There is nothing quite as comforting on a chilly day as a warm, hearty bowl of soup, and this Filling Crockpot Ground Turkey Soup Recipe fits the bill perfectly. It’s packed with tender ground turkey, fresh veggies, and fragrant herbs, all slow-cooked to bring out the richest flavors and a delightful texture. Whether you’re cozying up after a long day or feeding the family with something nourishing, this soup combines simplicity and depth in the most delicious way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things delightfully straightforward, using ingredients that are easy to find but essential for creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. Each component plays a special role—from the hearty ground turkey to the vibrant vegetables and aromatic herbs that fill the kitchen with an irresistible scent.
- 1 lb ground turkey: The lean protein base that makes this soup both filling and healthy.
- 1.5 tsp olive oil: Helps brown the turkey and adds a subtle richness without overpowering the flavors.
- 1 onion, diced into 1/2-inch pieces: Adds sweetness and depth as it softens during cooking.
- 3 garlic cloves, freshly minced: Brings a punch of aromatic flavor that wakes up the entire dish.
- 1.5 lb potatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks: Provide creamy texture and help make the soup satisfyingly thick.
- 2 celery stalks: Offer a slight crunch and a fresh, green note that balances the richness.
- 3 carrots: Infuse the soup with natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1.5 tsp rosemary: Earthy herb that pairs beautifully with turkey and root vegetables.
- 1 tsp thyme: Adds subtle complexity with its delicate, minty undertones.
- 2 bay leaves: Slowly release subtle savory layers during the slow cooking process.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without making the soup taste salty.
- 1 tsp black pepper: Provides just the right amount of warmth and mild heat.
- 0.5 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Adds a touch of umami depth that rounds out the soup’s profile.
- 7 cups chicken broth: I love using Swanson for consistent, comforting flavor and a clean base.
- 14 oz tomatoes, fire roasted: Muir Glen’s fire-roasted tomatoes enrich this soup with smoky sweetness.
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped: Fresh herb to finish off the soup with a burst of color and brightness.
How to Make Filling Crockpot Ground Turkey Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Turkey
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until it’s nicely browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. This step locks in flavor and gives the meat a satisfying texture that holds up well in the slow cooker.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Once the turkey is browned, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them together for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened, releasing those wonderful aromas that make you eager to get the soup going.
Step 3: Transfer Everything to the Crockpot
Move the turkey, onions, and garlic into your crockpot. Add the chopped potatoes, celery, carrots, rosemary, thyme, bay leaves, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Don’t forget to pour in the chicken broth and fire-roasted tomatoes. Give everything a gentle stir to combine all the ingredients evenly.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Set the crockpot on low and let it work its magic for about 6 hours. This slow simmer ensures all the flavors meld together beautifully, and the vegetables soften just right without turning mushy. The result is a soup that tastes like it’s been lovingly prepared all day long.
Step 5: Finish with Fresh Parsley
In the last 10 minutes of cooking, sprinkle in the chopped parsley for a fresh, herbal lift that brightens the whole dish. This final touch adds color and a burst of flavor that makes this Filling Crockpot Ground Turkey Soup Recipe truly irresistible.
How to Serve Filling Crockpot Ground Turkey Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Top your soup with a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for creaminess, or sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan for a salty kick. Freshly cracked black pepper and extra parsley can add both beauty and flavor right at the table.
Side Dishes
This soup shines as the star, but pairing it with a crusty artisan bread or warm garlic rolls turns it into a full, satisfying meal. A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette also balances the heartiness with some refreshing crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bowls with a sprig of parsley perched on top, or ladle it into hollowed-out sourdough bread bowls for a fun, edible serving vessel. For gatherings, keep the soup warm in the crockpot and offer a toppings bar with shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and crispy bacon.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Filling Crockpot Ground Turkey Soup Recipe, simply cool any extra portions and transfer to airtight containers. Keep them refrigerated for up to 3 days—this soup actually benefits from the flavors melding even more overnight.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully, making it a perfect meal prep option. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some headspace for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm your leftovers gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl in 1-2 minute bursts, stirring in between until piping hot throughout.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground turkey with another protein?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or lean ground beef both work well. Just be mindful of cooking times and fat content, which might slightly alter the soup’s texture.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Definitely. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and substitute the turkey with hearty vegetables or plant-based crumbles. The herbs and spices will still create a flavorful, filling soup.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Yes! Feel free to customize with your favorites like zucchini, green beans, or bell peppers. Just keep in mind some vegetables cook faster and should be added later in the cooking process.
How thick is this soup? Can I make it more brothy?
This soup strikes a perfect balance between brothy and hearty thanks to the potatoes. But if you prefer it more soupy, simply add extra chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
Do I need to brown the turkey before putting it in the crockpot?
Browning the turkey first enhances flavor and texture, but if you’re in a rush, you can skip this step. The soup will still taste great, though it might be less rich and slightly less textured.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a warm, nourishing meal that’s both simple to throw together and big on comfort, this Filling Crockpot Ground Turkey Soup Recipe is a total winner. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again, especially when the weather turns cool. Give it a try and watch it become a favorite in your home, just like it is in mine.
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Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This hearty Filling Crockpot Ground Turkey Soup is a comforting and nutritious meal that combines lean ground turkey, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs simmered slowly to develop rich flavors. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this slow-cooked soup is easy to prepare with minimal effort, delivering a delicious, warming dish with a wholesome balance of protein and vegetables.
Ingredients
Protein and Oil
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1.5 tsp olive oil
Vegetables
- 1 onion, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 3 garlic cloves, freshly minced
- 1.5 lb potatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 carrots, chopped
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1.5 tsp rosemary
- 1 tsp thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Liquids and Additional Ingredients
- 7 cups chicken broth (Swanson recommended for flavor)
- 14 oz tomatoes (preferably Muir Glen fire-roasted)
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Dice the onion and chop the celery and carrots. Mince the garlic cloves and cut the potatoes into 1-inch chunks. Chop the parsley last to maintain its freshness for garnish.
- Brown the ground turkey: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. This step adds depth of flavor to the soup before slow cooking.
- Combine ingredients in crockpot: Transfer the browned turkey to the crockpot. Add diced onion, minced garlic, potatoes, celery, carrots, rosemary, thyme, bay leaves, salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, chicken broth, and fire-roasted tomatoes. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients well.
- Cook the soup: Set the crockpot to low and cook for 6 hours. This long, slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to become tender without losing their texture.
- Finish and serve: Remove the bay leaves before serving. Stir in the chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant touch. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then ladle into bowls and enjoy your nourishing ground turkey soup.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic and fire-roasted tomatoes to enhance the flavor depth.
- Browning the turkey first prevents any raw meat taste and improves overall soup richness.
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the cooked potatoes before serving.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- This recipe is easily doubled for larger batches or meal prep.
