Name: Southwest Turkey & Quinoa Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Southwestern
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil; 1 pound ground turkey; 1 small yellow onion, chopped; 2 bell peppers, chopped; 1 large jalapeño, chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 quart chicken stock; 1 (14-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes; 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 teaspoon sea salt; 1 tablespoon taco seasoning, store-bought or homemade; ½ cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed; 1 ½ cups grated pepper Jack cheese; Sour cream; Chopped fresh cilantro leaves; Diced avocado; Sliced green onions

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 56 reviews

If you’re craving a bowl filled with vibrant flavors, wholesome ingredients, and a bit of a spicy kick, the Southwest Turkey & Quinoa Soup Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. This soup combines lean ground turkey with wholesome quinoa and fire-roasted tomatoes, creating a heartwarming dish that’s packed with nutrition and bold southwestern flair. Every spoonful bursts with color and texture, making it a perfect meal for cozy nights or anytime you want something satisfying and flavorful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows many small bowls with different ingredients on a white marbled surface. In the center, there is a layer of raw ground meat on white paper, light pink and textured with thin strands. Surrounding it are small bowls: bright red chopped tomatoes, white diced onions, green chopped bell peppers, and light green chopped avocado. There is also a bowl with black beans, shredded pale yellow cheese, and fresh green herbs. Additional bowls contain white sour cream, chopped green onions, minced garlic, a golden liquid likely oil, a mix of brown spices, and a jar with light brown broth. All the bowls are white except the black beans bowl, and the colors range from red, green, and white to black and yellow. The ingredients are neatly arranged in a round shape around the meat. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making this soup truly shine. Each element plays a crucial role, from the rich, savory turkey to the nutty quinoa and punchy bell peppers that add crunch and color to every bite.

Extra-virgin olive oil: For sautéing, adding a subtle fruity richness to start the flavor base.
Ground turkey: Lean and protein-packed, it keeps the soup hearty but light.
Yellow onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when cooked down.
Bell peppers, chopped: Bring sweetness and vibrant color to the mix.
Large jalapeño, chopped: Infuses a gentle heat that awakens the palate.
Garlic cloves, minced: Gives that irresistible aromatic punch.
Chicken stock: The liquid base that melds all flavors together with savory warmth.
Fire-roasted diced tomatoes: Add smoky complexity and rich tomato flavor.
Black beans, drained and rinsed: Provide a creamy texture and earthy taste.
Sea salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
Taco seasoning: Brings traditional southwest spices like cumin and chili powder.
Uncooked quinoa, rinsed: A little super grain that adds body and wholesome goodness.
Pepper Jack cheese, grated: Melts beautifully on top for a creamy, spicy finish.
Optional toppings (sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro, diced avocado, sliced green onions): Fresh garnishes that lift and personalize each bowl.

How to Make Southwest Turkey & Quinoa Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the aromatics and turkey

Start by heating the extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell peppers, jalapeño, and garlic, cooking until they soften and release their fragrance. Then, add the ground turkey. Break it up with your spoon and cook until it’s no longer pink, allowing it to soak up those beautiful sautéed flavors.

Step 2: Build the broth with spices and stock

Once the turkey and veggies are cooked through, sprinkle in the sea salt and taco seasoning. Stir everything well to coat the meat evenly. Pour in the chicken stock to create the soup base, bringing it to a gentle simmer. This step really layers the taste and sets the stage for the hearty ingredients to blend perfectly.

Step 3: Add beans, tomatoes, and quinoa

Now, stir in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes and black beans for that rich smoky and earthy flavor. Rinse your quinoa carefully then add it to the pot. Let everything simmer gently for about 20 minutes, until the quinoa is tender and has absorbed the savory broth. Your kitchen will be filled with a mouthwatering aroma by this point!

Step 4: Finish with cheese

Turn off the heat and sprinkle in the grated pepper Jack cheese, stirring just enough so it melts into the soup. This adds a dreamy, creamy texture and a gentle kick that rounds out the flavors marvelously.

How to Serve Southwest Turkey & Quinoa Soup Recipe

A white scalloped bowl filled with colorful soup showing layers of ground meat, black beans, red and green bell peppers, and quinoa in a rich broth. On top, there is a layer of shredded white cheese scattered unevenly, some fresh green parsley sprinkled, and a dollop of white sour cream in the center. Around the bowl, there are small white bowls with chopped green onions, more shredded cheese, and a brown dish with chopped fresh herbs. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a spoon resting inside the bowl, its handle light-colored with black dots. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate this soup, consider adding a dollop of sour cream for cooling creaminess, fresh cilantro leaves for brightness, diced avocado for buttery richness, and a sprinkle of sliced green onions to add a slight crunch. These garnishes turn every spoonful into a delightful flavor explosion.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with corn tortilla chips, warm crusty bread, or even a fresh avocado salad. The sides complement the southwestern flavors while providing contrasting textures that make the meal more satisfying and complete.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, serve the Southwest Turkey & Quinoa Soup Recipe in individual bowls topped with a swirl of sour cream and a pinch of cheese. You can even hollow out some mini bell peppers or small bread bowls to create playful edible vessels perfect for parties or family dinners.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 4 days, making it a fantastic option for easy lunches or dinners during your busy week.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months, so you always have a hearty meal on hand when time is tight.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw your frozen soup overnight in the fridge if possible. Warm it gently in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until steaming. Add a splash of chicken stock or water if the soup has thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great substitute and will give you a similarly lean and mild flavor that pairs well with the southwestern spices.

Is quinoa necessary in the soup?

While quinoa adds protein and a lovely texture, you can swap it for rice, barley, or leave it out entirely if you prefer a lighter broth-based soup.

How spicy is this soup?

The heat mainly comes from the jalapeño and taco seasoning, but you can adjust the amount of jalapeño or omit the seeds to tone down the spice level to your liking.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

You can! Just replace the ground turkey with a plant-based protein or extra beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for a hearty vegetarian version.

What’s the best way to store garnishes?

Keep garnishes like avocado diced fresh, cilantro chopped, and sour cream refrigerated separately until you’re ready to serve. This keeps them fresh and vibrant.

Final Thoughts

This Southwest Turkey & Quinoa Soup Recipe is a perfect blend of comfort, nutrition, and flavor that’s sure to become a household favorite. Its easy-to-follow steps and wholesome ingredients mean you can whip up a satisfying meal any night of the week. Give it a try—you’ll love how warm, nourishing, and downright delicious it is!

Southwest Turkey & Quinoa Soup Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need