That first cool evening always makes me crave something deeply comforting, a meal that warms you from the inside out. Last fall, after a particularly blustery day at the pumpkin patch with the kids, all rosy-cheeked and tired, I knew exactly what we needed: a big, steaming bowl of Creamy Ground Turkey Soup. It’s one of those recipes that just feels like a hug.
This Creamy Ground Turkey Soup is a wonderfully hearty and flavorful dish, packed with tender ground turkey, smoky bacon, and an abundance of fresh vegetables, all simmered in a rich, savory broth lightly kissed with coconut milk. It’s the perfect one-pot wonder for a busy weeknight, yet special enough for a relaxed Sunday supper. The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity and the wholesome goodness it brings to the table, making it a true family favorite in my home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Creamy Ground Turkey Soup isn’t just another soup; it’s a standout for several delicious reasons:
- Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of savory ground turkey, smoky bacon, aromatic vegetables, and fresh herbs creates a depth of flavor that is simply irresistible. The touch of coconut milk adds a subtle sweetness and luxurious creaminess without being heavy.
- Quick & Easy to Make: Even on a busy weeknight, you can have this satisfying Creamy Ground Turkey Soup on the table in under an hour. It’s a one-pot meal, which means less cleanup too – always a bonus!
- Wholesome and Satisfying: Packed with protein from the turkey, and loaded with nutritious vegetables like carrots, celery, potatoes, and zucchini, this soup is both filling and good for you. It’s a complete meal in a bowl.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This Creamy Ground Turkey Soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. It’s ideal for making a big batch on the weekend to enjoy for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a hit with both adults and kids. The familiar, comforting flavors are universally appealing, making it a great choice for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
Ingredients for Creamy Ground Turkey Soup
Core Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey: The star protein. Look for 93% lean for a good balance of flavor and leanness.
- 5 slices bacon (chopped): Adds a wonderful smoky depth and a bit of crispy texture. Choose a good quality thick-cut bacon if possible.
- 1 yellow onion (diced): Provides a foundational aromatic sweetness.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Essential for its pungent, savory flavor. Fresh is best!
- 2 large carrots (peeled and diced): Lend sweetness and a pop of color.
- 2 stalks celery (chopped): Adds a subtle savory, earthy note and nice texture.
- 3 Yukon Gold potatoes (chopped): These waxy potatoes hold their shape well and contribute to the creamy texture.
- 1 medium zucchini (chopped): Adds a delicate flavor and lovely green hue.
- 14 ounces coconut milk (canned): Full-fat coconut milk creates the creamiest result and a subtle, delightful background flavor. This is key for our Creamy Ground Turkey Soup.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Forms the flavorful base of the soup. Use low-sodium if you prefer to control the saltiness.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme: Its earthy, slightly minty flavor is wonderful in soups.
- 1 teaspoon fresh oregano: Adds a peppery, robust herbaceous note.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Or to taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper: Freshly ground black pepper is always recommended.
Substitutions and Tips
- Ground Meat: Don’t have ground turkey? Ground chicken or even lean ground beef would work well in this Creamy Ground Turkey Soup. If using ground beef, be sure to drain off any excess fat after browning.
- Bacon: For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and start by sautéing the onions in a tablespoon of olive oil. You can add a pinch of smoked paprika for that smoky flavor.
- Potatoes: Russet potatoes can be used, but they tend to break down more, which can make the soup thicker. Sweet potatoes would also be a delicious, albeit different, flavor profile.
- Zucchini: Yellow squash or even some chopped green beans could be substituted for the zucchini.
- Coconut Milk: If you’re not a fan of coconut milk or don’t have any, heavy cream or evaporated milk can be used for a similar creamy texture, though the flavor will be slightly different. Start with a smaller amount and add more to reach your desired creaminess for the Creamy Ground Turkey Soup.
- Herbs: Dried herbs can be used if fresh aren’t available. Use about 1/3 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1/3 teaspoon of dried oregano. Add dried herbs earlier in the cooking process with the broth to allow them to rehydrate and release their flavor.
- Spice it Up: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic and onions.
Best Type of Ground Turkey to Use
When it comes to making the most flavorful Creamy Ground Turkey Soup, the type of ground turkey you choose can make a noticeable difference. I generally recommend using 93% lean ground turkey. This variety offers a good balance – it has enough fat to provide flavor and keep the turkey moist during cooking, but not so much that it makes the soup greasy.
If you opt for very lean ground turkey, like 99% lean, it can sometimes become a bit dry and less flavorful. If that’s what you have on hand, ensure you don’t overcook it during the browning stage, and the other flavorful ingredients like bacon and the creamy broth will help.
Alternatively, you could use ground dark meat turkey if it’s available, as it tends to be more flavorful and juicier than ground breast meat. However, 93% lean is widely available and consistently yields excellent results for this Creamy Ground Turkey Soup. The key is to brown it well to develop those lovely savory notes that form the foundation of the soup’s taste.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Must-Have Tools
- Large Dutch Oven or Stockpot: A heavy-bottomed pot is essential for even cooking and preventing sticking. A 6-quart or larger pot is ideal for this Creamy Ground Turkey Soup.
- Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping all those lovely vegetables.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring and breaking up the ground turkey.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Ladle: For serving your delicious Creamy Ground Turkey Soup.
Nice-to-Have Extras
- Garlic Press: If you prefer not to mince garlic by hand.
- Vegetable Peeler: Makes quick work of peeling the carrots and potatoes.
- Immersion Blender (Optional): If you prefer an even creamier base, you can use an immersion blender to briefly blend a small portion of the soup before adding the zucchini and herbs. Just be careful not to over-blend.
How to Make Creamy Ground Turkey Soup
Here’s how to bring this comforting Creamy Ground Turkey Soup to life in your own kitchen:
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
In your large Dutch oven or stockpot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it’s nice and crispy. You’ll want to stir it occasionally. Once crisp, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot. If there’s too much, carefully drain off the excess. That crispy bacon will be a delicious garnish later!
Pro-Chef Tip: Cooking the bacon first not only gives you a tasty topping but also renders fat that adds incredible flavor to the base of your Creamy Ground Turkey Soup.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey
Add the ground turkey to the pot with the reserved bacon grease. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with your spoon, until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink. This step develops a lot of flavor. Once browned, drain off any excess fat if necessary.
Sensory Cue: You should hear a gentle sizzle and smell that wonderful savory aroma of browning turkey.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and chopped celery to the pot with the ground turkey. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and the vegetables begin to soften.
Pro-Chef Tip: Don’t rush this step. Letting the vegetables soften and slightly caramelize builds another layer of flavor for your Creamy Ground Turkey Soup.
Step 4: Add Potatoes, Broth, and Seasonings
Stir in the chopped potatoes, chicken broth, fresh thyme, fresh oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender when pierced with a fork.
Sensory Cue: Your kitchen should be filling with the comforting aroma of herbs and simmering broth.
Step 5: Add Zucchini and Coconut Milk
Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the chopped zucchini and the canned coconut milk. Let the soup simmer for another 5-7 minutes, just until the zucchini is tender-crisp. You don’t want to overcook the zucchini, or it will become mushy.
Pro-Chef Tip: Add the zucchini towards the end of the cooking process to maintain its texture and vibrant green color in the Creamy Ground Turkey Soup.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Taste the Creamy Ground Turkey Soup and adjust seasonings if needed – perhaps a little more salt or pepper. Ladle the hot soup into bowls, and garnish with the reserved crispy bacon and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra thyme if desired. Enjoy this delicious bowl of comfort!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Creamy Ground Turkey Soup turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pot When Browning: If you’re doubling the recipe, brown the ground turkey in batches. This ensures it browns properly rather than steams, leading to a much richer flavor for your Creamy Ground Turkey Soup.
- Layer Your Flavors: Take the time to properly cook the bacon, brown the turkey, and sauté the aromatics. Each step builds a new dimension of taste that contributes to the overall deliciousness of the final soup.
- Use Full-Fat Coconut Milk for Creaminess: While light coconut milk can be used, full-fat will give you the richest, creamiest texture that truly makes this Creamy Ground Turkey Soup shine. Shake the can well before opening, as the cream and liquid can separate.
- Don’t Boil Vigorously After Adding Coconut Milk: Once the coconut milk is in, maintain a gentle simmer. Boiling it too hard can sometimes cause dairy or coconut milk to curdle or separate.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning at the End: The saltiness of your broth and bacon can vary. Always taste the finished Creamy Ground Turkey Soup before serving and add more salt, pepper, or even a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors if needed.
How to Store Creamy Ground Turkey Soup
Proper storage will keep your Creamy Ground Turkey Soup delicious for days.
- Room Temperature: Soups containing meat and dairy (or coconut milk) should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours. If it’s been out longer, it’s best to discard it for safety.
- In the Refrigerator: Allow the Creamy Ground Turkey Soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When reheating, you can do so gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave. You may notice the soup thickens slightly upon chilling; add a splash of broth or water when reheating if you prefer a thinner consistency.
- Freezing Tips: Yes, you can freeze this Creamy Ground Turkey Soup! For best results, let the soup cool completely. Transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving about an inch of headspace for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- Thawing and Reheating: Thaw the frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Due to the coconut milk and potatoes, the texture might be slightly different after freezing and thawing, but it will still be delicious. If the texture seems a bit separated, whisking it well while reheating can help. Adding a fresh touch of herbs after reheating can also liven it up.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about making Creamy Ground Turkey Soup:
Can I make this Creamy Ground Turkey Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Creamy Ground Turkey Soup is fantastic for making ahead. The flavors often meld and become even more delicious the next day. Simply prepare it as directed, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Is this Creamy Ground Turkey Soup spicy?
As written, this recipe is not spicy; it’s savory and herbaceous. If you’d like to add some heat, consider adding 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the garlic and onions, or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce when serving.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
This Creamy Ground Turkey Soup is already dairy-free as it uses coconut milk for its creaminess! Just ensure your chicken broth is also dairy-free (most are, but it’s always good to check labels if you have a severe allergy).
What can I serve with Creamy Ground Turkey Soup?
This soup is quite hearty and can be a meal on its own. However, it pairs wonderfully with a crusty piece of bread for dipping, a simple side salad, or some warm dinner rolls.
My Creamy Ground Turkey Soup isn’t thick enough. How can I thicken it?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can try a few things. One option is to simmer it uncovered for a bit longer to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Another method is to make a slurry: mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch or flour with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth, then stir it into the simmering soup and cook for a few minutes until thickened. Alternatively, you can remove about a cup of the soup (try to get some potatoes), blend it until smooth, and stir it back into the pot.
Can I use other vegetables in this Creamy Ground Turkey Soup?
Certainly! This recipe is very versatile. Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy or have on hand. Chopped mushrooms, peas, green beans, or even a bit of spinach stirred in at the end would be lovely additions to your Creamy Ground Turkey Soup. Adjust cooking times as needed depending on the vegetables you choose.
Conclusion
This Creamy Ground Turkey Soup truly is a go-to dish when you’re craving something that’s both deeply comforting and packed with wholesome goodness. Its rich flavors, satisfying textures, and the ease with which it comes together make it a recipe you’ll turn to again and again. Whether it’s a chilly evening, a busy weeknight, or a lazy weekend, a bowl of this Creamy Ground Turkey Soup is sure to bring warmth and smiles to your table. Enjoy!
