Turkey Taco Soup Recipe: A Quick, Healthy, and Delicious Meal
There’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of Turkey Taco Soup on a cool autumn or winter evening. It’s a hearty and nourishing meal, especially when you load it up with your favorite toppings like grated cheese and a dollop of sour cream.
This Turkey Taco Soup recipe is a winner because it’s healthy, hearty, and quick to prepare. It’s a family favorite and often requested for weeknight dinners. For busy parents, this soup offers a convenient and satisfying meal option, maybe enjoyed with a refreshing glass of Sauvignon Blanc.
This recipe has been a staple in my family for over 15 years. My mom regularly made this dish for my siblings and me. It was one of the first recipes I tried to make on my own when I was in college and craving the familiar taste of a home-cooked meal. Now, I prepare it almost weekly for my husband and growing children. It is incredibly simple and delicious.
This turkey taco soup recipe is essentially a delicious fusion of traditional chili and Mexican flavors. It features lean ground turkey, ripe tomatoes, vibrant peppers, and filling beans. Feel free to indulge in this dish on busy weeknights, as it’s easy to prepare and requires minimal effort – simply toss everything into one pot and let it simmer – or serve it during relaxed weekends. It is a versatile and crowd-pleasing meal option.
My family enjoys serving this soup in a unique way: we ladle it over a bed of crispy tortilla chips and top it with all the fixings. The warm soup softens the tortilla chips, making them a delightful addition found at the bottom of the bowl. I highly recommend you try this preparation.
Because taco-soaked tortilla chips combined with melted cheddar cheese equal the ultimate dinner victory!
If you enjoy taco-inspired recipes, check out my Rotisserie Chicken Taco Dip and Cheesy Chicken Taco Pizza. These recipes are also amazing additions to family dinner night!
Why You’ll Love This Turkey Taco Soup Recipe
- Make it ahead of time. Like many chili recipes, the flavors in this turkey taco soup deepen and improve overnight. Making it a day in advance is a great way to enhance the taste.
- Freezer-friendly for easy meal prep. This soup can be stored in the freezer for up to three months, providing a convenient option for future meals.
- Perfect for serving a crowd. This recipe yields six servings, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings. Consider setting up a toppings bar to let everyone customize their own bowls, making dinner interactive and fun.
Ingredients for Turkey Taco Soup
- Olive oil: Use olive oil to sauté the vegetables, creating a flavorful base for the soup. You can substitute other oils like canola, vegetable, or avocado oil if preferred.
- Onion and green bell pepper: Diced vegetables, specifically onion and green bell pepper, add both flavor and essential nutrients to the soup.
- Ground turkey: Ground turkey offers a lean and delicious source of protein. However, you can substitute ground chicken or beef based on your preferences.
- Diced tomatoes with chiles: Diced tomatoes with chiles provide a convenient and flavorful shortcut, eliminating the need to mince chiles separately. Fire-roasted tomatoes can be used as a substitute if needed.
- Pinto beans in chili sauce: Canned pinto beans in chili sauce add creaminess and flavor to the soup. If unavailable, use regular canned pinto beans with a dash of chili powder for a similar taste.
- Tomato paste: A generous amount of tomato paste intensifies the tomato flavor, contributing significantly to the overall richness of the soup.
- Taco seasoning: Taco seasoning typically includes a blend of garlic and onion powder, salt, oregano, paprika, and chili powder. Any favorite taco seasoning will work well in this recipe.
- Tomato soup and water: Using undiluted tomato soup and a bit of water enhances the chili’s flavor profile without requiring extra effort.
- Toppings: Tortilla chips, sour cream, shredded cheese, cubed avocado, and sliced scallions are all excellent choices. Customize the toppings according to your personal taste.
See the recipe card below for precise ingredient measurements and detailed instructions.
Substitutions for Turkey Taco Soup
- Different Meat. You can use ground chicken or beef instead of ground turkey for a heartier meal. Alternatively, consider a vegetarian substitute to make the dish plant-based.
- Add More Veggies. Adding a cup or two of frozen corn will increase the number of vegetables in the stew.
How to Make Turkey Taco Soup: Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until the onions become translucent (approximately 3 minutes).
- Add the Ground Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the pot, breaking it apart with a spatula or spoon until it is thoroughly cooked.
- Combine Ingredients: Incorporate the remaining ingredients (excluding toppings) into the pot. Heat until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Serve and Top: Crumble a handful of tortilla chips at the bottom of each bowl (if using). Ladle the taco soup into the bowl and add your preferred toppings as desired.
Pro Tip: A stockpot or Dutch oven will work well with this recipe. Avoid using anything made from uncoated cast iron, since the acid in the soup will wear away at this type of pot’s seasoning.
Kelly’s Recipe Tips for the Best Turkey Taco Soup
- Removing Seeds From Bell Peppers: To easily remove the seeds from bell peppers, slice off the top of the pepper about a 1/2-inch down. Pull out the core of seeds. Slice the bell pepper in half and brush away any remaining seeds.
- Make Your Own Taco Seasoning: Store-bought taco seasoning packets are convenient. You can create your own spice blend using garlic and onion powder, salt, oregano, paprika, and chili powder.
- Set Up a Taco Soup Bar: Turn dinner into a customizable experience by setting the soup on the table with bowls of toppings. Guests can add their desired amount of each topping.
Storage Tips for Turkey Taco Soup
Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What to Serve with Turkey Taco Soup: Perfect Pairings
The possibilities for toppings are endless! This soup is delicious with tortilla chips, shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese, crumbled feta or queso fresco, lime wedges, sour cream, black olives, chopped cilantro, cubed avocado, black olives, or shredded romaine lettuce. A side of Simple Skillet Cornbread would also make the meal complete.
Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey Taco Soup
What do you eat with taco soup?
Taco soup tastes great served with crushed tortilla chips. Top it with cheese, scallions, sour cream, or lime wedges.
How long is taco soup good for?
You can keep taco soup in the fridge for 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. If it smells off, discard it.
How can I thicken taco stew?
Add a tablespoon of cornstarch when adding taco seasoning and liquids to thicken the soup. As it heats, the cornstarch will thicken the mixture.
Our Best Ground Turkey Recipes
- Pumpkin Turkey Chili
- Baked Turkey Meatballs with Quinoa
- Healthy Taco Zucchini Boats
- Quick Spaghetti Bolognese with Turkey
- Baked Sweet and Sour Meatballs
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Turkey Taco Soup Recipe
