Hearty turkey sweet potato soup has been my go-to for those evenings when I crave something warm and satisfying without a lot of fuss. I remember one particularly chilly autumn night, staring into my pantry, wondering what I could whip up. I found some ground turkey and a couple of sweet potatoes, and this incredible soup was born! The aroma of the spices and simmering vegetables filled my kitchen, promising a delicious meal. It’s a fantastic turkey sweet potato recipe that’s so easy, it feels like a cheat code for dinner. This ground turkey sweet potato skillet-style soup is pure comfort in a bowl. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Hearty Turkey Sweet Potato Soup
- Amazing Flavor: It boasts a perfectly balanced taste, combining savory ground turkey with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes for a truly comforting experience.
- Quick Prep: With just 15 minutes of prep time, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal fast.
- Healthy Choice: This is a wonderfully healthy turkey sweet potato option, packed with lean protein and nutrient-rich vegetables.
- Budget-Friendly: Using affordable ingredients like ground turkey and sweet potatoes makes this a wallet-friendly meal.
- Family Approved: Even picky eaters will enjoy this hearty turkey sweet potato dish; it’s a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
- Nutrient-Dense: You’re getting a good dose of vitamins and fiber, making it a satisfying and nourishing meal.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable with different proteins and spices to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients for Hearty Turkey Sweet Potato Soup
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delicious sweet potato and turkey stew. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or canola oil) – for sautéing
- 1 pound ground turkey – lean protein is key for a lighter soup
- 1 medium onion, chopped – adds a savory base flavor
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt – enhances all the other flavors
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – for a subtle kick
- 1 teaspoon paprika – brings warmth and color
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin – adds an earthy, smoky note
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander – for a bright, citrusy undertone
- 2 cups sweet potatoes, chopped – these become wonderfully tender and add natural sweetness, making it a true sweet potato turkey dish
- 1 cup white rice – this thickens the soup and adds a satisfying heartiness
- 4 cups broth (chicken, turkey, or vegetable) – the liquid base that ties everything together
How to Make Hearty Turkey Sweet Potato Soup
Whipping up this delicious soup is easier than you think! It’s a wonderfully simple and easy turkey sweet potato dish that comes together quickly.
- Step 1: Start by prepping your vegetables. Finely chop the 1 medium onion and cube the 2 cups sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces, about 1/2 inch. This even sizing ensures they cook uniformly.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the 1 pound ground turkey. Break it up with a spoon and cook until it’s nicely browned and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. The savory aroma will start to fill your kitchen.
- Step 3: Add the chopped onion to the pot with the browned turkey. Stir in 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon coriander. Cook, stirring occasionally, for another 3-4 minutes until the onion has softened and become translucent, releasing its sweet fragrance.
- Step 4: Stir in the 1 cup white rice and the cubed sweet potatoes. Toast them lightly with the turkey mixture for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. This step helps prevent the rice from becoming mushy later.
- Step 5: Pour in the 4 cups broth (chicken, turkey, or vegetable). Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot – that’s where a lot of flavor hides! Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Step 6: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, partially cover the pot, and let it simmer gently. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and the rice is fully cooked. You’ll notice the soup thickening nicely. This is truly an easy turkey sweet potato dish to manage.
- Step 7: Check the consistency. If your soup seems too thick for your liking, simply stir in a little more broth, about 1/4 cup at a time, until it reaches your desired soupiness.
- Step 8: Taste your creation and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or spices if you feel it needs a little boost. Serve this hearty turkey sweet potato soup hot, perhaps with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or some crusty bread for dipping.
Pro Tips for the Best Hearty Turkey Sweet Potato Soup
Want to elevate your soup game? These simple tips will ensure your hearty turkey sweet potato soup is always a hit. They’re easy to remember and make a big difference in the final dish.
- Don’t skip browning the turkey well; it adds a depth of flavor that’s crucial for a truly hearty soup.
- For extra sweetness and a richer color, use a dark paprika or even smoked paprika.
- If you want a creamier texture without adding dairy, blend about 1-2 cups of the cooked soup and stir it back in.
- Letting the soup rest for about 10 minutes after cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What’s the secret to perfect Hearty Turkey Sweet Potato Soup?
The real secret to the best turkey sweet potato recipe is building flavor layers. Browning the turkey and aromatics well, then toasting the rice and sweet potatoes before adding liquid, creates a deeply savory and rich base that makes this soup shine.
Can I make Hearty Turkey Sweet Potato Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup is fantastic for meal prep. You can make the entire batch, let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before reheating.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Hearty Turkey Sweet Potato Soup?
A common pitfall is undercooking the sweet potatoes, leaving them hard. Ensure they are fork-tender before serving. Also, avoid over-stirring the rice, which can make it mushy. Stir gently and only when necessary to achieve the best result on how to cook turkey sweet potato dishes.
Best Ways to Serve Hearty Turkey Sweet Potato Soup
This comforting soup is a meal in itself, but it also pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides to round out your meal. It’s a fantastic addition to your turkey dinner ideas, especially during the fall and winter months.
- Crusty Bread or Rolls: A warm, crusty baguette or fluffy dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up every last drop of this delicious soup. Learn more about different types of bread.
- Simple Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the rich, hearty soup.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: For a classic comfort food pairing, serve a half-portion of this soup alongside a gooey grilled cheese sandwich.
Nutrition Facts for Hearty Turkey Sweet Potato Soup
This hearty turkey sweet potato soup is a nutritious choice for a satisfying meal. Each serving offers a good balance of protein and complex carbohydrates, making it a wholesome option.
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially if you opt for different proteins or broths.
How to Store and Reheat Hearty Turkey Sweet Potato Soup
This delicious comfort food turkey sweet potato soup is perfect for making ahead, which is a lifesaver on busy weeks. Proper storage ensures it stays flavorful and safe to eat. Once cooked, allow the soup to cool down slightly at room temperature for about an hour before transferring it to airtight containers. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the soup watery.
For refrigerator storage, keep the cooled soup in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days. It reheats beautifully on the stovetop or in the microwave. For longer storage, this soup freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If using the microwave, heat in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between, until it reaches your desired temperature. You might need to add a splash more broth if it has thickened too much during storage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hearty Turkey Sweet Potato Soup
Can I use different kinds of meat in this soup?
You absolutely can! While this recipe calls for ground turkey, it’s quite versatile. Ground chicken works wonderfully as a substitute. For a vegetarian or vegan option, you can swap the ground turkey for lentils or even chickpeas. This flexibility means you can always find a way to make this hearty turkey sweet potato dish with what you have on hand. Explore other versatile ingredients.
What can I make with turkey and sweet potato if I don’t want soup?
If you’re looking for alternatives to soup, you can use your turkey and sweet potato for a delicious hash, perfect for breakfast or brunch. Another great option is a sheet pan dinner – toss cubed sweet potatoes and seasoned turkey with olive oil and roast until tender. You could also mash the sweet potato and mix it with cooked ground turkey for a simple, wholesome shepherd’s pie filling.
How do I make this soup thicker or thinner?
Achieving the perfect consistency for your hearty turkey sweet potato soup is easy! If it’s too thick, simply add more broth, a quarter cup at a time, until it reaches your desired thickness. If you prefer a thicker soup and don’t have enough broth, you can mash some of the cooked sweet potatoes against the side of the pot and stir them back in, or even blend a cup of the soup and return it to the pot. This ensures your sweet potato turkey creation is just right.
Can I add other vegetables to this hearty turkey sweet potato soup?
Yes, feel free to load it up! This recipe is a great base for adding other vegetables. Carrots, celery, bell peppers, or even a can of diced tomatoes would be delicious additions. Peas or corn added towards the end of cooking also work well. It’s a very forgiving recipe that makes it easy to incorporate whatever you have in your crisper drawer. Learn more about vegetable gardening.
Variations of Hearty Turkey Sweet Potato Soup You Can Try
This hearty turkey sweet potato soup is a fantastic starting point, but don’t be afraid to get creative! Here are a few ideas to switch things up and make it your own.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño along with the onions for a soup with a bit of heat. This variation is great if you love a little spice in your comfort food turkey sweet potato dish.
- Creamy Dream: For a richer, creamier texture, stir in a swirl of coconut milk or a dollop of plain Greek yogurt (or dairy-free alternative) just before serving. This adds a luxurious mouthfeel to your sweet potato turkey creation.
- Slow Cooker Method: Skip the stovetop and toss all ingredients (except maybe the rice, which can get mushy) into your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the rice during the last hour of cooking. It’s a fantastic way to prepare this gluten-free turkey sweet potato meal with minimal effort.
- Hearty Lentil Version: Swap the ground turkey for brown or green lentils for a delicious vegetarian or vegan option. This makes for an equally satisfying and nutritious gluten-free turkey sweet potato soup, perfect for plant-based eaters.
Hearty Turkey Sweet Potato Soup: 1 Easy Comfort Bowl
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
This Hearty Turkey Sweet Potato Soup is a warm, comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings. It combines savory ground turkey with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes for a nutritious and flavorful meal that’s ready in just 35 minutes. This recipe is naturally gluten-free and easily customizable.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or canola oil)
- 1 pound ground turkey (or ground chicken/lentils)
- 1 medium onion, chopped (or shallots/leeks)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or fine-grain salt)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika (or smoked paprika)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin (or dried thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander (or ground fennel)
- 2 cups sweet potatoes, chopped (or butternut squash)
- 1 cup white rice (or brown/wild rice)
- 4 cups broth (chicken, turkey, or vegetable)
Instructions
- Chop the sweet potatoes and onion into small, even pieces.
- Heat oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add ground turkey and brown for 5-7 minutes.
- Add chopped onion, kosher salt, black pepper, cumin, coriander, and paprika. Cook for 3-4 minutes until onion softens.
- Stir in white rice and sweet potatoes, cooking for 1 minute.
- Pour in broth and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then partially cover and simmer gently.
- Reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender.
- If the soup is too thick, add more broth to reach desired consistency. Taste and season as needed.
- Optional: Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or croutons.
Notes
- This soup is naturally gluten-free.
- Can be customized with different proteins like ground chicken or lentils.
- Adjust spices to your preference.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
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