Turkey Meatball Soup

Turkey meatball soup is an easy yet super comforting recipe that's just perfect for a busy weeknight. You can even make the meatballs ahead and freeze them to save time!

This turkey meatball soup with orzo is hearty, easy to make and absolutely delicious! It has a super flavorful tomato-based broth, and I make it creamy by adding just a bit of half and half (single cream).

The meatballs for this soup are made using my super simple recipe for low-fat oven-baked meatballs. This is a very versatile recipe where you can use any type of meat you like - I went for lean ground turkey for this soup.

Since they're oven-baked (or air-fried, see instructions in the recipe notes and tips) and have absolutely no oil in them, these meatballs are perfect in this soup to keep things low-fat yet absolutely delicious.

If you love easy and healthy soups, make sure you try my Instant Pot Beef Barley Soup and my Tuscan White Bean and Kale Soup.

Why you'll love this turkey meatball soup

• It's super easy to make in one pot with homemade or shop-bought meatballs.
• The mix of meatballs, orzo and veggies makes this healthy turkey meatball soup extra hearty and filling.
• You can have it on the table in just a bit over half an hour - just perfect for a busy weeknight.

Ingredients and substitutions

Turkey meatballs - As mentioned above, this recipe is made with oven-baked turkey meatballs from this recipe.

You can also use shop-bought meatballs to save time or make the soup vegetarian by using plant-based meatballs.

Olive oil - You'll need a bit of extra virgin olive oil to saute the veggies in.

Onion, carrot and celery - I like to dice these on the smaller side so they become translucent quickly.

Garlic - Feel free to add as much freshly chopped garlic as you like.

Italian seasoning mix - This is super convenient but you can use fresh herbs if you have them on hand.

Tomato paste + tomato sauce (passata) - This combination is just perfect for a smooth and flavorful tomato-based broth.

Chicken stock - Use a low-sodium chicken broth as needed.

Orzo - I love orzo in this soup, but you can also use ditalini, stelline or another type of small pasta. Gnocchi or tortellini are other options for a heartier soup.

Baby spinach - Fresh spinach is perfect in this meatball soup, but you can substitute it with kale if you like.

Half and half (single cream) - This is optional but perfect if you want the soup to be creamy.

Parmesan - Freshly grated parmesan is always best; I keep a wedge in the fridge and use a fine grater to grate just what I need.

How to make turkey meatball vegetable soup

Heat the olive oil in a large stock pot or Dutch oven and sauté the onion, carrot and celery stalks for 7-8 minutes over medium heat until softened.

Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning mix and red chili flakes and cook for another minute.

Next, stir in the tomato paste and tomato sauce (passata), then add the chicken stock and orzo.

Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Once the orzo is al dente, stir in the meatballs and baby spinach. Place a lid on the pot and simmer for 1-2 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the meatballs are heated through.

Add the half and half and grated Parmesan, then season to taste and serve hot, with some extra freshly grated Parmesan on top if you like.

Leftovers and storage

• Leftovers will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
• Reheat the turkey meatball soup in the microwave or on the stovetop until piping hot (make sure the meatballs are also hot in the middle).
• This soup freezes well for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool down completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container.

Recipe notes and tips

• Substitute the orzo with quinoa for a low-carb and even healthier soup.
• The soup is hearty enough to enjoy on its own, but you can serve it with crusty bread or some slices of garlic bread.
• Add extra flavor and brightness by sprinkling some freshly chopped parsley or dill on top of individual bowls before serving.

If you liked this turkey meatball soup, you might also like some of my other easy soup recipes:

• Kielbasa Potato Soup
• Creamy Vegetarian Tortellini Soup
• Instant Pot Beef Barley Soup
• Leftover Ham and Bean Soup
• Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup

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