Turkey Meatball Noodle Soup Recipe (Delicious And Fulfilling)

Stepping into the realm of cozy comfort foods, today we explore the dynamic world of Turkey Meatball Noodle Soup.

This harmonious blend of hearty meatballs, al dente noodles, and robust broth has an incredible way of transforming a simple meal into a culinary experience.

Its origin is steeped in tradition, the soup is much more than a dish; it’s a testament to the homely art of cooking, a homage to soul-nurturing foods we all crave.

In our journey, we’ll discover the skillful blend of seasonings, the tricky process of crafting the meatballs, and the magic that happens when these ingredients come together in one pot.

Prepare to be entranced by the complex flavors, each spoonful offering a gustatory symphony that leaves you yearning for more.

What Is Turkey Meatball Noodle Soup?

Turkey Meatball Noodle Soup is a heartwarming dish that combines succulent turkey meatballs, rich broth, noodles, and various vegetables and seasonings.

It’s a versatile recipe, lending itself to numerous variations depending on personal taste and dietary preferences.

The meatballs are usually made from ground turkey, seasoned with herbs like parsley, oregano, and spices for an extra kick.

They are cooked until perfectly browned and then added to a simmering broth, which could be chicken, turkey, or vegetable-based.

The soup also includes noodles, from traditional egg noodles to spaghetti or gluten-free alternatives. Vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions are commonly added for extra depth of flavor and nutrition.

Can You Vary The Recipe With Other Ingredients?

• Protein: While turkey is the traditional choice for this recipe, you could also use chicken, beef, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative for vegetarian versions.
• Vegetables: Feel free to experiment with different veggies. For instance, you could add zucchini, spinach, kale, peas, or bell peppers. This is a great way to use any vegetables in your fridge.
• Noodles: You can use more than standard pasta. Try whole-grain pasta, rice noodles, or gluten-free options. You could use zoodles (zucchini noodles) or spaghetti squash for a low-carb version.
• Herbs And Spices: Customize your soup with different herbs and spices. For example, add lemongrass, ginger, and finish with a splash of coconut milk for a Thai twist. Or, for an Italian flair, add basil and a sprinkle of parmesan.

Recipe Directions

• In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, mild Italian turkey sausage, seasoned dry bread crumbs, Greek yogurt, egg, Greek seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley. Mix well to combine.
• Shape the mixture into small meatballs about 1 inch in diameter.
• Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the meatballs from the pot and set them aside.
• In the same pot, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Add the broken linguine pieces and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
• Once the linguine is cooked, add the shredded romaine lettuce, sliced mushrooms, and cooked meatballs back into the pot. Simmer for a few minutes until the lettuce is wilted and the meatballs are heated.
• Season the soup with fresh black pepper to taste.
• Serve the Turkey Meatball Noodle Soup hot and, if desired, top each serving with shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
• Enjoy your delicious Turkey Meatball Noodle Soup!

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings

Variations And Add-Ons

• Protein: For a different flavor profile, substitute ground turkey with ground chicken, beef, or pork. Vegetarians could use plant-based meat substitutes or lentil balls.
• Noodles: Use whole grain pasta for added fiber, rice noodles for a gluten-free option, or spiralized veggies like zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a low-carb choice.
• Spices And Herbs: Get creative with different herbs and spices. Add a dash of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or experiment with spices like cumin or curry powder for a different flavor. Consider fresh herbs like dill or cilantro for a new twist.
• Broth: Add coconut milk to the broth to make it creamy. Add a spoonful of harissa or chili paste to the broth for a spicy version.

Toppings

• Cheese: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, or a mild cheese like Mozzarella over your hot soup.
• Croutons: Add some crunch with homemade croutons or even crispy tortilla strips.
• Spices: A pinch of smoked paprika or turmeric can add a pop of color and a hint of smoky or earthy flavor.
• Cream: A drizzle of cream, a dollop of sour cream, or Greek yogurt can add a creamy, tangy element.
• Citrus: Fresh lemon or lime juice squeeze can brighten the flavors.

Can I Make Soup In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot? 

Slow Cooker Method

• Prepare your meatballs per recipe, and brown them in a skillet over medium heat. This will help seal the juices and give your meatballs a nice color. Once browned, transfer them to your slow cooker.
• Add your diced vegetables, herbs, spices, and broth into the slow cooker.
• Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
• About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, cook your noodles separately according to package instructions. Once cooked, add them to the slow cooker and stir to combine. This helps prevent the noodles from becoming too soft or absorbing too much broth.

Instant Pot Method

• Set your Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Add a bit of oil, and brown your prepared meatballs in batches. Once browned, remove them and set aside.
• Still on the sauté setting, cook your diced vegetables, herbs, and spices until the vegetables soften.
• Add the meatballs back into the Instant Pot, along with your broth.
• Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and set it to manual pressure for 7 minutes.
• Once the time is up, use the quick-release valve to release the pressure.

Can I Use Store-Bought Broth, Or Should I Make My Own? 

• Store-bought Broth: This is a convenient and time-saving option. It’s always good to have on hand for quick meal preparation. When choosing a store-bought broth, look for low-sodium versions to control your soup’s salt content better. Choose organic or high-quality brands for better flavor.
• Homemade Broth: If you have the time and resources, homemade broth can add a depth of flavor to your soup that’s hard to match with store-bought versions. You can make it using leftover turkey bones, vegetables, and herbs, simmered for several hours. The advantage is you can control the ingredients and flavor profile entirely.

How To Serve? 

• Temperature: Soup should be served hot but not boiling. The perfect serving temperature for soup is between 140°F (60°C) and 185°F (85°C).
  This ensures it’s warm enough to release all of its delicious aromas but not too hot that it’s hard to eat.
• Ladle Correctly: When you ladle the soup into bowls, make sure you get a good balance of broth, noodles, meatballs, and vegetables in each serving.
• Freshness Counts: Freshly cooked soup is always the best, but if you have leftovers, be sure to reheat only what you’re going to eat. Continually reheating and cooling the entire batch of soup can negatively affect its flavor and texture over time..

Perfect Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: For a more flavorful twist on the classic bread side, garlic bread adds a rich, savory component that works well with the soup.
• Side Salad: A light and refreshing salad can balance the heartiness of the soup. Consider a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a cucumber and tomato salad for a fresh contrast.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus would pair nicely with the soup, adding a bit of crunch and a different flavor profile.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic cheese sandwich pairs wonderfully with any soup for a more filling accompaniment.

Storage And Make Ahead

• Storage: After cooking, let the soup cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it should last for 3-4 days.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The soup base can also be made ahead and stored separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat the soup base, add the meatballs and noodles, and simmer until the noodles are cooked through. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights or meal prep.

What Can We Do With Leftovers?

• Stir Fry: You can strain the noodles, meatballs, and vegetables from the soup and stir-fry them with additional vegetables for a quick and easy dish. You can then use the leftover broth as a base for another soup.
• Rice Dish: Use the soup as a flavorful sauce for cooked rice. Heat the soup and pour it over a warm, cooked rice bowl for a comforting meal.
• Wraps or Tacos: Strain the meatballs and veggies from the soup, then use them as a filling for wraps or tacos. Add some fresh veggies and sauce of your choice.
• Frittata: Chop the meatballs and veggies into smaller pieces and add them to a frittata or an omelet.

Turkey Meatball Noodle Soup Recipe (Delicious And Fulfilling)

5 from 10 votes

Recipe by Hanna Barnes Course: Soups u0026amp; Broths

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Calories

300-400

kcal

 Indulge in this hearty Turkey Meatball Noodle Soup, where tender, herbed meatballs meet slurp-worthy noodles in a savory broth. It’s a symphony of texture and flavor, bursting with nutritious vegetables. Perfectly comforting, it’s your ultimate go-to dish for a cozy family dinner or a warm, rejuvenating lunch on chilly days.

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb 1/2 Ground Turkey (93% Fat-Free)

• 1/2 lb 1/2 Mild Italian Turkey Sausage

• 1/2 cup 1/2 Seasoned Dry bread Crumbs

• 1/2 cup 1/2 Plain Nonfat Greek Yogurt

• 1 1 Large Egg

• 1-1/2 Tbsp 1-1/2 Greek Seasoning

• 1/2 Tsp 1/2 Kosher Salt

• 1/2 Tsp 1/2 Fresh Black Pepper

• 1 Tsp 1 Olive Oil

• 1-2 Tbsp 1-2 Flat-Leaf Parsley Roughly Chopped

• Soup

• 6 Cups 6 Chicken broth (Low-Sodium)

• 1/2 lb 1/2 Linguine, broken into 2-inch Pieces

• 2 Cups 2 Thinly Shredded Romaine Lettuce

• 6 6 White or cremini Mushrooms, Sliced

• Fresh Black Pepper (To Taste)

• Shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese (To Taste)(Optional)

Step-By-Step Directions

• Prepare the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Form the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs, roughly 1 inch in diameter.
• Cook the meatballs: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add olive oil, and once it’s hot, add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Cook until browned on all sides. Once cooked, remove the meatballs and set them aside.
• Prepare the soup base: In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Add the broth: Pour in the chicken or turkey broth, scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits stuck to the bottom (this adds flavor!). Bring the broth to a simmer.
• Add the meatballs and noodles: Once the broth is simmering, carefully add the meatballs back into the pot. Add the uncooked noodles as well. Stir to combine and ensure that the noodles are submerged in the broth.
• Simmer the soup: Allow the soup to simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the noodles are cooked to your liking, and the meatballs are cooked through.
• Season and serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish as desired, and serve hot.
• EQUIPMENT LIST
• Large Pot Or Dutch Oven
• Mixing Bowl
• Knife And Cutting Board
• Measuring Cups And Spoons
• Ladle
• Slotted Spoon
• Soup Bowls

Notes

• Herbs: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs for the meatballs and soup, such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano, to add your touch to the recipe.
• Make It Creamy: If you prefer creamy soups, consider adding a splash of cream or milk at the end of cooking or blending a portion of the soup and adding it back to the pot.
• Salt Level: The saltiness of your soup can vary depending on the broth and if your turkey meatballs are pre-seasoned. Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
• Gluten-Free: To make this soup gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs in the meatballs.

Nutrition Table 

• Author
• Recent Posts

Hanna Barnes

Hanna is a writer at Soup Chick. Yulia's website reignited her passion for crafting affordable, veggie-packed soups. She is certified by the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts and has expertise in healthy, baking, and vegan cuisine. With years of food blogging and collaborating with chefs, she offers a range of recipes on Soup Chick, from classic broths to the heavenly slow cooker chicken tortilla soup. Join her in creating flavorsome, wholesome soups in your kitchen!

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