Hearty Ground Turkey and Rice Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Warming ground turkey and rice soup offers a comforting embrace during chilly evenings.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in this simple yet satisfying meal.

Robust flavors dance through each spoonful, creating a nutritious and delicious experience.

Fragrant herbs and tender meat provide a robust base for this nourishing dish.

Packed with wholesome vegetables, the soup delivers a balanced and filling option for lunch or dinner.

Quick to prepare and even faster to devour, you’ll love how effortlessly this recipe comes together.

Each bite promises a delightful combination of protein and comfort that will leave you feeling nourished and content.

Why Ground Turkey And Rice Soup Is Light Yet Filling

• Boost Nutrition: Packed with lean ground turkey, wholesome rice, and colorful vegetables, this soup delivers a balanced meal loaded with protein and essential nutrients.
• Simplify Cooking: One-pot wonder that requires minimal kitchen skills, making it perfect for beginners or busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without complex techniques.
• Comfort in a Bowl: Warm, hearty soup provides ultimate comfort during chilly days or when you need a soul-soothing meal that feels like a warm hug from grandma's kitchen.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows quick ingredient swaps or additions, letting you personalize the soup based on your family's taste preferences or available ingredients.

Ingredients For Ground Turkey And Rice Soup

• Ground Turkey: Lean meat that provides a hearty protein foundation for the soup.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that build a rich, savory flavor profile for the soup.
• Carrots, Celery: Classic soup vegetables that add natural sweetness and depth to the dish.

• Thyme, Oregano: Dried herbs that contribute earthy and robust flavor notes.
• Bay Leaf: Adds a subtle, complex background flavor to the soup.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste.

• Chicken Broth: Provides the liquid base and adds extra depth of flavor to the soup.
• Rice: Adds texture and makes the soup more filling and satisfying.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and creating a base for cooking the ingredients.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish to the soup when served.

How To Cook Ground Turkey And Rice Soup

Step 1: Brown the Turkey

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Crumble ground turkey into the pot and cook until it turns golden brown, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon.

This process should take about 5-7 minutes, ensuring the meat is fully cooked and develops a rich flavor.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot.

Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet and fragrant aroma.

Step 3: Add Vegetable Base

Toss in diced carrots and chopped celery.

Sauté the vegetables for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to help them soften and blend with the turkey.

Step 4: Create the Soup Foundation

• Uncooked rice
• Chicken broth
• Dried thyme
• Dried oregano
• Bay leaf
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

Step 5: Simmer and Cook

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let the soup simmer. Cook for 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed the flavorful broth, and the vegetables are soft.

Step 6: Final Seasoning

Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if needed to enhance the overall flavor profile.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Optional: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a bright, fresh garnish.

Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting, hearty meal.

Tips To Boost Flavor In Turkey And Rice Soup

• Swap ground turkey with ground chicken or lean beef for variety in protein options.
• Use brown rice instead of white rice to boost nutritional value and add more fiber.
• Prep vegetables ahead of time to streamline cooking process and save precious minutes during meal preparation.
• Add a splash of lemon juice at the end to brighten the soup's flavor and enhance overall taste profile.
• Consider freezing leftover soup in individual portions for quick and convenient future meals, ensuring the soup stays fresh for up to 3 months when stored properly in airtight containers.

Fun Twists On Turkey And Rice Soup

• Mediterranean Spice Blend: Replace thyme and oregano with za'atar seasoning, add diced red bell peppers, and finish with a drizzle of olive oil for a Middle Eastern flavor profile.
• Tex-Mex Turkey Soup: Incorporate taco seasoning, swap chicken broth for beef broth, add black beans, corn, and top with shredded cheddar cheese and cilantro for southwestern flair.
• Asian Ginger Fusion: Replace herbs with fresh ginger, add soy sauce, sesame oil, and garnish with green onions and a splash of rice vinegar for an east Asian inspired version.
• Creamy Mushroom Variation: Stir in sliced mushrooms during vegetable sautéing, add a splash of heavy cream at the end, and sprinkle with parmesan cheese for a richer soup experience.

Tasty Sides For Ground Turkey And Rice Soup

• Pair with Crusty Sourdough Bread: Slice a warm, tangy sourdough to soak up the rich, savory broth and add delightful texture contrast.
• Complement with Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: The wine's bright acidity cuts through the soup's hearty flavors, creating a refreshing balance between the light turkey and robust vegetables.
• Enhance with Simple Green Salad: Toss mixed greens with a light vinaigrette to provide a fresh, crisp counterpoint to the warm, comforting soup.
• Finish with Herbed Goat Cheese: Crumble creamy goat cheese on top to add a tangy, creamy element that elevates the soup's earthy herbs and vegetables.

How To Store Ground Turkey And Rice Soup

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze up to 3 months for best quality. Label with date and contents.
• Reheat Stovetop: Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Pour soup into pot, add splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave Reheating: Place soup in microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature and ensure soup is steaming hot before serving.

FAQs For Ground Turkey And Rice Soup Fans

• Is ground turkey a healthy protein choice for this soup?

Ground turkey is a lean protein packed with nutrients, lower in fat compared to beef, and provides essential amino acids for muscle health.

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice works great! It offers more fiber and nutrients, though it might require slightly longer cooking time to become tender.

• How can I make this soup more filling?

Add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach, or include beans for additional protein and fiber to boost the soup’s nutritional value and satisfaction.

• Is this soup good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This soup stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheats easily, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time for quick, nutritious meals.

Ground Turkey and Rice Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty ground turkey and rice soup warms winter evenings with comforting Mediterranean flavors. Nutritious ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a satisfying meal that nourishes body and soul while delivering delicious, wholesome goodness you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) ground turkey

Rice and Grains:

• 1 cup (200 grams) long-grain white rice

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced

Liquid and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• 8 cups (1.9 liters) chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Brown ground turkey in a large pot over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, breaking into small crumbles with a wooden spoon.
2. Incorporate diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until onions become translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add chopped carrots and celery, stirring and cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes to develop vegetable flavors.
4. Pour in chicken broth and sprinkle uncooked rice, thyme, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper into the pot.
5. Raise heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce temperature to low.
6. Cover the pot and allow soup to simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, ensuring rice becomes tender and absorbs broth.
7. Carefully remove bay leaf and perform a final seasoning check, adjusting salt and pepper to taste.
8. Ladle hot soup into serving bowls and optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch.

Notes

• Swap ground turkey with ground chicken or lean beef for variety, ensuring the protein remains lean and low-fat.
• Add diced zucchini or spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking to boost vegetable content and nutritional value.
• Use brown rice instead of white rice for increased fiber and a more nutritious meal, adjusting cooking time slightly to accommodate longer rice preparation.
• Freeze leftover soup in individual portions for quick, convenient meals, which stay fresh for up to 3 months when properly stored in airtight containers.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg