A bowl of Ground Turkey and Rice Soup is pure comfort in a spoon. It’s the kind of cozy, nourishing meal that warms you from the inside out, perfect for chilly evenings, busy weeknights, or whenever you need something hearty without being heavy. The broth is rich and savory, the vegetables are tender, and the rice adds just the right amount of body—while lean ground turkey brings in satisfying protein without overwhelming the flavor.

What makes this soup special is its simplicity. It doesn’t rely on exotic ingredients or complicated techniques. Just a few humble pantry staples and fresh veggies come together to create something truly soul-soothing. Whether you’re making a big pot for meal prep or looking to soothe a cold, this recipe is as practical as it is delicious.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make Ground Turkey and Rice Soup efficiently and without stress, having the right tools on hand can make all the difference:

Large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven: This is your soup’s home. A heavy-bottomed pot distributes heat evenly and prevents scorching, especially important when sautéing veggies and simmering rice.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Perfect for breaking up the ground turkey and stirring the soup without scratching your cookware.
Sharp Chef’s Knife: Chopping carrots, celery, onions, and garlic becomes quick and clean with a good, sharp blade.

Cutting Board: A sturdy board gives you a solid surface for prepping all your ingredients safely.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision counts when balancing flavors and ensuring the right liquid-to-rice ratio.

Organizing your mise en place—chopped vegetables, measured spices, and broth ready to go—helps the entire cooking process feel seamless.

Ingredients for the Ground Turkey and Rice Soup

Ground Turkey: The star of the soup. It’s lean, high in protein, and a lighter alternative to beef while still adding great flavor.
White Rice: Adds body and texture, making the soup more filling. Long-grain or jasmine rice works well.
Carrots: Bring a subtle sweetness and hearty bite.

Celery: Adds aromatic flavor and a soft crunch.
Onion: Essential for building that savory base.
Garlic: Adds depth and a little sharpness to the broth.

Chicken Broth: Forms the flavorful liquid base of the soup. Low-sodium is best for adjusting salt later.
Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the veggies and turkey.
Salt & Black Pepper: The foundational seasonings.

Dried Thyme & Parsley: Classic herbs that pair perfectly with turkey and vegetables.
Bay Leaf: Infuses a subtle earthiness while simmering.

How To Make the Ground Turkey and Rice Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Turkey

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Then add the ground turkey, breaking it up with your spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink.

Step 3: Add Seasonings and Broth

Sprinkle in thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Toss in the bay leaf. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the pot to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Stir in the Rice

Add the rice and reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

Step 5: Final Taste and Serve

Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with extra herbs if desired, and serve hot.

Best Way to Serve and Store This Comforting Soup

Serve Ground Turkey and Rice Soup warm, ideally with a slice of crusty bread or a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs for a pop of color. It’s a complete meal on its own, thanks to the protein, veggies, and carbs all in one bowl. For a little extra zip, a squeeze of lemon or dash of hot sauce does wonders.

To store, let the soup cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you’re planning to freeze it, consider slightly undercooking the rice to prevent it from getting too soft upon reheating. Freeze in individual portions for easy lunches or dinners.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this soup gluten-free?

This soup is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free broth. Always double-check the labels, especially on pre-packaged stocks.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you may need to simmer the soup for an extra 15-20 minutes.

What vegetables can I add to mix it up?

Great additions include zucchini, spinach, kale, or even peas. Add tender greens near the end so they don’t overcook.

Can I use leftover cooked rice?

Absolutely. If using pre-cooked rice, add it in the last 5 minutes of simmering to prevent it from becoming mushy.

Is this soup good for meal prep?

Definitely. It reheats well and the flavors deepen over time. Just portion it out and refrigerate or freeze as needed.

How do I thicken the broth if it’s too thin?

You can either simmer it uncovered for a bit longer to reduce the liquid, or mash a few of the carrots or rice in the soup with a spoon for natural thickening.

Want More Cozy Dinner Ideas?

If you love this warm and wholesome Ground Turkey and Rice Soup, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole for a comforting baked classic.
Mexican Cornbread Casserole for a bold, hearty bite.

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole with layers of cheesy goodness.
Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot if you love slow cooker magic.
One-Pan Garlic Herb Chicken with Potatoes & Green Beans for a simple yet satisfying skillet dinner.

And if you’re looking for more dinner inspiration, check out my daily recipe shares over on Pinterest – Life With Olivia.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra herbs or swap in brown rice? Maybe tossed in some greens at the end?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

Ground Turkey and Rice Soup

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 40 minutes

Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Ground Turkey and Rice Soup is a nourishing, easy-to-make one-pot meal packed with lean protein, tender veggies, and fluffy rice. It’s comforting without being heavy, and perfect for make-ahead lunches, family dinners, or a warming meal on a cold day.