Dinner

Italian Turkey Burger Soup Recipe

Name: Italian Turkey Burger Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs ground turkey breast; 1 large onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, finely minced; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; 1 1/2 cups carrots, sliced; 1 1/2 cups celery, sliced; 1 can diced tomatoes (28 oz), not drained; 3 cups beef broth; 4 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tbsp fresh basil (or 1 tsp dry basil); 1 tbsp fresh oregano (or 1 tsp dry oregano); 1 tbsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dry thyme); 1/2 tsp chili pepper flakes; 1/4 cup fresh parsley

ByRita Bennet November 7, 2025November 7, 2025

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Introduction

This Italian Turkey Burger Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for cozy dinners. Packed with lean ground turkey, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, it offers a hearty yet healthy meal option that’s easy to prepare.

A close-up of a black bowl filled with a chunky soup consisting of three main layers: the top layer has bright green chopped scallions sprinkled over the soup, the middle layer shows a mix of orange carrot slices, light green celery pieces, and brown ground meat, all immersed in a rich reddish-brown broth, and the bottom layer is the deep, hearty broth itself. The bowl is placed on a piece of burlap, resting on a wooden surface, with a few green onions lying beside it. The background is changed to a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 1/2 lbs ground turkey breast
1 large onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 tbsp olive oil

1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

1 1/2 cups carrots, sliced
1 1/2 cups celery, sliced
1 can diced tomatoes, not drained (28 oz)

3 cups beef broth
4 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp fresh basil (or 1 tsp dry)

1 tbsp fresh oregano (or 1 tsp dry)
1 tbsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dry)
1/2 tsp chili pepper flakes

1/4 cup fresh parsley

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Step 2: Add ground turkey, salt, pepper, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the turkey is browned, breaking it up as it cooks.

Step 3: Transfer the browned turkey mixture to a Dutch oven or large pot.
Step 4: In the same skillet, add the sliced carrots and celery. Sauté just until they start to soften but remain slightly firm.
Step 5: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the Dutch oven with the turkey.

Step 6: Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice) to the skillet to deglaze, scraping up the browned bits for extra flavor.
Step 7: Pour in the beef broth, then stir in the tomato paste and all the herbs except parsley. Bring this mixture to a boil.
Step 8: Pour the broth and herb mixture into the Dutch oven and stir everything together to combine.

Step 9: Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 30 to 40 minutes to develop flavors.
Step 10: Stir in the fresh parsley during the last 5 to 10 minutes of cooking, then remove from heat and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter soup, substitute chicken broth for beef broth.

Add cooked pasta or rice during the last 10 minutes for a heartier meal.
Use dried herbs if fresh ones aren’t available, adjusting quantity accordingly.
Adjust chili flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder taste.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. This soup also freezes well; keep it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up image of a black bowl filled with thick, chunky soup on a white marbled surface. The soup has three main visible layers: the top layer is garnished with fresh green onion slices, bright and crisp; underneath, there are uneven pieces of cooked ground meat with a light brown color and a crumbly texture; mixed throughout the soup are bright orange carrot slices with a soft texture and light green celery pieces adding a crunchy look. The broth is a rich, slightly oily orange-red color, surrounding the solid ingredients and filling the bowl to almost the top. Some herbs and small bits of tomato add hints of red and green for extra color contrast. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, ground chicken works well as a substitute and will keep the soup light while maintaining similar flavor and texture.

Is it necessary to deglaze the skillet with tomatoes?

Deglazing with tomatoes lifts the flavorful browned bits from the skillet into the soup, enhancing its taste, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step. The soup will still be delicious.