Turkey Taco Soup: A Flavorful and Hearty Family Favorite

Turkey Taco Soup is a delicious, easy-to-make, and healthy meal perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend lunch. It’s packed with flavor, customizable to your spice preference, and a great way to use leftover cooked turkey. This recipe is designed to be straightforward and adaptable, so feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste and what you have on hand. Get ready to enjoy a comforting bowl of warmth and goodness!

Why You’ll Love This Turkey Taco Soup

* **Quick and Easy:** Ready in under 45 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Loaded with lean protein, fiber, and vegetables.
* **Customizable:** Adjust the spice level and ingredients to your liking.
* **Great for Leftovers:** Tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping.
* **Freezer-Friendly:** Easily freezes for a quick and convenient meal later.
* **Uses Leftover Turkey:** A fantastic way to utilize leftover turkey from Thanksgiving or holiday meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this flavorful Turkey Taco Soup. Don’t worry if you need to make substitutions – this recipe is very forgiving!

* **1 tablespoon olive oil:** Or any cooking oil of your choice (vegetable oil, avocado oil, etc.).
* **1 medium onion, chopped:** Yellow or white onion works best.
* **2 cloves garlic, minced:** Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
* **1 pound cooked turkey, shredded or diced:** Leftover turkey is ideal, but you can also use ground turkey that has been cooked and drained.
* **1 red bell pepper, chopped:** Adds sweetness and color to the soup. Other colors of bell pepper (yellow, orange, green) can also be used.
* **1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained:** Adds protein and fiber. Pinto beans or kidney beans can be substituted.
* **1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained:** Adds sweetness and texture. Frozen corn can also be used (no need to thaw).
* **1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained:** Provides the base of the soup. Fire-roasted diced tomatoes add a smoky flavor.
* **1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained (such as Rotel):** Adds a touch of heat. Use mild, medium, or hot, depending on your spice preference. You can omit this ingredient if you prefer a milder soup.
* **4 cups chicken broth:** Provides the liquid base for the soup. Vegetable broth can be substituted.
* **1 packet taco seasoning:** Adds all the classic taco flavors. You can also make your own taco seasoning blend.
* **1 teaspoon cumin:** Enhances the savory flavor of the soup.
* **1/2 teaspoon chili powder:** Adds a touch of heat and depth of flavor.
* **Salt and pepper to taste:** Adjust the seasoning to your liking.

**Optional Toppings:**

* Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
* Sour cream or Greek yogurt
* Avocado, diced
* Cilantro, chopped
* Tortilla chips or strips
* Lime wedges
* Diced red onion
* Jalapeños, sliced

Equipment You’ll Need

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

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create a delicious and satisfying Turkey Taco Soup:

**Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics**

* Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

**Step 2: Add the Turkey and Vegetables**

* Add the shredded or diced cooked turkey to the pot and cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
* Add the chopped red bell pepper, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes (undrained), and diced tomatoes and green chilies (undrained) to the pot.

**Step 3: Add the Broth and Seasonings**

* Pour the chicken broth into the pot.
* Stir in the taco seasoning, cumin, and chili powder.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that taco seasoning often contains salt, so start with a small amount and adjust as needed.

**Step 4: Simmer the Soup**

* Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat.
* 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. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it will become.

**Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!**

* Ladle the soup into bowls.
* Top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, and tortilla chips.
* Serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips for Making the Best Turkey Taco Soup

* **Use high-quality ingredients:** Fresh vegetables and good-quality broth will make a big difference in the overall flavor of the soup.
* **Don’t overcook the garlic:** Burnt garlic can make the soup bitter. Cook it just until fragrant.
* **Adjust the spice level to your liking:** Use mild, medium, or hot diced tomatoes and green chilies, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
* **Simmer the soup for as long as possible:** The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it will become.
* **Taste and adjust the seasoning:** Add more salt, pepper, or taco seasoning as needed.
* **Get creative with toppings:** The toppings are what make this soup truly special. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations.
* **Use an immersion blender for a creamier texture:** If you prefer a thicker, creamier soup, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup. Be careful not to over-blend, or it will become too smooth.
* **Add a squeeze of lime juice:** A little bit of acidity can brighten up the flavors of the soup.

Variations and Substitutions

* **Ground Turkey:** If you don’t have leftover turkey, you can use ground turkey. Brown it in the pot before adding the other ingredients, and drain off any excess grease.
* **Chicken:** Substitute cooked chicken for the turkey.
* **Vegetarian:** Omit the turkey and add more beans or vegetables, such as zucchini, carrots, or sweet potatoes. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
* **Spicy:** Add a chopped jalapeño pepper, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the soup.
* **Creamy:** Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt at the end of cooking.
* **Different Beans:** Use pinto beans, kidney beans, or great northern beans instead of black beans.
* **Different Vegetables:** Add other vegetables, such as diced carrots, celery, or zucchini.
* **Homemade Taco Seasoning:** Make your own taco seasoning blend using chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
* **Slow Cooker:** This soup can easily be made in a slow cooker. Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
* **Instant Pot:** This soup can also be made in an Instant Pot. Sauté the onion and garlic, then add the remaining ingredients. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Turkey Taco Soup is a complete meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to make it even more special:

* **With a side of cornbread:** The sweetness of the cornbread complements the savory flavors of the soup.
* **With a side salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing adds a refreshing element to the meal.
* **With tortilla chips and salsa:** Perfect for dipping and adding extra flavor and texture.
* **As part of a taco bar:** Set out a variety of toppings and let everyone customize their own bowl.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

* **Make-Ahead:** Turkey Taco Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together even more as it sits.
* **Storage:** Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the soup in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat, or in the microwave. Add a little broth or water if the soup has thickened too much.
* **Freezing:** Turkey Taco Soup freezes well. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Nutritional Information (approximate per serving)

* Calories: 350
* Protein: 30g
* Fat: 15g
* Carbohydrates: 30g
* Fiber: 10g

*(Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)*

Turkey Taco Soup Recipe Card

**Yields:** 6 servings
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 30 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 pound cooked turkey, shredded or diced
* 1 red bell pepper, chopped
* 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
* 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained (such as Rotel)
* 4 cups chicken broth
* 1 packet taco seasoning
* 1 teaspoon cumin
* 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
4. Add the shredded or diced cooked turkey to the pot and cook for a few minutes, until heated through.
5. Add the chopped red bell pepper, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes (undrained), and diced tomatoes and green chilies (undrained) to the pot.
6. Pour the chicken broth into the pot.
7. Stir in the taco seasoning, cumin, and chili powder.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat.
10. 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.
11. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings.

Enjoy Your Homemade Turkey Taco Soup!

This Turkey Taco Soup is a delightful and easy way to use up leftover turkey while creating a flavorful and nutritious meal. With its customizable ingredients and quick preparation time, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Don’t hesitate to adjust the recipe to your liking and experiment with different toppings to create your perfect bowl of Turkey Taco Soup. Bon appétit!