Why You’ll Love this Turkey Meatball & Rice Soup
Looking for a comforting meal that doesn’t weigh you down? This turkey meatball and rice soup hits all the right notes with its perfect balance of lean protein, tender vegetables, and satisfying rice.
I’m particularly fond of how the dried basil and oregano infuse the meatballs with Mediterranean flavor, while the carrots add a subtle sweetness to the broth.
What I love most is how adaptable this recipe is—swap ground pork if you prefer, or use fresh basil when it’s in season.
The resulting soup offers warmth and heartiness without hours of simmering, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
What Ingredients are in Turkey Meatball & Rice Soup?
This hearty turkey meatball and rice soup brings together simple, wholesome ingredients that create layers of flavor without a ton of fuss. The combination of tender turkey meatballs, aromatic herbs, and perfectly cooked rice makes for a satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out. I’m particularly fond of how these ingredients complement each other—the mild turkey provides the perfect canvas for the bold Mediterranean herbs.
- 1 pound ground turkey (or ground pork as an alternative)
- 1 tablespoon dried basil (or 2 tablespoons fresh basil)
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
- 3 carrots, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 16 ounces vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/4 cup water
- Sunflower or safflower oil for sautéing
- Salt and pepper to taste
When shopping for these ingredients, quality matters but doesn’t need to break the bank. Look for lean ground turkey, which typically contains less fat than ground pork but still delivers excellent flavor. The choice between dried and fresh herbs will impact the intensity—dried herbs are more concentrated, while fresh ones offer a brighter, more vibrant flavor. And don’t forget, this recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Need to use up some leftover rice? Perfect. Want to toss in an extra carrot or two? Go for it. The beauty of homemade soup is that it welcomes these little improvisations.
How to Make this Turkey Meatball & Rice Soup
Start by creating your flavorful meatballs. Mix 1 pound of ground turkey with 1 tablespoon of dried basil, 1 tablespoon of dried oregano, and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic salt in a bowl.
Once everything is well combined, roll the mixture into small balls about the size of your thumb—not too big, not too small, just perfect for a spoonful of soup.
Next, heat a bit of sunflower or safflower oil in a skillet and gently sauté those little meat treasures until they’re beautifully browned on all sides.
While your meatballs are cooking away, chop 3 carrots into 1/2-inch thick pieces.
After removing the meatballs, don’t clean that pan! All those savory bits left behind are flavor gold. Instead, add 1/4 cup of water to the pan along with your chopped carrots. Cover and let them simmer until tender, absorbing all that meaty goodness.
Meanwhile, in a stock pot, heat up 16 ounces of vegetable or chicken broth—whichever you prefer.
Once it’s warm, add 2 cups of cooked rice, your browned meatballs, tender carrots, and all the flavorful juice from the carrot pan.
For perfectly uniform and quick prep, consider using a high end food processor to chop your vegetables and other ingredients.
Give everything a good stir, season with salt and pepper to taste, and voilà! Your hearty turkey meatball rice soup is ready to warm bellies and hearts alike.
Turkey Meatball & Rice Soup Substitutions and Variations
Now that you know the basic recipe, let’s explore the wonderful world of customization for this cozy soup!
I’m a firm believer that recipes are just starting points for your culinary creativity.
Try swapping ground pork for turkey when you’re craving a richer flavor profile.
Don’t have fresh basil? Dried works perfectly at a 1:2 ratio.
Brown rice or quinoa can replace white rice for extra nutrition and a nutty undertone.
For vegetarians, mushrooms and lentils make surprisingly meaty alternatives to turkey.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, a splash of white wine or squeeze of lemon brightens everything up!
What to Serve with Turkey Meatball & Rice Soup
Three perfect accompaniments can transform your hearty turkey meatball soup from a simple meal into a memorable dining experience.
I’m partial to a crusty artisan bread, still warm from the oven, perfect for sopping up those last savory spoonfuls clinging to the bowl.
A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette adds brightness and balance, cutting through the richness of the broth with fresh, verdant notes.
For a truly complete meal, I’ll sometimes add a small cheese board featuring aged cheddar and gouda – the nutty flavors complement the earthy herbs in the meatballs beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re nursing a cold or simply craving comfort on a chilly evening, this hearty turkey meatball rice soup delivers warmth in every spoonful. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability—swap ground turkey for pork, dried herbs for fresh, or adjust the broth to your preference.
I love how the tender meatballs, perfectly seasoned with basil and oregano, complement the subtle sweetness of carrots and the satisfying texture of rice. There’s something magical about watching those little spheres of protein transform in the pan, isn’t there?
Trust me, this soup will become your go-to recipe for nourishing body and soul.
