Hearty and Healthy: Ground Turkey Soup with Beans Recipe

Ground turkey soup with beans is a comforting and nutritious meal perfect for any time of year. This recipe is packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, making it a wholesome choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend lunch. It’s also incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite vegetables, beans, and spices.

This article provides a detailed recipe for making a delicious and satisfying ground turkey soup with beans, along with helpful tips and variations to suit your taste.

## Why Ground Turkey Soup with Beans is a Winner

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s explore why this soup is such a great choice:

* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Ground turkey is a lean protein source, and beans are loaded with fiber and plant-based protein. The added vegetables contribute vitamins and minerals, making this a balanced and nutritious meal.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal cooking skills. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and healthy dinner.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Ground turkey and beans are relatively inexpensive ingredients, making this soup a budget-friendly option.
* **Versatile and Customizable:** You can easily adapt this recipe to your preferences by adding different vegetables, beans, and spices. Want it spicier? Add some chili powder or cayenne pepper. Prefer different beans? Kidney beans, black beans, or cannellini beans all work well.
* **Makes a Big Batch:** This recipe makes a generous amount of soup, perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd. Leftovers taste even better the next day!
* **Freezes Well:** Ground turkey soup with beans freezes beautifully, so you can easily make a large batch and freeze individual portions for future meals.

## Ground Turkey Soup with Beans Recipe

Here’s a detailed recipe to guide you through making this delicious soup. This recipe serves approximately 6-8 people.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound ground turkey
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for added flavor)
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
* 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 cup frozen corn (optional)
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
* Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, or avocado (optional, for topping)

**Equipment:**

* Large pot or Dutch oven
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring spoons and cups
* Ladle

**Instructions:**

**Step 1: Brown the Ground Turkey**

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.

**Why this step is important:** Browning the ground turkey adds flavor and texture to the soup. Make sure to break it up well so that it cooks evenly.

**Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables**

1. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot with the browned ground turkey.
2. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.

**Why this step is important:** Sautéing the vegetables softens them and releases their flavors, which will enhance the overall taste of the soup. Don’t rush this step; allowing the vegetables to soften properly is key.

**Step 3: Add the Garlic and Spices**

1. Add the minced garlic, oregano, basil, smoked paprika (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot.
2. Cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute.

**Why this step is important:** Cooking the garlic and spices briefly releases their aromas and flavors, adding depth to the soup. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

**Step 4: Add the Tomatoes and Broth**

1. Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained) and chicken broth (or vegetable broth).
2. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

**Why this step is important:** The diced tomatoes add acidity and flavor to the soup, while the broth provides the liquid base. Scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot (also known as fond) adds even more flavor.

**Step 5: Simmer the Soup**

1. Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, to allow the flavors to meld.

**Why this step is important:** Simmering the soup allows the flavors to combine and deepen. The longer you simmer it, the more flavorful it will become.

**Step 6: Add the Beans and Corn**

1. Stir in the rinsed and drained kidney beans and pinto beans.
2. Add the frozen corn (if using).
3. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes, or until the beans are heated through and the corn is tender.

**Why this step is important:** Adding the beans and corn towards the end of the cooking process prevents them from becoming mushy. You just want to heat them through and allow them to absorb some of the soup’s flavor.

**Step 7: Season and Serve**

1. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
2. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, or avocado, if desired.
3. Serve hot.

**Why this step is important:** Seasoning the soup properly is crucial for bringing out the flavors. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Don’t be afraid to add a little extra salt or pepper if it needs it.

## Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to help you customize this recipe to your liking:

* **Add More Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, kale, or potatoes. Add them along with the carrots and celery in Step 2.
* **Use Different Beans:** Experiment with different types of beans, such as black beans, cannellini beans, or great northern beans. You can also use a mixture of different beans.
* **Make it Spicy:** For a spicier soup, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the garlic and spices in Step 3. You can also use a spicy sausage instead of ground turkey.
* **Add Some Heat with Jalapenos:** Finely diced jalapenos will add a nice kick.
* **Use Different Broth:** You can use beef broth instead of chicken broth for a richer flavor. Vegetable broth is a great option for a vegetarian version.
* **Add Some Greens:** Stir in some chopped spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients and flavor.
* **Make it Creamy:** For a creamier soup, stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt into each bowl before serving. You can also blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender for a smoother texture.
* **Top it Off:** Get creative with your toppings! Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, avocado, chopped cilantro, tortilla chips, or a squeeze of lime juice are all great options.
* **Slow Cooker Version:** This recipe can easily be adapted for a slow cooker. Brown the ground turkey and sauté the vegetables as directed in Steps 1 and 2. Then, transfer everything to a slow cooker and add the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
* **Instant Pot Version:** This soup can also be made in an Instant Pot. Brown the ground turkey using the sauté function. Add the vegetables and sauté for a few minutes. Add the garlic, spices, tomatoes, and broth. Stir in the beans and corn. Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
* **Make it with Sausage:** Substitute the ground turkey for Italian sausage (sweet or hot, depending on your preference) for a different flavor profile. Make sure to remove the sausage from its casing before browning.

## Serving Suggestions

Ground turkey soup with beans is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with:

* **Crusty bread or rolls:** For dipping into the soup.
* **Cornbread:** A classic pairing with bean soup.
* **A side salad:** For a lighter meal.
* **Grilled cheese sandwich:** For a comforting and satisfying combination.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freeze:** Freeze leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Reheating Instructions

* **Stovetop:** Reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
* **Microwave:** Reheat the soup in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

## Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 350-400
* Protein: 30-35g
* Fat: 15-20g
* Carbohydrates: 30-35g
* Fiber: 10-15g

*Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

## Conclusion

Ground turkey soup with beans is a hearty, healthy, and versatile meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its easy preparation and customizable ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and enjoy a warm and satisfying bowl of ground turkey soup with beans!