Have you ever imagined a dish that warms your soul on a chilly evening? Picture a steaming bowl of one pot turkey lentil soup filled with tender chunks of turkey, earthy lentils, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic spices. This comforting meal is not just about flavors; it’s an experience that brings together family and friends around the dinner table.
This one pot turkey lentil soup is the epitome of convenience and nutrition. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends. Each spoonful offers a delightful blend of textures—from the softness of cooked lentils to the savory bites of turkey. Perfect for cozy gatherings or as a make-ahead meal for lunches during the week, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This One Pot Turkey Lentil Soup
- Nutrient-Packed Meal: This soup is loaded with protein from the turkey and fiber from the lentils, making it an excellent choice for a balanced diet.
- One-Pot Wonder: Enjoy easy preparation and cleanup with this all-in-one dish that saves time without sacrificing flavor.
- Versatile Ingredients: Customize your soup by adding seasonal vegetables or adjusting spices to suit your taste preferences.
Essential Ingredients!
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Ground Turkey: Opt for lean ground turkey for a healthier option that still provides rich flavor.
Dried Green or Brown Lentils: These varieties hold their shape well during cooking and contribute a hearty texture.
Carrots: Use fresh carrots for sweetness and color; diced or sliced works well in this recipe.
Celery Stalks: Chopped celery adds crunch and depth of flavor to the soup base.
Onion: A medium onion enhances the aroma; sauté until translucent for the best results.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh minced garlic infuses the dish with robust flavor; use more if you enjoy garlic’s strong taste.
Vegetable Broth: Low-sodium vegetable broth helps control salt levels while providing essential moisture.
Canned Diced Tomatoes: Opt for fire-roasted tomatoes for an extra layer of smokiness.
Spices: Common spices include thyme, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper—adjust based on your preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Cook It Together!
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Sauté Vegetables
In a large pot over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Once hot, add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Cook Ground Turkey
Add the ground turkey to the pot. Cook until browned all over while breaking it apart with a spatula—about another 5-7 minutes.
Add Garlic and Spices
Stir in minced garlic along with thyme, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Incorporate Lentils and Liquid
Pour in rinsed lentils along with canned tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Simmer
Bring the mixture to a boil; then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let simmer for about 30-35 minutes until lentils are tender.
Adjust Seasoning
Taste your soup before serving; adjust seasoning if necessary. If desired, add fresh herbs like parsley or spinach right before serving.
Transfer to bowls and enjoy this heartwarming one pot turkey lentil soup warm!
Tips And Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
Soak Your Lentils:
Soaking dried lentils overnight can reduce cooking time; however, they cook well without soaking too!
Add Extra Veggies:
Feel free to throw in other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrients.
Make It Ahead of Time:
This soup stores well in the fridge up to five days—perfect for meal prep!
Serving Suggestions
This One Pot Turkey Lentil Soup is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
Crusty bread:
A slice of warm crusty bread complements the soup perfectly.
Green salad:
A light green salad adds freshness to your meal.
Grated cheese:
Sprinkle some grated cheese on top for added flavor.
FAQs
Can I freeze One Pot Turkey Lentil Soup?
Yes, you can freeze your One Pot Turkey Lentil Soup! It stores well in airtight containers for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or microwave until heated through.
Is One Pot Turkey Lentil Soup healthy?
Absolutely! This soup is packed with protein from turkey and fiber from lentils. It’s low in fat and loaded with vitamins from vegetables like carrots and celery. Additionally, it contains no added sugars or preservatives, making it a wholesome choice for a nutritious meal.
How long does One Pot Turkey Lentil Soup last in the fridge?
One Pot Turkey Lentil Soup can last up to five days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool completely before placing it in the fridge to maintain its freshness.
Can I use other types of meat in this soup?
Certainly! While ground turkey is a great option for this soup, you can substitute it with lean ground beef or chicken if you prefer. Just ensure that any meat used is cooked thoroughly before adding other ingredients.
One Pot Turkey Lentil Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
One Pot Turkey Lentil Soup is a wholesome and satisfying dish that brings comfort to your table with every spoonful. This easy recipe combines lean ground turkey with protein-packed lentils, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic spices, creating a hearty soup that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. Packed with nutrients and flavor, this one-pot wonder not only saves you time on cleanup but also allows you to customize it with seasonal veggies or your favorite spices. Whether served alongside crusty bread or a fresh salad, this turkey lentil soup is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup dried lentils (rinsed)
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 carrots (diced)
- 2 celery stalks (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté chopped onions, carrots, and celery until softened (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add ground turkey and cook until browned (another 5-7 minutes), breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Stir in minced garlic along with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper; cook for an additional minute.
- Pour in rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth; stir well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for about 30 minutes until lentils are tender.
- Adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
Notes
- Soaking lentils overnight can reduce cooking time but is not necessary.
- Feel free to add extra veggies like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrients.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to five days or frozen for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1.5 cups or 360g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
