If you’re craving something hearty, flavorful, and downright comforting, this Ground Turkey Taco Soup Recipe is your new go-to meal. It brings together the bold and festive flavors of a taco in a warm, cozy soup that’s perfect for any day of the week. Loaded with seasoned ground turkey, beans, fresh veggies, and topped with all your favorite garnishes, this soup delivers a fiesta in every spoonful. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is as satisfying as it is simple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients together for this soup is a breeze, but each one plays a crucial role in building that rich, layered flavor and vibrant texture. From the lean protein to the colorful vegetables and spices, they perfectly marry in this Ground Turkey Taco Soup Recipe.
- 1 pound ground turkey: The lean protein that keeps this soup light yet filling and easily absorbs all the taco spices.
- 1 yellow onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the base flavor once softened.
- 1 green bell pepper, diced: Brings a fresh, crisp bite and a pop of color.
- 4 teaspoons taco seasoning: The secret to that signature zesty, smoky taco flavor.
- 1 can (15.5 oz) kidney beans: Adds heartiness and a creamy texture contrast.
- 1 can (15.5 oz) black beans: Provides earthiness and nutritional goodness.
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce: Forms the rich, tangy soup base that ties everything together.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) fire roasted diced tomatoes: Gives a smoky, slightly charred flavor that elevates the soup.
- 2 cups frozen corn: Offers bursts of natural sweetness and wonderful texture.
- 4 cups (32 oz) chicken broth: The savory liquid foundation that brings warmth and umami.
- Shredded cheddar: A melty, cheesy topping that adds richness.
- Sour cream: Adds cooling creaminess to balance the spice.
- Cilantro: Fresh, herbal brightness to finish each bite.
- Lime wedge: A squeeze of tangy citrus to brighten the soup.
- Tortilla chips or strips: Crunchy texture that makes every spoonful that much more exciting.
How to Make Ground Turkey Taco Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Ground Turkey and Veggies
Start by heating a pot over medium-high heat and adding the ground turkey along with the diced onion and green bell pepper. Break the turkey apart as it cooks, stirring occasionally to brown everything evenly for about 5 to 6 minutes until the meat is no longer pink. Once cooked through, drain any excess liquid to keep the soup from getting too watery. This step sets the foundation by bringing out the savory flavors in the meat and softening the vegetables to meld with the broth later.
Step 2: Season and Combine the Base Ingredients
Now it’s time to add the taco seasoning—stir it right into the pot so every bit of meat is imbued with that classic taco spice blend. Next, add the kidney beans, black beans, tomato sauce, fire roasted diced tomatoes, and frozen corn. Pour in the chicken broth, which serves as a broth that pulls all the ingredients together. Stir everything to combine the flavors, and turn the stovetop to high, covering the pot to build steam and raise the temperature.
Step 3: Simmer to Develop Flavor
Once the soup reaches a boil, lower your heat to medium and let it gently simmer uncovered for 10 minutes. This simmering step is where the magic happens—the flavors meld, the soup thickens slightly, and the ingredients soften perfectly to create a comforting, unified dish you’ll want to dive into immediately.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
Remove the pot from heat and ladle the soup into bowls. This is where you personalize your Ground Turkey Taco Soup Recipe with vibrant toppings. Shredded cheddar, a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro leaves, tortilla chips, and a squeeze of lime will make every spoonful burst with texture and flavor. The garnishes add a cool, creamy, crunchy, and fresh contrast, balancing the warmth of the soup beautifully.
How to Serve Ground Turkey Taco Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t skip the garnishes! They enhance every bite by adding layers of texture and flavor. The sharpness of shredded cheddar cheese melting into the hot soup offers a rich finish, while a scoop of sour cream cools off the slight spice. Fresh cilantro adds an herbal brightness, tortilla chips provide a delightful crunch, and lime juice brings a refreshing zing that livens the entire bowl.
Side Dishes
Pair this soup with a simple side salad dressed with lime vinaigrette for a fresh contrast or warm, soft corn tortillas for scooping up every last drop. A side of Mexican rice or even some warm, crusty bread will complement the soup’s bold flavors and satisfying texture perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving this soup to guests or want to make it feel special, consider assembling a build-your-own toppings bar. Lay out shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocados, jalapeños, chopped green onions, and extra tortilla strips so everyone can customize their bowl exactly how they like. This makes for a fun, interactive meal that turns a simple soup into an experience!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Ground Turkey Taco Soup Recipe stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep it in an airtight container to preserve freshness and flavor. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stove or microwave until warmed through.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for later, this soup freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Just be mindful that corn and beans may shift in texture slightly after freezing, but the flavor remains incredible.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat stirring occasionally, or microwave in a microwavable bowl. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the soup has thickened too much when stored or frozen. Finish with fresh garnishes again to revive that fresh, lively taste.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground beef will add a richer, fattier flavor to the soup. Just brown it the same way you would the turkey and proceed with the recipe. You might want to drain any excess grease for a lighter soup.
Is this recipe spicy? Can I adjust the heat level?
The spice mainly comes from the taco seasoning, which is generally mild to medium. You can easily adjust the heat by choosing a mild or spicy taco seasoning or by adding chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you want more kick.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground turkey for diced mushrooms or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it fully vegetarian without sacrificing flavor.
How thick or thin is this soup?
This Ground Turkey Taco Soup Recipe is a nicely balanced, medium-thick soup that’s hearty but still spoonable. If you prefer it thicker, reduce the broth a bit or add an extra can of beans. For a thinner soup, simply add more broth while simmering.
Is this soup freezer-friendly after adding garnishes?
It’s best to add garnishes fresh when serving, as items like sour cream, cilantro, and tortilla chips don’t hold up well after freezing. Freeze the soup plain, then top with fresh garnishes when reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Turkey Taco Soup Recipe is a real crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. With the perfect blend of smoky, spicy, and fresh flavors, it’s the type of meal that feels like a warm, friendly hug from the inside. Next time you want a fuss-free dinner packed with flavor and nutrition, dive into this soup—you won’t regret it!
Print
Ground Turkey Taco Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Ground Turkey Taco Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Packed with protein-rich ground turkey, beans, and vegetables, it combines classic taco seasoning with comforting soup ingredients. Topped with shredded cheddar, sour cream, fresh cilantro, tortilla chips, and a squeeze of lime, this soup brings a vibrant Mexican-inspired taste that is both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 4 teaspoons taco seasoning
- 1 can (15.5 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15.5 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 2 cups frozen corn
- 4 cups (32 oz) chicken broth
Garnishes
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Lime wedges
- Tortilla chips or tortilla strips
Instructions
- Cook the Turkey and Vegetables: Heat a pot over medium-high heat and add the ground turkey, diced green bell pepper, and diced yellow onion. Crumble the turkey and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until the turkey is browned and the vegetables are softened. Drain any excess liquid from the pot.
- Add Seasoning and Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the taco seasoning to evenly coat the turkey and vegetables. Then add the kidney beans, black beans, tomato sauce, fire roasted diced tomatoes, frozen corn, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the Soup: Turn the stovetop heat to high and cover the pot. When the soup begins to boil, reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to blend flavors and cook thoroughly.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the soup from heat and ladle into bowls. Top each serving with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro leaves, tortilla chips or strips, and a squeeze of lime juice to add brightness and texture.
Notes
- To reduce sodium, use low-sodium canned beans and broth.
- You can substitute ground chicken or lean ground beef for ground turkey.
- For a spicier soup, add some diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Serve with warm corn tortillas or over cooked rice for a heartier meal.
