When the temperature drops, I love to make a soup that can warm you from the inside out, ladled into a mug and served with a spoon. This Ground Turkey and Kale Soup hits all the marks: it’s hearty, healthy, and packed with flavor. With kale, lean ground turkey, and a medley of fresh vegetables simmered in a savory broth, it’s a meal that satisfies your cravings while nourishing your body.

This recipe first came about during one of my weekly meal prep experiments. I was determined to create a soup that wasn’t just a sidekick to a sandwich but could stand on its own as a complete meal. After a few tweaks, this Ground Turkey and Kale Soup quickly became a household favorite. Even my pickiest friends, who once swore kale wasn’t for them, went back for seconds. That’s the magic of this soup—it’s both comforting and accessible, with flavors that appeal to a wide range of tastes.

Why We Love Kale

Beyond its major health benefits, kale is a versatile ingredient that holds up beautifully in soups. Unlike delicate greens that wilt too quickly, kale retains its structure when simmered, becoming tender yet still slightly toothsome. This makes it the perfect addition to this recipe, adding both flavor and texture.

For anyone who’s been hesitant about kale’s slightly bitter flavor, this soup is an excellent introduction. The simmering process mellows out the bitterness, allowing its natural sweetness to shine. Combined with the other ingredients, kale transforms into a rich, flavorful component that elevates the entire dish.

Ground Turkey and Kale Soup

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This hearty and healthy ground turkey and kale soup is a bonafide people pleaser, with just enough tender kale and filling turkey to make even the pickiest eaters happy.

• Author: Addie Gundry
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Serves 4-6 1x
• Category: Soups

Ingredients

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• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup diced shallots
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more as needed
• 1 teaspoon herbes de Provence
• 3 garlic cloves, minced 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 (14-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 1 cup cooked white rice (see Note)
• 4 cups kale, stemmed, leaves chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shallots, carrots, celery, and bell pepper and cook, stirring, until softened, about 10 minutes.
2. Add the turkey, season with the salt and black pepper, and cook, stirring, until the turkey is fully cooked, 6 to 7 minutes.
3. Add the herbes de Provence and garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Stir in the broth, tomatoes, and rice. Bring to a boil.
5. Add the kale, cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
6. Taste and add more salt and pepper, if needed.
7. Ladle into bowls, garnish with parsley and Parmesan, and serve.

Notes

• One-third cup dry rice equals about 1 cup cooked rice

The Ingredients in Ground Turkey and Kale Soup

This recipe is proof that simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. Each element plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture:

• Ground Turkey: Lean and mild, ground turkey is the perfect protein base for this soup. It absorbs the flavors of the broth and herbs while adding a satisfying heartiness.
• Kale: This nutrient-packed green brings a slightly earthy flavor and tender texture to the soup, making it both healthy and delicious.
• Shallots, Carrots, Celery, and Bell Pepper: These vegetables form the aromatic backbone of the soup. Their natural sweetness balances the savory turkey and smoky tomatoes, while their textures provide variety in each bite.
• Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: A can of fire-roasted tomatoes adds depth and a subtle smokiness that sets this soup apart from traditional tomato-based recipes.
• Chicken Broth: A rich, flavorful broth is essential for tying all the ingredients together. Opt for a high-quality, low-sodium broth for the best results.
• Herbes de Provence: This blend of thyme, rosemary, lavender, and other herbs infuses the soup with a subtle floral aroma that complements the hearty ingredients.
• Rice: A small amount of white rice adds just the right amount of substance to the soup, making it feel like a complete meal without overwhelming the broth.
• Garlic and Olive Oil: Garlic enhances the flavor of the vegetables, while olive oil helps everything sauté to golden perfection.

Dietary Substitutions

This Ground Turkey and Kale Soup is highly adaptable to fit different dietary preferences or needs:

• Low-Carb: Replace the white rice with cauliflower rice or skip it altogether for a lighter, low-carb option.
• Gluten-Free: The recipe is naturally gluten-free, but double-check your chicken broth to ensure it doesn’t contain hidden gluten.
• Dairy-Free: Omit the Parmesan cheese garnish, or use a dairy-free alternative if desired.
• Vegetarian: Swap the ground turkey for a plant-based ground meat substitute, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

This Ground Turkey and Kale Soup is a true crowd-pleaser. The savory ground turkey and tender kale create a perfect balance of flavors and textures, while the fire-roasted tomatoes and herbes de Provence add a unique twist that elevates the dish. It’s hearty enough to serve as a main course, but light enough that it doesn’t leave you feeling weighed down.

This recipe works just as well for a cozy family dinner as it does for meal prep. In fact, the soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Make a big batch, store it in the fridge or freezer, and you’ve got a ready-to-go meal for those busy weeknights when cooking feels like a chore.

How to Make It

This soup is as easy to make as it is delicious. Start by heating olive oil in a large pot and sautéing the shallots, carrots, celery, and bell pepper. This step allows the vegetables to release their natural sweetness, forming the flavorful base of the soup.

Once the vegetables are softened, add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and herbes de Provence, letting the spices infuse the turkey with their fragrant aroma. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant but not browned.

Next, pour in the chicken broth, fire-roasted tomatoes, and rice. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer. This allows the flavors to meld together while the rice absorbs the rich, savory broth. Finally, stir in the chopped kale and let it simmer until tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. The parsley adds a pop of freshness, while the Parmesan lends a salty, umami-packed finish.

Serving Suggestions

This soup is delicious on its own, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, consider serving it with a slice of crusty bread or a simple side salad. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of olive oil can add an extra layer of richness, while a squeeze of lemon juice brightens up the flavors.

To ensure your soup turns out perfectly, follow these tips:

• Use fresh, high-quality ingredients whenever possible. The flavors of the vegetables and kale are more pronounced when they’re at their peak.
• Don’t skip the step of sautéing the vegetables and turkey. This develops a deeper flavor base for the soup.
• If you’re using leftover rice, stir it in just before serving to avoid overcooking it.
• Adjust the seasoning to taste. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle heat if desired.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for longer storage.

This Ground Turkey and Kale Soup is a perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication. It’s easy enough to whip up on a weeknight but flavorful enough to serve for a casual dinner party. Its adaptability makes it a recipe you’ll come back to time and time again, whether you’re looking for a meal prep staple or a comforting dinner option.

Have you tried this Ground Turkey and Kale Soup? Share your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to check out our Kale Gardening Guide to grow your own greens for this cozy, nourishing dish!