This Ground Turkey Taco Soup is a warm and tasty meal packed with zesty flavors. It combines ground turkey, beans, corn, and spices for that taco taste in a cozy soup form!
I love how easy it is to whip up! Just throw everything in a pot and let it simmer while I relax. Plus, it’s perfect for leftovers—taco night can last all week! 🌮😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This is the star of the dish! If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground chicken or even lentils for a vegetarian twist work well too.
Onion and Bell Pepper: These add great flavor and texture. You can use shallots or leeks instead of onions. Any color of bell pepper will do, or you can try using jalapeños for a spicy kick!
Tomatoes and Green Chiles: Canned tomatoes are convenient! If you have fresh tomatoes, feel free to use them. For mild spice, opt for mild green chiles, but if you like it hot, go for the spicy variety.
Beans: Black beans give a nice heartiness, but you can swap in pinto beans or kidney beans. If you want to skip the beans, use extra veggies like zucchini or carrots.
Corn: I always enjoy adding corn for sweetness. Frozen corn works just as well—just toss it in without thawing. If corn isn’t available, diced carrots or peas can be a good alternative.
How Do I Sauté Vegetables Properly?
Sautéing your veggies is an important step to build flavor. Start by heating oil on medium heat, then add onions and bell peppers. Here’s how to do it right:
- Let the oil get hot before adding veggies. This ensures they sauté instead of steaming.
- Stir occasionally for even cooking. You’ll want them soft, but not browned, around 4-5 minutes.
- Once soft, add garlic and stir quickly, cooking only until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
These small tips enhance the overall taste of your soup!
Ground Turkey Taco Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper (green or any color), diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles (mild or hot, based on preference)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheese
- Diced avocado
- Sour cream
- Chopped cilantro
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup will take approximately 10 minutes to prepare and about 25 minutes to cook, making the total time around 35-40 minutes. It’s quick to whip up, perfect for a weeknight meal that feels special!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté Your Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté them for about 4-5 minutes until they are softened, stirring occasionally.
2. Add Garlic:
Now, add the minced garlic to the pot. Cook it for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
3. Brown the Turkey:
Next, add the ground turkey to the pot. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks. Keep cooking until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink, which should take about 6-8 minutes.
4. Spice It Up:
Now it’s time to stir in your spices! Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook this mixture for 1 minute to let the spices toast and develop their flavors.
5. Mix in the Rest:
Pour in the diced tomatoes (along with their juice), green chiles, corn, black beans, tomato paste, and chicken broth. Give everything a good stir to combine all the delicious ingredients.
6. Let It Simmer:
Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 20-25 minutes. This will help the flavors meld together beautifully!
7. Final Touches:
After simmering, taste your soup and adjust the seasonings if needed. You might want a little more salt or spice!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot in bowls. Top with your choice of shredded cheese, diced avocado, sour cream, or chopped cilantro. Enjoy this hearty, taco-flavored soup with your loved ones!
Can I Use Ground Beef Instead of Turkey?
Absolutely! Ground beef can be used in place of ground turkey for a richer flavor. Just remember that ground beef may release more fat, so you might want to drain some off after browning.
How Can I Make This Soup Spicier?
If you want to kick up the heat, consider using hot diced green chiles instead of mild. You can also add more chili powder, crushed red pepper flakes, or even some diced jalapeños to the soup while cooking.
Can I Freeze Leftover Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it on the stove over low heat.
What Other Toppings Work Well?
In addition to cheese, avocado, sour cream, and cilantro, you can also try crushed tortilla chips, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess and flavor.
