The scent of simmering soup, especially a hearty ground turkey soup, is like a warm hug on a crisp day. I remember one particularly blustery autumn afternoon, the kids came bursting through the door, rosy-cheeked and famished after a long walk. The pot of this very ground turkey soup was bubbling away on the stove, and the immediate sense of comfort and anticipation it brought was just magical. That’s the power of a truly good soup.
This Ground Turkey and Rice Soup with Kale isn’t just any soup; it’s a vibrant bowl packed with wholesome goodness. We’re talking about lean ground turkey, a colorful medley of fresh vegetables, tender rice, and the robust goodness of kale, all swimming in a savory, herb-kissed broth.
It’s the kind of meal that nourishes both body and soul, perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something satisfying yet simple, or for a cozy weekend lunch. It’s a recipe that has graced my table countless times, evolving slightly here and there, but always delivering on flavor and comfort. This ground turkey soup has become a staple because it’s incredibly versatile and universally loved by everyone who tries it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to adore this ground turkey soup, but here are a few that keep me coming back to it:
- Effortlessly Flavorful: The combination of browned ground turkey, aromatic vegetables, oregano, and garlic creates a wonderfully savory base that’s simply delicious. It’s a ground turkey soup that doesn’t skimp on taste.
- Quick and Wholesome: This recipe comes together surprisingly fast, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. Plus, it’s packed with lean protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.
- Wonderfully Adaptable: Whether you want to switch up the veggies, use different grains, or add a touch of spice, this ground turkey soup is incredibly forgiving and easy to customize.
- Pure Comfort: There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of soup, and this recipe, with its hearty ingredients and rich flavors, is the epitome of culinary comfort.
This recipe is a dream for busy parents needing a quick, healthy meal, for anyone looking to incorporate more lean protein and vegetables into their diet, and for all lovers of classic comfort food. It’s a standout ground turkey soup that truly satisfies.
Ingredients for Ground Turkey and Rice Soup with Kale
Core Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: The foundation for sautéing our aromatics, adding a touch of healthy fat.
- 3 medium carrots, sliced into ¼ inch rounds: These bring sweetness, color, and a good dose of Vitamin A.
- 1/2 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup): An essential aromatic that builds the savory base of our ground turkey soup.
- 3 celery stalks, sliced into ¼ inch pieces: Adds a subtle savory note and a pleasant crunch.
- 1 pound lean ground turkey: Our star protein! Opt for lean (93/7 is great) for a healthier yet flavorful soup.
- 1 teaspoon oregano: This dried herb brings a classic, earthy, and slightly peppery flavor that’s quintessential in a comforting soup.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves): Because garlic makes everything better, adding that pungent, aromatic kick.
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained: These add a lovely tang, umami, and body to the broth. Draining them prevents the soup from becoming too watery.
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth: The heart of our ground turkey soup. Using low-sodium allows you to control the final saltiness.
- 1 cup hot cooked white or brown rice: Adds heartiness and texture. Cook it separately to ensure it doesn’t get mushy.
- 4 cups kale, packed, coarsely chopped: A nutritional powerhouse that wilts down beautifully, adding earthy notes and vibrant green.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley: Stirred in at the end for a burst of fresh, bright flavor.
- Optional garnish: shredded Parmesan cheese, if desired: A sprinkle of salty, umami-rich Parmesan takes this ground turkey soup to the next level.
- Salt & pepper: To season perfectly to your taste.
Substitutions and Tips
- Ground Meat: Ground chicken is an excellent substitute. For a richer flavor, try ground Italian sausage (pork or chicken), but be mindful of added sodium and fat.
- Greens: Baby spinach is a great alternative to kale; stir it in during the last couple of minutes as it wilts very quickly. Swiss chard would also work wonderfully.
- Rice: Cooked quinoa, barley, or even small pasta shapes like orzo or ditalini can be used. If using pasta, you might want to cook it directly in the soup, adding a bit more broth if it absorbs too much liquid. This adjustment can create a delightful variation of ground turkey soup.
- Broth: Vegetable broth is a perfectly good swap if you prefer, or if you’re serving someone who doesn’t eat chicken.
- Tomatoes: Fire-roasted diced tomatoes can lend a lovely smoky depth to your soup.
- Chef Insight: Don’t be afraid to deglaze the pot after browning the turkey. If there are browned bits stuck to the bottom, add a splash of the broth and scrape them up – that’s concentrated flavor!
- Tip for a richer ground turkey soup: Sear the ground turkey until it’s deeply browned and slightly crispy in spots. This caramelization adds incredible depth of flavor that you just can’t get otherwise.
Best Type of Ground Turkey to Use
For this ground turkey soup, I recommend using 93% lean ground turkey. It offers a great balance – enough fat for flavor and moisture, but still lean enough to keep the soup relatively light and healthy.
You could use 99% lean ground turkey if you prefer, but it can sometimes be a bit dry. If you go this route, be extra careful not to overcook it and ensure there’s plenty of moisture from the broth and vegetables. Alternatively, ground turkey with a higher fat content (like 85/15) will yield a richer flavor but will also mean more fat to potentially skim off. Ground chicken (93/7) is also an excellent direct substitute with a similar profile.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Must-Have Tools
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven: A 5-quart or larger pot is ideal for making a generous batch of this ground turkey soup without any risk of bubbling over.
- Cutting Board: A sturdy board for all your chopping needs.
- Sharp Chef’s Knife: Essential for efficiently slicing and dicing the vegetables.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Wooden Spoon or Heatproof Spatula: Perfect for sautéing and stirring the soup.
- Ladle: For serving up those beautiful bowls of soup.
Nice-to-Have Extras
- Garlic Press: If mincing garlic isn’t your favorite task, a press makes it quick and easy.
- Herb Stripper: Handy for quickly removing kale leaves from their tough stems.
How to Make Ground Turkey and Rice Soup with Kale
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and comforting bowl of ground turkey soup.
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in your large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the sliced carrots, diced onion, and sliced celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. You’ll start to smell that wonderful foundational soup aroma building.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey
Add the lean ground turkey to the pot with the softened vegetables. Use your spoon to break the turkey apart into smaller crumbles. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, until the turkey is nicely browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess fat if you find it necessary. Pro-chef tip: Achieving a good brown on the turkey is key for developing a deep, savory flavor in your ground turkey soup.
Step 3: Add Seasonings and Garlic
Stir in the dried oregano and minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute more, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn. That quick bloom of heat really wakes up the aromatics!
Step 4: Simmer the Soup Base
Pour in the drained diced tomatoes and the low-sodium chicken broth. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot (hello, flavor!). Bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes. This simmering time allows all those wonderful flavors to meld and deepen. Season with a bit of salt and pepper at this stage, but remember you can adjust more later.
Step 5: Add Rice and Kale
Gently stir in the hot cooked rice and the coarsely chopped kale. Continue to cook, uncovered, for another 5-7 minutes, or just until the kale has wilted down to a vibrant green and become tender. The kale will look like a lot at first, but it cooks down significantly.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley for a final burst of freshness. Taste your ground turkey soup one last time and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the hot, comforting soup into bowls. If desired, garnish with a generous sprinkle of shredded Parmesan cheese. Enjoy immediately!
Tips for Success
- Brown, Don’t Just Cook, the Turkey: Taking the time to get a nice sear on the ground turkey builds a huge amount of flavor. Don’t rush this step!
- Use Low-Sodium Broth for Control: This allows you to season your ground turkey soup to your exact preference without it becoming overly salty.
- Cook Rice Separately: For the best texture, especially if you anticipate leftovers, cook your rice separately and add it to individual bowls or stir it into the soup just before serving. This prevents the rice from absorbing too much liquid and becoming mushy.
- Don’t Overcook the Kale: Add it towards the end of the cooking process so it wilts nicely but retains some of its pleasant texture and bright green color.
- Taste, Taste, Taste! This is the golden rule of cooking. Seasoning is personal. Taste your soup before serving and adjust with salt, pepper, or even a tiny squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors if needed. A well-seasoned ground turkey soup is a happy soup!
How to Store Ground Turkey and Rice Soup with Kale
Proper storage ensures your delicious ground turkey soup stays fresh and safe to eat.
- Room Temperature: Soups containing meat, like this ground turkey soup, should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth.
- In the Refrigerator:
- Allow the soup to cool down to near room temperature before refrigerating. Avoid putting a very hot pot directly into the fridge.
- Store in an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
- To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions. The rice may absorb more liquid upon standing, so you might want to add a splash of extra broth or water when reheating to reach your desired consistency.
- Freezing Tips:
- Yes, this ground turkey soup freezes beautifully!
- Chef Insight: For the absolute best texture upon thawing, consider freezing the soup base without the rice. You can then add freshly cooked rice when you reheat it. However, it will still be delicious if frozen with the rice, though the rice may be softer.
- Cool the soup completely. Ladle it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, making sure to leave about an inch of headspace to allow for expansion.
- Label with the name and date. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat as directed above, adding a little extra broth if it seems too thick.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this ground turkey soup spicy?
Absolutely! If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch (or more!) of red pepper flakes along with the oregano and garlic. You could also sauté a finely diced jalapeño with the other vegetables, or simply add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to your bowl when serving.
Can I use frozen kale in this recipe?
Yes, frozen kale works well as a substitute for fresh. You’ll want to use about 10 ounces of frozen chopped kale. There’s no need to thaw it first; just add it to the soup along with the rice and cook until it’s heated through and tender, which might take a few minutes less than fresh kale.
Is this ground turkey soup healthy?
This ground turkey soup is a wonderfully nutritious choice! It’s loaded with lean protein from the ground turkey, packed with vitamins and minerals from the carrots, celery, tomatoes, and especially the kale. Using brown rice will also boost the fiber content. It’s a balanced and satisfying meal in a bowl.
Conclusion
This Ground Turkey and Rice Soup with Kale is more than just a recipe; it’s a promise of a warm, comforting, and nourishing meal that comes together with ease. Whether you’re weathering a chilly evening, looking for a healthy weeknight dinner, or simply craving a satisfying bowl of goodness, this ground turkey soup is a reliable and delicious option. It’s the kind of go-to dish that will quickly become a favorite in your home, just as it has in mine. Enjoy every spoonful of this wonderful ground turkey soup!
