There is nothing quite as comforting and nourishing as a hearty bowl of soup, and this Ground Turkey and Cabbage Soup Recipe is an absolute winner in that department. With tender ground turkey, vibrant cabbage, and an aromatic mix of vegetables and herbs, this soup brings warmth to any day. It’s simple to whip up yet packed with so much flavor that it’ll quickly become a family favorite you’ll want to make again and again. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll know exactly why it’s such a keeper.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Ground Turkey and Cabbage Soup Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in flavor, texture, and overall heartiness. Fresh vegetables add depth and color, while the ground turkey offers a lean protein base that makes this soup a satisfying meal all on its own.
- Butter (2-3 tablespoons): Perfect for sautéing vegetables, adding a touch of richness.
- Sliced carrots (1 1/2 cups): About 2 medium carrots, bring natural sweetness and texture.
- Sliced celery (3/4 cup): Roughly 3 ribs, add a subtle crunch and savory note.
- Yellow onion (1, sliced): Builds a flavorful base with aromatic sweetness.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Adds a warm, punchy depth to the overall flavor.
- Ground turkey (1 pound): Lean protein that absorbs spices wonderfully.
- Dried thyme (2 teaspoons): Rolled between your hands to release its fragrance, it brings a lovely herbal note.
- Chicken broth (4 cups / 32 ounces): The liquid foundation that melds all the flavors together.
- Dried bay leaves (2): Infuse a subtle earthiness and complexity during simmering.
- Chopped cabbage (5 cups): Approximately half a head, offering both nutrition and a tender crunch.
- Better than Bouillon (1 tablespoon, roasted chicken flavor): Concentrated umami boost, be sure to dissolve it well.
- White pepper (1/8 teaspoon): Adds gentle heat without overpowering the dish.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning, added mindfully due to the bouillon’s saltiness.
How to Make Ground Turkey and Cabbage Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by melting the butter in a large stock pot or soup pot over medium heat. Toss in the sliced carrots, celery, onion, and minced garlic. Sauté them gently for about five minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables soften and release their wonderful aroma. This step sets a flavorful foundation for your soup that you’ll love.
Step 2: Add Ground Turkey and Thyme
Now it’s time for the star protein. Add the dried thyme and ground turkey right into the pot. Break up the turkey with your spoon into small, bite-sized pieces as you stir. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes or until the turkey turns completely opaque and no pink remains. This ensures every spoonful of the soup has tender, seasoned meat throughout.
Step 3: Combine Broth, Cabbage, and Seasonings
Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the Better than Bouillon, making sure it fully dissolves to impart deep savory flavor. Add the chopped cabbage, bay leaves, and white pepper to the pot. Give it a good stir and then taste the broth before adding additional salt or black pepper—since the bouillon already brings saltiness, you want to adjust carefully for the perfect balance.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Bring your soup up to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low to let it simmer gently. Allow it to cook for about 30 minutes or until the cabbage and other vegetables are tender to your liking. This slow simmer melds the flavors beautifully, resulting in a cozy, comforting soup that’s ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Ground Turkey and Cabbage Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this gem of a soup, consider adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dash of grated Parmesan cheese. A swirl of sour cream or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten the flavor too. These simple touches create a lovely presentation and boost each spoonful’s richness.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up every last drop. A fresh green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette complements the heartiness of the soup, making the meal feel complete and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bowls with a side of homemade garlic bread for a cozy dinner. Or, if you’re bringing this to a potluck, pour the soup into a slow cooker to keep it warm and ladle it out during the event. For an elegant twist, garnish with microgreens and serve with thinly sliced toasted baguette rounds on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps incredibly well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve its freshness and flavors, and you’ll have a quick, nourishing meal waiting for you on busy days.
Freezing
If you want to keep the Ground Turkey and Cabbage Soup Recipe on hand even longer, it freezes beautifully. Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, leaving some room for expansion. It will keep well for up to 3 months and thaw perfectly when you’re ready.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until piping hot. If it feels a bit thick after sitting, simply add a splash of broth or water to loosen it. This soup tastes just as delicious the next day with all those comforting flavors intact.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works well and will yield a similar light yet savory profile. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly until no pink remains.
Is it necessary to use Better than Bouillon?
You can substitute it with quality chicken broth alone, but the bouillon adds an extra layer of concentrated flavor that makes the soup truly stand out. If using plain broth, consider a pinch of additional seasoning to boost the taste.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Feel free to customize! Diced potatoes, green beans, or even spinach can be excellent additions. Just adjust cooking times accordingly so all veggies become tender.
Is this soup low-carb or keto-friendly?
This recipe is relatively low in carbohydrates due to the lean meat and cabbage base. However, carrots and some other vegetables add natural sugars, so it’s a good idea to consider portion size according to your dietary goals.
Can I make this soup in an Instant Pot or slow cooker?
Definitely! Use the sauté function on your Instant Pot for steps one and two, then add the remaining ingredients and cook under pressure for about 10 minutes. For a slow cooker, combine all ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Both methods yield delicious results.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Turkey and Cabbage Soup Recipe is a true home-cooked treasure that brings comfort, nutrition, and joy in every bowl. It’s straightforward enough for a weeknight dinner yet flavorful enough to impress guests. I hope you give it a whirl soon and find yourself reaching for this recipe time and time again when you crave something wholesome and satisfying.
Print
Ground Turkey and Cabbage Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This hearty Ground Turkey Cabbage Soup is a flavorful and comforting meal perfect for chilly days. Featuring tender ground turkey, fresh cabbage, and a medley of vegetables simmered in a savory chicken broth base, this soup is both nutritious and easy to prepare. The aromatic dried thyme and bay leaves add a subtle depth of flavor, making it a satisfying dish served best with crusty bread.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 1/2 cups sliced carrots (approximately 2 carrots)
- 3/4 cup sliced celery (approximately 3 celery ribs)
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 5 cups chopped cabbage (approximately 1/2 head)
Proteins
- 1 pound ground turkey
Liquids & Broth Base
- 4 cups chicken broth (32 ounces)
- 1 tablespoon Better than Bouillon (Roasted chicken flavor)
Fats & Oils
- 2–3 tablespoons butter
Herbs & Spices
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme (rolled in hands to release flavor)
- 2 dried bay leaves
- 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a stock pot or large soup pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced carrots, celery, onion, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and become fragrant.
- Cook Ground Turkey: Add the dried thyme and ground turkey to the sautéed vegetables. Break up the turkey into small, bite-sized pieces with your spoon or spatula. Stir occasionally and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until the turkey is fully cooked and no longer pink.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and add the Better than Bouillon. Stir well to dissolve the bouillon into the liquid. Add the chopped cabbage, bay leaves, and white pepper. Taste the soup and add salt and black pepper as needed, keeping in mind that the bouillon already adds saltiness to the soup.
- Simmer Soup: Bring the soup to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for about 30 minutes or until the vegetables, especially the cabbage and carrots, have softened to your preferred texture.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaves before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy it hot, ideally paired with crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Rolling dried thyme between your hands before adding helps release its flavor.
- Taste the soup after adding bouillon before adding extra salt, as it can be quite salty.
- To make this soup lower in fat, substitute butter with olive oil or reduce the amount used.
- Leftover soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
- For extra warmth and spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the sauté step.
