Ground Turkey and White Bean Soup with Lemon and Greens: A Perfect Post-Thanksgiving Recipe

As the holiday season rolls around, we're often left with a question: what do we do with all the leftover turkey? If you’re anything like me, your fridge is teeming with extra meat and not enough creative ideas. This Ground Turkey and White Bean Soup with Lemon and Greens is the perfect solution! Not only does it make use of your turkey leftovers, but it also delivers a delightful blend of flavors that are fresh, zesty, and incredibly satisfying.

This protein-packed, lemony soup is nothing short of a culinary hug on a chilly evening. With just a quick prep time of 10 minutes and a cook time of only 30 minutes, you'll have a comforting bowl of goodness waiting for you and your family to enjoy without any fuss!

                                    

Why This Soup Will Become Your Go-To Recipe

This soup is special for a number of reasons. Firstly, it combines the savory richness of ground turkey (or chicken or beef if you prefer) with hearty cannellini beans, which add a creaminess that complements the freshness of baby spinach and chard. The addition of lemon juice gives it a bright and refreshing twist, making it a perfect choice during those post-Thanksgiving dinner days when you need something light yet filling.

Moreover, it's so versatile! You can easily swap out the greens for whatever you have on hand, and the soup can be made spicier with some added chili flakes if that suits your taste. It’s the kind of dish that you can customize to suit your family’s preferences easily.

A Personal Connection

I first stumbled upon a similar recipe during a cold winter while crushed under mountains of post-holiday leftovers. I needed something quick and nourishing to feed my hungry family. As I cooked, the house filled with the inviting aroma of sautéed vegetables and spices; it quickly became a staple in our home. Now, every time I make this Ground Turkey and White Bean Soup, it brings back those cozy feelings of love, warmth, and a touch of nostalgia, perfectly paired with laughter over the dinner table.

Tasting Notes

Upon your first spoonful of this soup, you'll experience a medley of flavors: the rich earthiness of the turkey, the delicate creaminess from the beans, and a refreshing burst of citrus from the lemon. The texture is hearty yet not overly heavy, making this soup perfect for dinner. It’s filling enough to stand on its own, but if you're looking for a little something extra, a crusty slice of bread or a fresh salad pairs beautifully.                                        

Time to Make the Soup!

Now that you're intrigued, let’s jump into how you can whip up your own pot of this delicious soup!

Ingredients

• 2 T. extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
• 2 large carrots, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lb. lean ground turkey
• 2 t. Italian seasoning
• 1 14-oz. can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 4-oz. can diced green chilies
• 4 c. chicken broth, preferably low sodium
• 3 c. baby spinach
• 2 c. chard, thinly sliced
• 1 medium lemon, juiced
• Sea salt and black pepper to taste
• To Serve: Extra lemon wedges

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, celery, carrots, and garlic. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the veggies soften slightly, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Add ground turkey and cook, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon to break up the turkey meat until turkey begins to brown, approximately 4-5 minutes.
4. Add Italian seasoning, cannellini beans, green chilies, and chicken broth. Increase the heat to high. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cover with a lid. Let the soup simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Uncover, and stir in the greens. Continue cooking until the greens are wilted, another 2-3 minutes.
6. Stir in the lemon juice, taste and adjust seasonings as desired. Serve with an extra wedge of lemon. Enjoy!

                                    

Final Thoughts

With its easy preparation time and hearty ingredients, this Ground Turkey and White Bean Soup with Lemon and Greens is a nourishing way to use up any Thanksgiving leftovers that might be languishing in your fridge. It's filling, flavorful, and fits comfortably into a weeknight dinner routine.

Have you tried this recipe? Share your experience in the comments—I'd love to hear how it worked out for you! Happy cooking!