If you’re yearning for a cozy bowl filled with comfort and nutrition, then you’ve landed in the perfect spot. This Hearty Turkey Meatball Soup with Vegetables and Barley Recipe combines tender turkey meatballs, wholesome barley, and a vibrant mix of vegetables all swimming in a flavorful broth. It’s a heartwarming dish that not only satisfies your hunger but also offers a delightful harmony of textures and tastes that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this soup right means focusing on simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a key role. From the juicy ground turkey that forms the meatballs to the earthy barley and fresh vegetables, every component adds depth in flavor, texture, or color, bringing this soup to life in your kitchen.
- 10 cups chicken broth (or stock): the rich, savory base that fills every spoon with deep flavor.
- 6 cups filtered water: helps create the perfect broth-to-ingredient ratio.
- 1 cup barley (rinsed and drained): adds a chewy, satisfying texture and wholesome grains for heartiness.
- 5 medium potatoes (chopped into ½-inch cubes): bring a comforting, creamy bite that pairs beautifully with the meatballs.
- 1-2 medium carrots (grated): offer a subtle sweetness and gorgeous orange hue.
- 1 medium onion (finely diced): forms a savory backbone in both the broth and meatballs.
- ½ lb mushrooms (about 7 mushrooms): sautéed to add an earthy depth and meaty texture.
- 1 can white beans: for extra creaminess and protein, balancing the ingredients perfectly.
- 1 Tbsp Mrs Dash Seasoning (original or garlic flavored): a salt-free spice blend that brightens up the soup naturally.
- 2 Tbsp dill: infuses the broth with a herby freshness that lifts the entire dish.
- 1 tsp salt (plus more to taste): essential for seasoning and enhancing all the natural flavors.
- 1 Tbsp olive oil (to sauté mushrooms): brings richness and helps soften the mushrooms beautifully.
- 1 lb ground turkey: lean and tender, the star of the meatballs, delivering protein and moisture.
- 1 large egg: binds the meatball mixture to keep everything perfectly together.
- 1 tsp Mrs. Dash: seasons the meatballs to complement the soup’s overall flavor profile.
- 1 tsp salt: to enhance the meatball mixture’s taste.
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper: adds just the right amount of gentle heat.
- ¼ medium onion (finely diced): folded into the meatball mix for extra flavor and moisture.
How to Make Hearty Turkey Meatball Soup with Vegetables and Barley Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
First up, let’s create those tender turkey meatballs. Combine the ground turkey, finely diced onion, egg, Mrs. Dash, salt, and freshly ground pepper in a bowl. Use your hands or a spoon to gently mix everything just until combined — overmixing can make the meatballs tough. Once mixed, shape the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs. This step is so satisfying because you can feel the flavors melding together at the start of this delicious journey.
Step 2: Sauté Mushrooms and Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook them until they release their liquid and turn a lovely golden brown — this brings out their earthy flavor beautifully. Next, toss in the diced onion, grated carrots, and potatoes, stirring for a few minutes until they start to soften and the kitchen fills with that wonderful aroma.
Step 3: Build the Soup Base
Pour in the chicken broth and filtered water. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then stir in the rinsed barley. The barley adds a hearty chew and acts like little flavor sponges soaking up the broth. Sprinkle in the Mrs Dash seasoning, salt, and dill to season the soup perfectly, making sure every spoonful will be bursting with fresh, aromatic notes.
Step 4: Cook the Meatballs and Combine
Carefully slide the turkey meatballs into the simmering soup. Let them cook gently on a low simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and tender. Add the white beans toward the end to warm through without breaking down. This slow simmering allows all the flavors to marry, creating a rich, comforting broth filled with vibrant textures.
Step 5: Final Taste and Adjustments
Before serving, taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt or Mrs Dash if needed. This last step ensures the soup hits exactly the note you want—whether that’s more herbal brightness or a saltier punch. The result is a beautiful, nourishing bowl of soup that feels like a warm hug.
How to Serve Hearty Turkey Meatball Soup with Vegetables and Barley Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few sprigs of dill on top adds a burst of color and fresh aroma that perfectly complements the rich broth. A grating of Parmesan cheese can add a savory, salty layer that elevates each bite.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty rustic bread or warm garlic naan for dipping. A light side salad with lemon vinaigrette can also add a crisp contrast if you want to balance the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, serve the soup in individual bread bowls or sturdy mugs for a cozy, inviting experience. Adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top can create a lovely creamy texture and a tangy finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, making your next bowl even more delicious.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy a comforting meal even on the busiest days.
Reheating
Reheat soup gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If it thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up, bringing back its perfect texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken would work well as a substitute and provide a similarly mild flavor and tender texture that blends perfectly into the soup.
Is it necessary to rinse the barley?
Rinsing barley removes excess starch and any debris, helping it cook more evenly and preventing the soup from becoming too thick or gummy.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can substitute vegetable broth and omit the turkey meatballs, perhaps swapping them for hearty mushrooms or plant-based meatballs to keep the texture and flavor rich.
How long does it take to cook the barley?
In this soup, barley takes about 25 to 30 minutes to become tender, which perfectly matches the time needed for the meatballs and vegetables to cook through.
Can I prepare the meatballs in advance?
Yes! You can make the meatballs a day ahead and keep them refrigerated. Just add them to the soup during the final cooking step as usual.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you find as much joy in making and eating this Hearty Turkey Meatball Soup with Vegetables and Barley Recipe as I do. It’s the kind of dish that warms your soul and nourishes your body after a long day, making every spoonful feel like home. Give it a try, and soon it might become one of your go-to favorites too!
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Hearty Turkey Meatball Soup with Vegetables and Barley Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Turkey Meatball Soup is a comforting and nutritious meal featuring tender turkey meatballs simmered in a rich broth loaded with barley, potatoes, carrots, mushrooms, and white beans. Seasoned with herbs and spices for a deliciously balanced flavor, this soup is perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, yielding 12 servings.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 10 cups chicken broth (or stock)
- 6 cups filtered water
- 1 cup barley (rinsed and drained)
- 5 medium potatoes, chopped into ½-inch cubes
- 1–2 medium carrots, grated
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- ½ lb mushrooms (about 7 mushrooms), sliced
- 1 can white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 Tbsp Mrs. Dash Seasoning (original or garlic flavored)
- 2 Tbsp dill, fresh or dried
- 1 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil (to sauté mushrooms)
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey (can use up to 1 ½ lbs)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp Mrs. Dash Seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ medium onion, finely diced
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, large egg, finely diced ¼ onion, 1 tsp Mrs. Dash seasoning, 1 tsp salt, and ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly incorporated, being careful not to overwork the meat to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form Meatballs: Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, shape the mixture into small meatballs about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a plate or tray and set aside while you prepare the soup base.
- Sauté Mushrooms: Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 4-5 minutes until they release their moisture and begin to brown. Remove the mushrooms from the pot and set aside.
- Build the Soup Base: To the same pot, add the finely diced onion, grated carrots, and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Pour in 10 cups chicken broth and 6 cups filtered water. Stir in the rinsed barley and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Add Potatoes and Seasonings: Add the chopped potatoes, 1 Tbsp Mrs. Dash seasoning, 2 Tbsp dill, and 1 tsp salt to the pot. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes until the barley is tender and potatoes start to soften.
- Cook Meatballs in Soup: Carefully add the prepared turkey meatballs to the simmering soup one by one, taking care not to crowd the pot. Simmer the soup gently for about 15 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and the potatoes are tender.
- Add Mushrooms and Beans: Stir the sautéed mushrooms and the drained white beans into the soup. Cook an additional 5 minutes to heat everything through and let the flavors meld.
- Adjust Seasonings and Serve: Taste the soup and add additional salt or Mrs. Dash seasoning if desired. Serve hot as a wholesome, filling meal that can be stored refrigerated for leftovers.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content.
- Rinsing barley well before cooking helps remove excess starch for a better texture.
- You can substitute ground chicken or turkey sausage for variation.
- This soup stores well and tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
- For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of water or simmer uncovered to concentrate flavors.
- Use fresh dill if available for a brighter herb flavor; dried dill works fine.
