Southwestern Turkey Soup

Southwestern Turkey Soup is a vibrant Tex-Mex inspired dish brimming with tender turkey, black beans, sweet corn, tomatoes, green chiles, and aromatic spices. This hearty, comforting meal is perfect for any season and offers a wonderful balance of protein and vegetables in every spoonful.

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The combination of smoked paprika and cumin creates a deep, savory base that complements the sweetness of the corn and the mild heat of the green chiles. This soup is a versatile way to use up leftover holiday turkey while introducing bright, bold flavors to your table.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup frozen or canned corn kernels (drained if canned)
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (such as Rotel)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus more for garnish)
• Optional Garnishes: Sliced avocado, crumbled tortilla chips, shredded cheese, sour cream

Instructions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper; sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.

Step 2

Stir in the minced garlic and jalapeño (if using); cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3

Add the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir for 1 minute to toast the spices.

Step 4

Mix in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.

Step 5

Add the diced tomatoes (with juices), diced tomatoes with green chiles, black beans, corn, and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil.

Step 6

Reduce heat to a simmer. Stir in the turkey. Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 7

Stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 8

Serve hot, garnished with additional cilantro and any desired toppings such as avocado, tortilla chips, cheese, or sour cream.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Toasting the spices briefly before adding the liquids helps to release their aromatic oils and deepen the flavor profile of the broth. Be sure to stir in the fresh lime juice right before serving to maintain its bright, citrusy acidity.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Substitute cooked chicken for turkey if desired. For a spicier soup, add more jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce. To make it vegetarian, omit turkey and use vegetable broth while adding extra beans or diced zucchini for texture.

Serviervorschläge

This soup pairs exceptionally well with warm cornbread or crusty rolls. For a full Tex-Mex experience, serve it in bowls topped generously with sliced avocado, crumbled tortilla chips, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.

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This Southwestern Turkey Soup is a satisfying way to enjoy a wholesome, flavor-packed meal with minimal effort. Whether for a quick family dinner or a meal-prep lunch, it provides a delicious taste of the Southwest in every bowl.

Recipe FAQ

→ Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the turkey and substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth. Add extra beans, diced zucchini, or plant-based protein to maintain heartiness.

→ How spicy is this soup?

The soup has a mild to medium spice level from the diced tomatoes with green chiles. Adjust heat by adding more jalapeño, hot sauce, or reducing the chili powder.

→ Can I freeze this soup?

This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop.

→ What can I serve with Southwestern turkey soup?

Warm cornbread, crusty rolls, or tortilla chips make excellent sides. Top with avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, or extra cilantro for added flavor and texture.

→ Can I use chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely. Cooked, shredded chicken works perfectly as a substitute for turkey in this soup. The cooking time and method remain exactly the same.

→ How long does this soup keep in the refrigerator?

Stored in an airtight container, this soup will keep for 4-5 days in the refrigerator. The flavors often develop and improve after a day or two.