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Hearty Ground Turkey Cabbage Soup

Whip up this easy and healthy ground turkey cabbage soup! A comforting one-pot meal packed with vegetables and savory flavor. Perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 200
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2-3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 1/2 cups sliced carrots (approximately 2 carrots)
  • 3/4 cup sliced celery (approximately 3 celery ribs)
  • 1 yellow onion sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme rolled in your hands to wake it up
  • 4 cups chicken broth (32 ounces)
  • 2 dried bay leaves
  • 5 cups chopped cabbage (approximately 1/2 head)
  • 1 tablespoon Better than Bouillon Roasted chicken flavor
  • 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
  • salt & pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large stockpot or Dutch oven

Method
 

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
  1. Melt the butter in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced carrots, celery, and yellow onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
Step 2: Brown the Turkey
  1. Add the minced garlic and the dried thyme to the pot. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up into small, bite-size pieces with your spoon. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is fully cooked through and no longer pink, approximately 5-6 minutes.
Step 3: Build the Broth
  1. Pour in the chicken broth. Add the Better than Bouillon and stir well to ensure it dissolves completely into the broth. Stir in the chopped cabbage, bay leaves, and white pepper. Crucially, taste the broth at this stage. Adjust with salt and black pepper as needed, keeping in mind the saltiness of the Better than Bouillon.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
  1. Bring the soup to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. Cook until the cabbage and other vegetables have reached your desired tenderness. Remove the bay leaves before serving.

Notes

Ground turkey is an excellent source of lean protein, keeping you feeling full and satisfied without excess fat. Unlike some other ground meats, turkey has a subtler taste that allows the savory notes of the broth and the natural sweetness of the cabbage to shine through. Cabbage is rich in vitamins (especially C and K), fiber, and antioxidants, contributing to overall health and digestion. Turkey also provides essential nutrients like niacin and selenium. Plus, ground turkey cooks relatively quickly, making it ideal for a weeknight-friendly soup. For another nutritious option featuring turkey, consider this sweet potato turkey chili.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave until heated through. You may need to add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened considerably.