Turkey Taco Soup is a flavorful, comforting soup made with lean ground turkey, beans, vegetables, and taco-inspired seasonings. It’s a healthier twist on traditional taco flavors, using turkey instead of beef for a lighter, yet satisfying meal. The soup combines the best ingredients of a taco into a warm, easy-to-eat dish.
Turkey Taco Soup takes around 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick, easy meal that’s perfect for busy evenings. The soup simmers on the stove, allowing the flavors to blend together in no time, so you can enjoy a delicious, homemade meal without much hassle.
This recipe brings the comfort of tacos into a warm bowl of soup. The turkey adds a nice, lean protein, and the beans create a hearty base, making this soup filling and satisfying. Adding the taco seasoning enhances the flavor and gives it that signature taco taste. Every spoonful brings a delightful combination of spices and textures, making it a favorite for quick meals that everyone can enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Turkey Taco Soup
- Healthy and Lean Protein: This Turkey Taco Soup is packed with lean ground turkey, offering a healthier alternative to beef. It’s full of protein, making it a perfect choice for a nutritious meal that keeps you full and satisfied.
- Quick and Easy to Make: Preparing this soup takes less than an hour. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can enjoy a hearty meal without spending all day in the kitchen. It’s great for busy weeknights.
- Customizable Flavors: The recipe is versatile, allowing you to adjust the spices to your taste. Add more heat with extra jalapeños or mild it down for kids. You can easily personalize the soup to suit everyone’s preferences.
Ingredient Notes for Turkey Taco Soup
- Ground Turkey: A lean protein that makes the soup healthier and lighter. It’s the base of the dish and adds a savory flavor.
- Onion: Adds a mild sweetness and depth to the soup. Use yellow or white onions for the best flavor.
- Bell Pepper: Provides a crunchy texture and a slightly sweet taste. You can use any color of bell pepper, but red, yellow, or orange will add more color.
- Garlic: Brings a bold and aromatic flavor to the soup. Fresh garlic works best, but garlic powder can be used as a substitute.
- Tomatoes: A key ingredient that adds juiciness and tang. You can use diced fresh tomatoes or canned tomatoes.
- Kidney Beans: These beans offer a creamy texture and are high in protein and fiber. They make the soup hearty and filling.
- Black Beans: Adds a rich, earthy flavor. Black beans are also full of fiber, making the soup even more nutritious.
- Chicken Broth: Provides the soup with a savory, rich base. You can use low-sodium chicken broth for a healthier option.
- Taco Seasoning: This pre-made seasoning mix gives the soup a bold taco flavor with a combination of spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika.
- Chili Powder: Adds heat and a smoky flavor. You can adjust the amount based on how spicy you like your soup.
- Ground Cumin: A key spice in taco seasoning, it gives the soup a warm, earthy flavor.
- Paprika: Adds a subtle sweetness and a little smokiness. Use regular paprika or smoked paprika for extra flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: These basic seasonings bring out the flavors in the soup. Adjust to taste.
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables. It adds a hint of richness and healthy fat to the dish.
Turkey Taco Soup Variation
If you’re looking to switch things up or adapt the Turkey Taco Soup to your preferences, there are several ways to vary the recipe.
- Spicy Kick: Add more heat by increasing the amount of green chilies or tossing in a chopped jalapeño. You could also sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or hot sauce for an extra fiery bite.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground turkey with extra beans, such as kidney beans or pinto beans, and add more vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots for a hearty, plant-based meal.
- Creamy Texture: Stir in a bit of cream cheese or a handful of shredded cheddar towards the end of cooking. This will give the soup a creamy texture and add richness to the flavor.
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the corn and beans for a low-carb version. Add extra vegetables like cauliflower rice or zucchini to keep the soup filling without the carbs.
- Extra Protein: Add shredded rotisserie chicken or extra ground turkey if you want more protein in your soup. You could even throw in some cooked quinoa for added texture.
How to Serve Turkey Taco Soup
Turkey Taco Soup is versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some ways to enjoy this tasty dish:
- With Toppings: Top the soup with a variety of delicious additions. Sour cream, shredded cheese, and tortilla chips are classic choices. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for extra flavor and color.
- On the Side: Pair the soup with a simple salad, a slice of crusty bread, or warm tortillas to make it a fuller meal.
- As a Meal: Serve it as a standalone meal for lunch or dinner. It’s filling, healthy, and offers a good balance of protein and fiber.
- In a Bowl: Use soup bowls for individual servings. You can even serve it in bread bowls for a fun and creative twist.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers, Turkey Taco Soup stores well for a few days. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Refrigerating: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
- Freezing: To freeze, place cooled soup in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: When reheating, add a little extra broth or water if the soup has thickened too much in the fridge or freezer. Stir well and heat until warm.
FAQs About Turkey Taco Soup
How do I make Turkey Taco Soup?
To make turkey taco soup, brown ground turkey in a pot, then add beans, corn, tomatoes, and taco seasoning. Simmer everything together for a tasty and filling meal that’s easy to prepare.
Can I make Turkey Taco Soup ahead of time?
Yes, turkey taco soup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors also improve after sitting for a day or two, making it perfect for meal prepping.
Can I freeze Turkey Taco Soup?
Yes, turkey taco soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container and reheat it thoroughly when you’re ready to enjoy it.
Is Turkey Taco Soup healthy?
Yes, turkey taco soup is a healthier option compared to traditional beef taco soup. It’s lower in fat and calories, making it a great choice for a nutritious, filling meal.
Easy Turkey Taco Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they soften.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground turkey to the pot. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
- Stir in the taco seasoning, cumin, chili powder, and paprika. Mix well to coat the meat and vegetables evenly with the spices.
- Add the diced tomatoes (with juice), kidney beans, black beans, and chicken broth. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer.
- Simmer for 20-25 minutes. Let the soup cook, allowing all the flavors to blend together.
- Taste and adjust seasonings. Add salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, tortilla chips, or fresh cilantro if desired.
