Ground Turkey Barley Soup
A hearty, flavorful ground turkey and barley soup with tender vegetables, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for a family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground turkey in a large saucepan, stirring occasionally.
- Sprinkle flour over the cooked turkey and stir until the flour loses its white color.
- Slowly add the beef broth to the mixture.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, chopped onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 60 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding garlic or herbs like thyme to the soup. If you don't have barley, quinoa or rice can be good substitutes. To thicken the soup, you can mash some of the vegetables or add more flour. Make sure to adjust the seasoning after adding any substitutions to maintain a well-balanced flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for added richness. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider pairing it with Grandma'S Tamale Pie, which complements the flavors of this dish perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. This soup also freezes well; just allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ground Turkey Barley Soup contains roughly 1031 calories, with 32g protein, 137g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (111% of the Daily Value), protein (64% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (55% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1999mg per serving (87% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?
Yes, ground beef can be substituted for ground turkey in this recipe. It will add a richer flavor, but be sure to drain excess fat after browning to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce while cooking. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference for a customized kick.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or spinach to enhance the nutritional value and flavor. Just be mindful of cooking times, as some vegetables may require less time to become tender.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).