If you’re craving a hearty, wholesome meal that comes together effortlessly and warms you from the inside out, this One Pot Turkey Lentil Soup Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s a comforting blend of lean ground turkey, nutritious lentils, and vibrant veggies all simmered in aromatic broth with warming spices. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead, this soup fills your home with incredible aromas while delivering a satisfying, nourishing bowl every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is simple yet essential, coming together in harmony to create a balance of flavors, textures, and colors. Each element plays a role: the turkey adds protein and meaty depth, lentils contribute heartiness and fiber, while the fresh vegetables bring sweetness and crunch, all rounded out by fragrant spices.
- 1 pound ground turkey: A lean, tender protein that soaks up the soup’s flavors beautifully.
- 1 cup lentils (green or brown): Adds earthiness and makes the soup wonderfully filling.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Builds a flavorful aromatic base once sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a subtle punch that brightens the soup.
- 3 carrots, sliced: Bring natural sweetness and a pop of color.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: Add a fresh, slightly crisp texture.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes: Introduces acidity and richness with juicy bits of tomato.
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth: The comforting liquid base that ties everything together.
- Dried thyme, cumin, salt, and pepper: Essential spices that add warmth, depth, and balance.
- Olive oil (for sautéing): Helps soften the veggies and amalgamate flavors early on.
How to Make One Pot Turkey Lentil Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your diced onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, releasing that lovely sweetness. Then toss in the minced garlic and sauté just for about a minute—this gentle step awakens the flavors that will set the foundation for your soup.
Step 2: Brown the Turkey
Next, add the ground turkey directly to the pot with those softened aromatics. Cook it thoroughly until it’s browned all over and no pink remains. This step not only cooks the meat safely but also builds a savory core to the soup that’s rich and satisfying.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Once the turkey is nicely browned, stir in the sliced carrots and chopped celery. Let them cook for a few minutes until they start to soften but still retain a bit of crunch. These veggies contribute freshness and texture, crucial for a well-rounded bite.
Step 4: Combine Lentils, Tomatoes, and Broth
Now the magic begins: add the lentils, canned diced tomatoes with their juices, and the broth to the pot. Season everything with dried thyme, cumin, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir before bringing the pot to a boil—this mix will become the heart of your soup.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
After reaching a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let your soup simmer gently for 30 to 40 minutes. This slow cook allows the lentils to soften beautifully while the flavors meld into a rich, comforting broth. Keep an eye on the lentils—once tender, your soup is ready!
Step 6: Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Before serving, always taste your soup and tweak the seasoning if needed. A little extra salt or pepper can amplify the flavors. Then, ladle your steaming bowl of delicious One Pot Turkey Lentil Soup and get ready to enjoy a truly soul-satisfying meal.
How to Serve One Pot Turkey Lentil Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds a lovely burst of green color and a bright, herbaceous note that complements the earthy lentils and savory turkey beautifully. You could also add a drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an extra layer of freshness.
Side Dishes
This soup stands well on its own but pairs perfectly with crusty bread for dipping or a simple green salad dressed with tangy vinaigrette. If you want to keep it light and wholesome, a side of steamed greens is a fantastic choice too.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in rustic bread bowls or top it with a sprinkle of shredded cheese and a scoop of Greek yogurt for creaminess. You can also garnish with toasted nuts or seeds to add an unexpected crunch that elevates every spoonful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making leftovers even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
One Pot Turkey Lentil Soup Recipe freezes exceptionally well. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Make sure to leave some headspace to allow for expansion during freezing.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can add a splash of broth or water if the soup thickened too much in the fridge or freezer. This method keeps the lentils tender and the flavors vibrant.
FAQs
Can I use other types of lentils in this recipe?
Absolutely! While green or brown lentils hold up well and keep their shape, you can substitute with red lentils for a softer texture if you prefer. Just keep in mind that red lentils cook faster and may break down more, giving a creamier soup.
Is ground turkey the only meat option?
No way! You can swap ground turkey with ground chicken, lean ground beef, or even ground pork depending on your preference. Each meat will bring a slightly different flavor profile but work wonderfully in this soup.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Start by sautéing the onions, garlic, and browning the turkey on the stove, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until lentils and veggies are tender.
How spicy is this soup?
This One Pot Turkey Lentil Soup Recipe is mild and comforting as written, with warming spices like cumin and thyme. You can spice it up by adding chili flakes or a dash of cayenne if you like a little heat.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Definitely! The recipe actually calls for dried thyme, which works perfectly. For parsley garnish, fresh adds the best flavor and color, but if you have only dried, you can sprinkle a pinch at the end to add some herbal notes.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Turkey Lentil Soup Recipe is an absolute favorite for good reason—it’s easy, nourishing, and simply delicious. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make it your go-to comfort meal. Gather your ingredients, cozy up in the kitchen, and enjoy every flavorful spoonful!
Print
One Pot Turkey Lentil Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This hearty One Pot Turkey Lentil Soup is a nutritious and comforting meal perfect for any day. Packed with lean ground turkey, protein-rich lentils, and a medley of vegetables, it simmers in a flavorful broth seasoned with thyme and cumin. Easy to prepare and cook in a single pot, this soup delivers warmth and nourishment with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 pound ground turkey
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
Legumes & Canned Goods
- 1 cup lentils (green or brown)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
Liquids & Broth
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Spices & Seasonings
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon)
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Olive oil (1-2 tablespoons for sautéing)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Brown Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the pot. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until the turkey is browned and no longer pink, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Cook Vegetables: Stir in the sliced carrots and chopped celery. Continue to cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften but still retain some crunch.
- Add Lentils and Liquids: Pour in the lentils and diced tomatoes with their juices. Then add the chicken or vegetable broth. Season with dried thyme, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let the soup simmer gently for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the flavors meld together.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired for an added fresh touch.
Notes
- Use green or brown lentils as they hold their shape better in soups than red lentils.
- For added heat, sprinkle in some chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the turkey and use vegetable broth.
- Adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving brightens the flavor.
