Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by washing and chopping all your vegetables. Dice the onion, carrots, celery, zucchini, and bell pepper. Trim the green beans and cut them into 1-inch pieces. If using fresh corn, remove the kernels from the cob. Having everything prepped will make cooking easier and more efficient.

Step 2: Brown the Turkey

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.

  2. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon or spatula. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

  3. Once cooked, remove the turkey from the pot and set it aside on a plate.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

  1. In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.

  2. Sauté the diced onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.

  3. Add the carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.

  4. Stir in the zucchini, green beans, and corn, cooking for another 3 minutes.

Step 4: Build the Soup Base

  1. Return the browned turkey to the pot with the sautéed vegetables.

  2. Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juice.

  3. Add the chicken or vegetable broth, stirring to combine.

Step 5: Season and Simmer

  1. Add the dried thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well.

  2. Bring the soup to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.

  3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and to meld the flavors.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

After simmering, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

  1. Ladle the soup into bowls.

  2. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.

  3. Serve warm with a side of crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Variations:

  • Protein Swap: Replace ground turkey with ground chicken, beef, or plant-based crumbles for variety.

  • Extra Hearty: Add a starch like cooked pasta, rice, or quinoa during the last 10 minutes of simmering.

  • Make It Creamy: Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking for a creamy version.

  • Add More Greens: Toss in a handful of spinach or kale in the last 5 minutes of cooking for an extra nutritional boost.

This Ground Turkey Vegetable Soup is versatile, easy to customize, and packed with flavor. Whether you're meal-prepping for the week or serving it fresh, this recipe will surely become a family favorite!