlic first, then add all ingredients except green beans to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours (or high for 3–4 hours). Add green beans in the last 30 minutes to keep them crisp.
Q: Is this soup gluten-free?
A: It is naturally gluten-free if you confirm your broth and other ingredients do not contain gluten. Always check labels to be sure.
Q: How do I store and reheat turkey burger soup?
A: Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Soup can thicken a bit upon cooling, so splash in more broth as needed when reheating.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes, the soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It keeps for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion: Cozy Dinner in a Bowl
This turkey burger soup is a family-friendly comfort classic that you’ll want to add to your regular recipe rotation. It’s simple, nourishing, and welcomes plenty of improvisation. Whether you enjoy it as a quick weeknight meal, a make-ahead lunch, or a cozy bowl on a rainy weekend, it embodies the comfort of home cooking while helping you eat a little healthier—without sacrificing any flavor.
Related Recipes
- Italian Turkey Burger Soup – for an herby twist with Italian seasoning and beans.
- Turkey Cheeseburger Soup – topped with melty cheese and extra creamy texture.
- Classic Chicken Vegetable Soup – a similar method, different flavor profile.
References
- https://www.artandthekitchen.com/italian-turkey-burger-soup/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a32437194/turkey-burger-soup-recipe/
- https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/turkey-cheeseburger-soup/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11374/hamburger-soup/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a35812659/turkey-burgers/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g31929759/ground-turkey-recipes/
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