Turkey Meatball Soup Recipe
This hearty Turkey Meatball Soup combines tender, flavorful turkey meatballs with a medley of fresh vegetables, pasta, and herbs simmered in a savory broth. Perfect for a comforting meal, this soup is low in fat and sodium, packed with protein and fiber, and brings warmth to your table with every spoonful.
- Author: Logan
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground turkey (extra lean)
- 1 small onion
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Ground black pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
Soup
- 2 large carrots (chopped)
- 2 large celery stalks (chopped)
- 2 cups potatoes (cubed, approximately 11 ounces)
- 8 cups vegetable or chicken broth (low sodium)
- 2 teaspoons olive oil (for frying)
- 2 cups short pasta like shells or macaroni (uncooked, approximately 6 ounces)
- 3 bay leaves
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- Ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley, dill, or green onions (finely chopped)
- Make meatballs: In a food processor or blender, puree the onion, egg, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and pepper to taste. Alternatively, grate the onion and mix with the other meatball ingredients manually.
- Combine with turkey: Transfer the puree to a medium bowl, add ground turkey, and mix well with your hands until fully combined.
- Preheat pot: Heat a 5-6 quart Dutch oven or skillet over medium heat and swirl 1 tablespoon of olive oil to coat the surface. You can also use a skillet for frying meatballs and a separate large pot for the soup; the Dutch oven allows for one-pot cooking.
- Form meatballs: Using a small scoop or tablespoon, form golf ball-sized meatballs and add them in a single layer to the pot with oil, leaving space between each for even cooking.
- Fry meatballs: Fry the meatballs for about a minute until browned, carefully flip using a small silicone spatula, and fry for another minute. Transfer browned meatballs to a plate and repeat with remaining meat, adding more oil as needed. Set meatballs aside once all are fried.
- Sauté vegetables: Add 2 teaspoons of olive oil to the pot, then add chopped carrots and celery. Sauté for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to soften the vegetables.
- Add broth: Pour in the broth, cover the pot, and bring it to a boil.
- Add remaining ingredients: Stir in cubed potatoes, meatballs, uncooked pasta, bay leaves, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste. Bring back to a boil, cover, then reduce heat to very low and cook for 12 minutes.
- Let soup rest: Turn off the heat and keep the pot covered. Let the soup sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the pasta to finish cooking.
- Finish and serve: Stir in the fresh parsley, dill, or green onions, then serve the soup hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use extra lean ground turkey to keep the soup low in fat and calories.
- Low sodium broth helps control the salt content but you can adjust seasoning as needed.
- Any short pasta shape like shells or macaroni works well.
- Letting the soup rest off the heat makes the flavors meld beautifully and the soup thicker.
- Fresh herbs at the end brighten the flavor and add freshness.
- This soup freezes well; reheat gently to prevent overcooking the pasta.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: turkey meatball soup, healthy soup, low fat soup, turkey recipes, comfort food, easy soup recipe, homemade meatballs