If you are craving a comforting bowl of goodness that is both nourishing and packed with flavors, this Turkey Meatball Soup Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. Tender turkey meatballs simmered in a rich tomato broth with tender pasta and fragrant herbs make each spoonful a warm hug. It’s a wholesome, delicious meal that feels like a cozy weekend dinner but comes together quickly enough for a weekday treat. The blend of textures and vibrant colors will make this soup a new favorite to turn to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to creating a spectacular Turkey Meatball Soup Recipe. Each component plays an important role: the whole wheat bread keeps the meatballs tender, the fresh garlic and onions add depth and aroma, and the basil brings a fresh herbal brightness that ties it all together beautifully.
- Whole wheat bread: Adds moisture and tenderness to the meatballs for a perfect texture.
- Skim milk: Helps soak the bread and keep the meatballs juicy without extra fat.
- Lean ground turkey: The main protein that makes this soup hearty and nutritious.
- Dried oregano: Infuses the meatballs with a warm, Mediterranean flavor.
- Garlic (minced): Multiple cloves in the meatballs and soup create an irresistible aroma and taste.
- Onion (grated and chopped): Adds sweetness and savory depth to both the meatballs and broth.
- Egg: Binds the meatball mixture to hold shape during cooking.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, salty kick to the meatballs and a finishing flourish when sprinkled on top.
- Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the flavors.
- Olive oil: Used to sauté vegetables, contributing a silky richness to the soup base.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates deep tomato flavors in the broth for that perfect savory taste.
- Diced tomatoes (with juices): Provide body, color, and a slight sweetness to the soup.
- Vegetable broth and water: Create the comforting liquid base for cooking everything together.
- Macaroni or tubular pasta: Adds bite and heartiness, making the soup satisfying without heaviness.
- Fresh basil: Torn and stirred in at the end, it offers a vibrant herbal note.
- Parsley (optional): Adds a bright, fresh finish when sprinkled just before serving.
How to Make Turkey Meatball Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Bread
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and positioning the rack in the middle. This ensures even heat for your meatballs. Tear the whole wheat bread into small pieces and soak it in skim milk, which keeps the meatballs wonderfully moist without weighing them down. Letting the bread soften is the little secret to tender meatballs that melt in your mouth.
Step 2: Mix and Form the Meatballs
Once the bread is soaked, mash it into a paste with a fork and add all the meatball ingredients—ground turkey, oregano, plenty of minced garlic, grated onion, egg, parmesan cheese, and a dash of salt and pepper. Using your hands gently mix it all together until just combined, then form into little 1-inch balls. Baking these on a foil-lined sheet for 10 minutes helps them firm up just enough for the soup without drying out, so they stay juicy and tender as they simmer later.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
While the meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté it slowly until fragrant and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Then toss in the remaining garlic cloves and cook just 30 seconds more to release their pungent aroma without burning. This builds the flavor foundation that makes the soup so comforting and rich.
Step 4: Build the Soup Base
Next, stir in the tomato paste to coat the sautéed onions and garlic, allowing it to cook down slightly for that deep, savory punch. Pour in the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and water, raising the heat to bring everything to a gentle boil. After that, reduce the heat to medium-high and let it simmer for 10 minutes so the flavors marry beautifully and the broth thickens slightly.
Step 5: Add Pasta and Meatballs
Drop the macaroni and partially cooked meatballs into the pot, stirring carefully to prevent sticking. Let the soup continue to cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender and the meatballs are fully cooked through. This step brings all the components together for a satisfying and wholesome bowl.
Step 6: Final Seasoning and Herbs
Last but not least, taste your soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Stir in the torn fresh basil for a bright, herbal lift that adds freshness and a lovely aroma. Optional parsley on top adds a pop of color and a touch of earthiness. Now your Turkey Meatball Soup Recipe is ready to warm your heart and soul.
How to Serve Turkey Meatball Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Serving your soup with freshly grated parmesan cheese sprinkled on top adds a nutty, creamy finish that melts perfectly into the hot broth. A handful of chopped parsley not only brightens the look but enhances that fresh, garden flavor. You can also drizzle a little quality olive oil for an extra layer of richness that makes each bowl feel special.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with a crusty slice of garlic bread or a warm whole grain roll for dipping. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette works as a crisp, refreshing contrast to the heartiness of the soup. If you’re feeling cozy, serve it alongside a bowl of steamed greens like kale or spinach to add extra nutrients and color to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in individual bread bowls for an impressive rustic presentation. You can also layer the meatballs and pasta in the bottom of deep soup mugs and ladle the broth on top for a visually appealing layered effect. Adding a few fresh basil leaves on the surface just before serving invites that irresistible aroma right to the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Turkey Meatball Soup Recipe leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making the second serving even better than the first. Be sure to cool the soup before storing to maintain the best texture in the meatballs and pasta.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully if you want to save some for busy days ahead. Store in freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that pasta may soften during freezing and reheating, so if you prefer, cook the pasta separately and add it when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You may want to add a splash of broth or water if the soup thickens too much. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results. Reheating slowly preserves the tender texture of the meatballs and pasta while reawakening all the rich flavors.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey in this Turkey Meatball Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground chicken makes a great substitute and will produce tender meatballs with a mild flavor. Just follow the recipe as is, and your soup will still be delicious and comforting.
What pasta works best in this soup?
Small tubular pastas like macaroni or ditalini are ideal because they hold the broth wonderfully and fit nicely with the meatballs. You can also try small shells or orzo if you prefer, just adjust cooking times slightly.
Is this soup spicy? Can I add heat?
This recipe is mild and family-friendly as written. If you like a little spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions or sprinkle some chili powder into the broth during simmering to give it a gentle kick.
Can I make the meatballs entirely on the stovetop?
Yes, you can brown the meatballs in a skillet instead of baking, but baking helps keep them tender and cooks them evenly without extra oil. If cooking on the stovetop, brown gently over medium heat and finish cooking in the soup.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can swap meatballs for hearty vegetarian balls or chickpeas and use vegetable broth. Omit the turkey and parmesan or replace with a plant-based alternative. The tomato and herb base still delivers wonderful flavor.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Turkey Meatball Soup Recipe is like inviting warmth and comfort into your home with every spoonful. It’s a recipe that brings simple ingredients together in a way that feels special and satisfying. Whether for a busy weeknight or a restful weekend, this soup will soon find a place in your family favorites. Go ahead and make a big pot—you’ll want to share this heartwarming dish with everyone you love.
Print
Turkey Meatball Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Baking and Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A hearty and comforting Turkey Meatball Soup made with lean ground turkey meatballs baked to perfection and simmered in a flavorful tomato broth with pasta and fresh herbs. This nutritious soup is perfect for a wholesome family meal and offers a balanced combination of protein, vegetables, and whole grains.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 2 slices whole wheat bread
- 1/4–1/2 cup skim milk
- 1/2 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 small onion, grated
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Soup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (5.5 ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 (28 fluid ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups water
- 3/4 cup macaroni or other tubular pasta
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Handful fresh basil, torn
- Chopped parsley, to taste (optional)
- Extra parmesan cheese, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 375°F and position the rack in the middle to prepare for baking the meatballs.
- Soak the bread. Tear the whole wheat bread into small pieces and place them in a large bowl. Pour in 1/4 cup skim milk and stir to coat. Let the bread soak for a few minutes until soft.
- Prepare the meatball mixture. Mash the soaked bread with a fork until it forms a paste. Add ground turkey, oregano, minced garlic, grated onion, egg, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until combined. Shape into 1-inch meatballs and arrange them on a foil-lined baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs. Bake the formed meatballs for 10 minutes, just long enough for them to firm up but not cook fully through.
- Sauté aromatics. In a large pot over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Then add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Add tomato ingredients and broth. Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes with their juices, vegetable broth, and water. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-high or medium to maintain a simmer. Let it simmer for 10 minutes to develop the flavors.
- Add pasta and meatballs. Gently add the macaroni and the partially baked meatballs to the simmering soup. Stir well to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
- Cook until done. Continue cooking the soup over medium heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until both the pasta and meatballs are fully cooked through.
- Season and garnish. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Stir in the torn basil leaves. Serve bowls topped with additional parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use whole wheat bread and lean ground turkey to keep this soup healthy and nutritious.
- Partially baking the meatballs before adding them to the soup helps them hold their shape and cook evenly.
- If the bread seems too dry after soaking, add a little more milk to achieve the proper consistency.
- Feel free to substitute the macaroni with other small tubular pasta shapes like penne or ditalini.
- The fresh basil added at the end brightens the soup with herbal notes, but you can omit it if unavailable.
- Adding extra parmesan cheese on top enhances the savory flavor and adds richness.
