This comforting and hearty soup recipe brings together nutritious vegetables and savory turkey meatballs. It's a dish that feeds the body and soothes the soul, offering an irresistible combination of flavors. Whether you're looking for a warming meal for the colder months or a light yet filling dish for the summer, this mini turkey meatball vegetable soup is a versatile choice.
Photos of Mini Turkey Meatball Vegetable Soup Recipe
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are readily available in most homes, such as turkey, onions, garlic, and various vegetables. However, parmesan cheese rind may not be as common. This ingredient adds depth and flavor to the soup. When you buy parmesan, don't throw away the rind, instead, freeze it for recipes like this. Also, seasoned whole wheat breadcrumbs may not be a staple in all kitchens, but they add a nice texture and extra flavor to the meatballs. If you can't find them, you can use regular breadcrumbs with a bit of Italian seasoning.
Ingredients for Mini Turkey Meatball Vegetable Soup
Ground turkey breast: Lean protein that will form the base of your meatballs.
Seasoned whole wheat breadcrumbs: Used to bind the meatballs and add flavor.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the meatballs and soup.
Parsley: A fresh herb that adds brightness to the dish.
Egg: Helps bind the meatballs.
Onion: Adds savory depth to both the meatballs and soup.
Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that infuses the soup and meatballs with flavor.
Reduced sodium chicken broth: Forms the base of the soup.
Olive oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables.
Carrots, celery, zucchini, and spinach: Nutritious vegetables that add color, texture, and flavor to the soup.
Petite diced tomatoes: Add a touch of sweetness and acidity to the soup.
Parmesan cheese rind: Infuses the soup with a rich, savory flavor.
Rosemary and bay leaves: Herbs that add depth and complexity to the soup.
Basil: A fresh herb that complements the tomatoes perfectly.
One reader, Aurie Goins says:
This mini turkey meatball vegetable soup recipe is a game-changer! The meatballs are so flavorful and the veggies add a delightful crunch. The broth is rich and comforting, making it the perfect meal for a cozy night in. I highly recommend trying this recipe - it's a winner!
Techniques Required for Making Mini Turkey Meatball Vegetable Soup
How to prepare meatballs: Combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, onion, garlic, salt, and cheese in a large bowl. Gently mix until well combined, then form small meatballs and bake in the oven at 400 degrees F for about 12 minutes.
How to sauté vegetables: Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add carrots, celery, onion, and garlic, and sauté for about 15 minutes until tender and fragrant.
How to simmer soup: After adding the broth, tomatoes, parmesan cheese rind, salt, and pepper, cover and cook on low for 40 minutes. Then, add the rosemary, bay leaves, basil, and parsley, and continue to simmer.
How to finish the soup: Remove the bay leaves, rosemary sprig, and parmesan rind. Drop the meatballs into the soup along with the zucchini and spinach, cover, and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until the zucchini is tender and the meatballs are cooked through. Season to taste with salt and black pepper if needed.
How to serve: Serve the mini turkey meatball vegetable soup with extra grated cheese on the side if desired.
How To Make Mini Turkey Meatball Vegetable Soup
This vegetable soup has turkey meatballs and a mix of carrots, celery, onions, tomatoes, and herbs. It’s a warm, tasty, and kid-friendly soup.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Meatballs:
- 20ozground turkey breast,(93% lean)
- ¼cupseasoned whole wheat breadcrumbs
- ¼cupParmesan Cheese,grated
- ¼cupparsley,finely chopped
- 1largeegg
- ¼cuponion,minced
- 1clovegarlic,minced
- ¼tspsalt
For Soup:
- 32ozreduced sodium chicken broth
- 2tspolive oil
- ½cuponion,chopped
- 1cupcarrots,diced
- ½cupcelery,diced
- 2garlic cloves,minced
- 14½ozpetite diced tomatoes,(2 cans)
- Parmesan cheese rind,optional
- 1fresh rosemary sprig
- 2bay leaves
- 2tbspfresh basil,chopped
- ¼cupfresh Italian parsley,chopped
- ½tspkosher salt
- ½tspfresh black pepper
- 8ozzucchini,diced
- 2cupsfresh spinach,chopped
- extra parmesan cheese,for garnish, optional
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
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In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, onion, garlic, salt and cheese. Gently mix all the ingredients well until everything is combined.
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Form small meatballs, about 1 tablespoon each. Bake in the oven for about 12 minutes.
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Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
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Add the carrots, celery, onion, garlic and saute for about 15 minutes until tender and fragrant.
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Add the broth, tomatoes, parmesan cheese rind, salt and pepper.
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Add the rosemary,bay leaves, basil and parsley, cover and cook on low 40 minutes.
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Remove the bay leaves, rosemary sprig, parmesan rind and drop the meatballs in along with the zucchini and spinach, cover and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, until the zucchini is tender and meatballs are cooked through. Season to taste with salt and black pepper if needed.
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Serve with extra grated cheese on the side if desired.
Nutrition
- Calories: 342.66kcal
- Fat: 17.01g
- Saturated Fat: 7.62g
- Trans Fat: 0.00g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.98g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.04g
- Carbohydrates: 12.37g
- Fiber: 3.08g
- Sugar: 4.87g
- Protein: 34.73g
- Cholesterol: 102.11mg
- Sodium: 947.03mg
- Calcium: 490.34mg
- Potassium: 764.98mg
- Iron: 3.15mg
- Vitamin A: 306.70µg
- Vitamin C: 25.12mg
Technique Tip for Perfectly Cooked Turkey Meatballs in Soup
When forming your turkey meatballs, try not to overwork the mixture as this can result in tough meatballs. Instead, gently combine the ingredients until they are just mixed. This will ensure your meatballs remain tender and juicy once cooked. Additionally, using a small ice cream scoop can help you create uniformly sized meatballs, which will cook evenly in the oven.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Soup Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the meatball mixture and soup base in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. This will save time when you're ready to cook the soup.
Use pre-chopped vegetables: Save time by using pre-chopped vegetables from the grocery store. This eliminates the need for washing, peeling, and chopping, making the prep work much quicker.
Multi-task: While the meatballs are baking, use that time to sauté the vegetables and prepare the soup base. This way, you can make the most of your time in the kitchen.
Invest in a food processor: A food processor can quickly chop onions, garlic, and parsley, saving you valuable time during the prep process.
Organize your ingredients: Before you start cooking, organize all your ingredients and tools. This will help you work more efficiently and reduce the chances of missing a step.
Substitute Ingredients For Mini Turkey Meatball Vegetable Soup Recipe
ground turkey breast - Substitute with ground chicken breast: Ground chicken breast can be used as a lean alternative to ground turkey breast, providing a similar texture and flavor profile.
whole wheat breadcrumbs - Substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs: For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs to maintain the texture and binding properties in the meatballs.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino romano cheese: Pecorino romano cheese offers a similar salty and nutty flavor to parmesan and can be used as a substitute in the meatballs.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can be used as a milder alternative to onions, adding a subtle sweetness to the meatballs and soup.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: If fresh garlic is not available, garlic powder can be used as a substitute for its flavor and aroma in the meatballs and soup.
reduced sodium chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a vegetarian-friendly alternative to chicken broth, providing a flavorful base for the soup.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil can be used as a substitute for olive oil, offering a mild flavor and high smoke point for sautéing the vegetables.
carrots - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes can be used as a substitute for carrots, adding a touch of natural sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel can be used as a substitute for celery, providing a similar crunch and subtle anise-like flavor to the soup.
petite diced tomatoes - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes can be used as a substitute for petite diced tomatoes, providing a smoother texture to the soup base.
parmesan cheese rind - Substitute with romano cheese rind: Romano cheese rind can be used as a substitute for parmesan cheese rind, imparting a rich umami flavor to the soup.
fresh rosemary - Substitute with dried rosemary: Dried rosemary can be used as a substitute for fresh rosemary, providing a concentrated flavor to the soup.
fresh basil - Substitute with dried basil: Dried basil can be used as a substitute for fresh basil, adding a hint of herbal flavor to the soup.
fresh italian parsley - Substitute with dried parsley flakes: Dried parsley flakes can be used as a substitute for fresh Italian parsley, providing a similar herbaceous flavor to the soup.
zucchini - Substitute with yellow squash: Yellow squash can be used as a substitute for zucchini, offering a similar texture and mild flavor to the soup.
fresh spinach - Substitute with kale: Kale can be used as a substitute for fresh spinach, adding a hearty and nutritious green element to the soup.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with asiago cheese: Asiago cheese can be used as a substitute for parmesan cheese, providing a nutty and savory flavor to the soup.
Best Way to Present Mini Turkey Meatball Vegetable Soup
Elevate the meatball: Gently place the turkey meatball in the center of the bowl, ensuring it is positioned with precision and care.
Artful drizzle of olive oil: With a steady hand, drizzle a fine, circular pattern of olive oil around the edge of the bowl, adding a touch of elegance and flavor.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle a delicate arrangement of fresh basil and Italian parsley over the top of the soup, creating a visually stunning and aromatic finish.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce a few carefully selected edible flowers to the presentation, adding a pop of color and a touch of sophistication to the dish.
Use fine dining serveware: Select exquisite fine dining serveware to serve the soup, enhancing the overall dining experience and showcasing the culinary artistry.
Add a parmesan crisp: Place a delicate parmesan crisp on top of the meatball, adding a textural contrast and a hint of savory indulgence to the presentation.
Balance the composition: Ensure the placement of the meatball, vegetables, and broth is harmonious and balanced, creating a visually appealing and inviting presentation.
Artistic placement of spinach: Arrange the fresh spinach in a visually captivating manner, adding a touch of vibrancy and freshness to the overall presentation.
Dust with grated parmesan: Lightly dust the soup with a fine sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese, adding a finishing touch of richness and depth of flavor to the dish.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Vegetable Soup with Turkey Meatballs
Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen tool that can be used to mix, chop, puree, and blend ingredients. It's great for quickly and efficiently mixing the meatball ingredients and creating a uniform texture.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, and other meatball ingredients. It allows for easy mixing and shaping of the meatballs.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Mini Turkey Meatball Vegetable Soup
To store leftover mini turkey meatball vegetable soup, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate the soup for up to 3-4 days.
When reheating the refrigerated soup, make sure to bring it to a boil to ensure it's heated through evenly. Adjust the consistency by adding a little broth or water if needed.
For longer storage, you can freeze the mini turkey meatball vegetable soup for up to 2-3 months:
- Allow the soup to cool completely before portioning it into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
- Leave some headspace in the containers to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Label the containers with the date and contents for easy identification.
To thaw frozen mini turkey meatball vegetable soup, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Alternatively, you can thaw it in the microwave using the defrost setting.
When reheating frozen soup, place it in a pot and heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through. You may need to add a little extra broth or water to adjust the consistency.
Pro tip: Portion the soup into individual serving sizes before freezing for convenient grab-and-go meals. This way, you can easily thaw and reheat only what you need.
How To Reheat Leftover Soup
Reheat the soup in a pot on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure the meatballs and vegetables are evenly heated without overcooking.
If you're short on time, you can reheat the soup in the microwave. Transfer the desired portion to a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent splatters. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the soup is heated through.
For a quick and easy lunch, portion the leftover soup into individual microwave-safe containers before refrigerating. This way, you can easily grab a single serving and reheat it in the microwave without having to reheat the entire batch.
If the soup has thickened after refrigeration, add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out while reheating. This will help maintain the original consistency of the soup.
To add a fresh twist to leftover soup, garnish it with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, a handful of fresh spinach, or some chopped parsley before serving. These additions will brighten up the flavors and make the reheated soup feel like a new meal.
Interesting Fact About Mini Turkey Meatball Vegetable Soup
The mini turkey meatball vegetable soup is a nutritious and delicious meal that is packed with vitamins and minerals. It's a great way to incorporate a variety of vegetables into your diet, providing essential nutrients for overall health. This soup is also a fantastic option for those looking to increase their protein intake, as turkey is a lean source of protein. Additionally, the use of whole wheat breadcrumbs adds fiber to the meatballs, contributing to a balanced and wholesome dish. Enjoying a bowl of this soup can help you meet your daily nutrient requirements in a flavorful and satisfying way.
Is Making This Soup at Home Cost-Effective?
This mini turkey meatball vegetable soup recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. Ground turkey is an affordable and lean protein, while vegetables and pantry staples are budget-friendly. The total cost for a household of 4 people is approximately $20. This hearty and nutritious soup is packed with nutrient-rich vegetables and lean protein, making it a wholesome and economical choice. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 9/10, considering its affordability, nutritional value, and delicious flavor.
Is This Soup Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This mini turkey meatball vegetable soup recipe is a healthy and nutritious option. Here's why:
- The recipe uses lean ground turkey breast, which is a good source of protein and low in saturated fat.
- The soup is packed with vegetables like carrots, celery, zucchini, and spinach, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Using reduced-sodium chicken broth helps control the salt content of the dish.
- The meatballs are baked instead of fried, reducing the overall fat content.
- The addition of herbs like rosemary, basil, and parsley not only enhances the flavor but also provides additional health benefits.
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Swap the seasoned breadcrumbs for whole wheat panko or rolled oats to increase the fiber content and reduce the sodium.
- Increase the variety of vegetables by adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or kale to boost the nutrient profile.
- Use a low-fat parmesan cheese to reduce the saturated fat content without compromising on flavor.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices like thyme, oregano, or red pepper flakes to add depth and complexity to the soup while minimizing the need for salt.
- Serve the soup with a side salad or a slice of whole-grain bread to make it a complete and balanced meal.
Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Soup Recipe
The mini turkey meatball vegetable soup recipe is a delightful and wholesome dish that combines the savory flavors of turkey meatballs with a medley of fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs. The tender, flavorful meatballs complement the hearty broth, while the addition of zucchini and spinach provides a burst of color and nutrition. The use of whole wheat breadcrumbs and reduced sodium chicken broth adds a health-conscious touch to this comforting soup. Overall, this recipe offers a perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and herbs, making it a satisfying and nourishing meal option for any occasion.
Enhance Your Mini Turkey Meatball Vegetable Soup Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Mini Turkey Meatball Vegetable Soup Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delicious and wholesome meal. The ground turkey breast ensures a lean and flavorful protein source, while the addition of fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and zucchini provides essential nutrients and vibrant flavors. The use of fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, and rosemary enhances the aroma and taste of the soup. The inclusion of parmesan cheese and garlic adds depth and richness to the dish. Trust in the combination of these high-quality ingredients to create a satisfying and nourishing soup experience.
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