Turkey Meatball Soup Recipe

This turkey meatball soup is a wholesome and comforting meal perfect for chilly days. Packed with lean ground turkey meatballs, nutritious barley, and a medley of vegetables like carrots, potatoes, mushrooms, and white beans, this soup is both filling and delicious. The savory chicken broth base is perfectly seasoned with Mrs. Dash and fresh dill, making it a flavorful choice for lunch or dinner. Easy to make and full of healthy ingredients, this turkey meatball soup is ideal for meal prep and family dinners.

Ingredients for Soup:

• 10 cups chicken broth (or stock)
• 6 cups filtered water
• 1 cup barley, rinsed and drained
• 5 medium potatoes, chopped into ½-inch cubes
• 1-2 medium carrots, grated
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• ½ pound mushrooms (about 7 mushrooms)
• 1 can white beans (undrained)
• 1 tablespoon Mrs. Dash Seasoning (original or garlic-flavored)
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill
• 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing mushrooms)

Ingredients for Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground turkey (up to 1 ½ lbs)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon Mrs. Dash Seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ medium onion, finely diced

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatballs:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients. Mix well to ensure even distribution of seasoning. Roll the mixture into ¾-inch meatballs (about the size of a gumball) and place them on a large cutting board.
2. Cook the Soup Base:
   In a large pot, combine the chicken broth and filtered water. Bring it to a boil, then add the barley and cook for 12 minutes. While the barley cooks, prepare your vegetables.
3. Add the Potatoes:
   After 12 minutes, add the chopped potatoes to the pot and continue cooking for about 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
4. Sauté the Vegetables:
   In a large skillet, heat 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion for 4-5 minutes until it becomes lightly browned. Add the grated carrots and cook for an additional 3 minutes, or until soft. Transfer the sautéed vegetables into the soup pot.
5. Sauté the Mushrooms:
   In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed and sauté the mushrooms for 5-6 minutes until softened. Add the sautéed mushrooms to the soup.
6. Add the Beans and Meatballs:
   Stir in the can of white beans with their juice, Mrs. Dash seasoning, and the prepared meatballs. Bring the soup back to a boil and cook for 5 minutes. The meatballs will float to the top when they are done.
7. Finish the Soup:
   Stir in the fresh dill and 1 teaspoon of salt. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
   Serve the soup hot, and enjoy the hearty and delicious flavors of this turkey meatball soup!

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Tips

• Make-Ahead Option: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen and improve with time!
• Barley Texture: If you prefer a softer texture for your barley, feel free to cook it a little longer.
• Meatball Size: If you prefer smaller meatballs, feel free to adjust the size to your liking. Just make sure they cook through.

Variations and Substitutions

• Ground Meat: If you don’t have turkey, you can easily substitute ground chicken, lean ground beef, or pork in place of the turkey.
• Vegetable Variations: Swap out or add more vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or celery to customize your soup.
• Gluten-Free: To make the soup gluten-free, substitute the barley with rice or quinoa.

FAQs

Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Just store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before freezing, and reheat on the stovetop when ready to serve.

Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
Yes, canned beans work perfectly in this recipe. Be sure to use the beans with their juice to add flavor to the soup base.

How can I make this soup spicier?
If you like your soup with a kick, try adding red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a diced jalapeño while cooking the vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a slice of crusty bread or a warm baguette for dipping.
• Top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
• Pair with a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This turkey meatball soup is the perfect combination of comfort and nutrition. It’s hearty, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients like fresh vegetables, tender turkey meatballs, and nutritious barley. The soup is versatile and can be customized to suit your taste, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep. Plus, it’s a filling dish that is sure to satisfy the whole family. With the savory broth, tender meatballs, and fresh dill, it’s a dish that warms you up from the inside out!