Ground Turkey and Rice Soup

This Ground Turkey and Rice Soup is a comforting, healthy, and hearty meal perfect for any time of the year. Made with lean ground turkey, vegetables, and rice, this soup is light yet filling, and it’s ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy and nutritious: With lean ground turkey and a variety of vegetables, this soup is packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.
• Quick and easy: It comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatile: You can easily swap ingredients to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.
• One-pot meal: Fewer dishes to clean up!
• Comforting: A warm, cozy bowl of soup that’s perfect for cold days.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground turkey
• Long-grain white or brown rice
• Carrots
• Celery
• Onion
• Garlic
• Chicken broth or vegetable broth
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme (optional)

Directions

1. Sauté the turkey: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks.
2. Cook the vegetables: Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
3. Add broth and rice: Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the rice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a boil.
4. Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and tender.
5. Finish and serve: Stir in fresh herbs if using and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe serves 4 to 6 people.
• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian option: Replace ground turkey with plant-based meat or extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach, and use vegetable broth.
• Different grains: Substitute rice with quinoa, farro, or barley for a different texture.
• Spices: Add cumin, paprika, or chili flakes for a spicier version.
• Creamy version: Stir in some coconut milk or cream at the end for a creamy soup.
• Add greens: Toss in fresh spinach, kale, or Swiss chard toward the end of cooking for extra nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: This soup freezes well. Let it cool completely and then freeze it in portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave it in individual portions, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens in the fridge or freezer, add a bit of extra broth or water when reheating.

FAQs

How can I make this soup gluten-free?

This soup is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free broth. Just double-check the labels to ensure no hidden gluten ingredients.

Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?

Yes, you can swap ground turkey with ground beef or even ground chicken.

How long does this soup last in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, this soup lasts up to 4 days in the fridge.

Can I use instant rice?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use instant rice. Add it in during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking.

Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! This soup freezes well and can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Can I use wild rice instead of white or brown rice?

Yes, wild rice can be used, but you may need to adjust the cooking time as wild rice takes longer to cook.

How can I make this soup creamier?

You can stir in some heavy cream, coconut milk, or even a bit of sour cream for added creaminess.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Sauté the turkey and vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.

What can I serve with this soup?

This soup pairs well with crusty bread, a fresh green salad, or a side of roasted vegetables.

How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?

To avoid mushy rice, cook the soup just until the rice is tender and avoid overcooking. If freezing the soup, you might want to cook the rice separately and add it when reheating.

Conclusion

Ground Turkey and Rice Soup is a wholesome, hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. It’s easy to customize, freezes well, and provides a nutritious balance of protein, vegetables, and grains. With so many variations possible, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation!

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