Ah, the magic of *fall freezer meals*! There’s just something about the crisp autumn air that makes me want to cozy up with a warm bowl of soup. I remember those busy weeks when the kids have activities every night, and I’d feel the pressure of dinner looming. That’s when I turned to meal prepping! I’d whip up a big batch of hearty soups, like this delightful turkey vegetable soup, and stash them away in the freezer for those super hectic days. Talk about a lifesaver!
Meal prepping not only saves time but also reduces the stress of last-minute cooking. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to ensure you have nutritious meals on hand, ready to enjoy whenever you need them. This recipe is not just easy to make; it’s packed with flavor and loaded with veggies, making it a perfect choice for fall. Trust me, once you try these simple fall freezer meals, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without them!
Ingredients List
Let’s gather our ingredients for this delicious turkey vegetable soup! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 pounds of ground turkey: A lean meat choice that adds protein and flavor.
- 1 onion, chopped: This will give your soup a wonderful base flavor.
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced: Garlic brings in that tasty aromatic kick!
- 1 can of diced tomatoes: These add a beautiful color and a touch of acidity.
- 2 cups of chopped carrots: Sweet and nutritious; they also add a nice crunch.
- 2 cups of chopped celery: For that classic soup flavor and crunch!
- 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs will elevate your soup!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Adjust these to suit your preference.
- 4 cups of vegetable broth: The soul of this soup, making it hearty and comforting.
Gathering these fresh ingredients will set you up for a cozy cooking experience! Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go before you start cooking.
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s dive into making this lovely turkey vegetable soup! It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll feel like a kitchen pro by the end. Here’s how to do it:
- Brown the turkey: In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the 2 pounds of ground turkey and cook it until it’s browned, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break it apart with your spoon as it cooks!
- Add onion and garlic: Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and fragrant. Wow, your kitchen will start smelling amazing!
- Mix in the veggies: Next, stir in the can of diced tomatoes, chopped carrots, and chopped celery. Don’t forget that tablespoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper! Mix everything well and let those flavors blend for about 2 minutes.
- Pour in the broth: Now it’s time to add 4 cups of vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, and then reduce the heat to let it simmer gently for 30 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully!
- Cool and store: After 30 minutes, take the pot off the heat and let the soup cool down a bit. Once it’s cool enough to handle, portion it into freezer-safe containers. Label them with the date and contents, so you know what you’ve got stored away!
- Reheat to enjoy: When you’re ready to serve, just thaw your soup in the fridge overnight, then reheat on the stove or in the microwave. It’s that easy!
And there you have it! With just a few simple steps, you’ve created a hearty, comforting soup that’s perfect for those busy fall days. Don’t worry about getting it perfect on the first try; cooking is all about learning as you go!
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s dive into making this lovely turkey vegetable soup! It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll feel like a kitchen pro by the end. Here’s how to do it:
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Brown the turkey: In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the 2 pounds of ground turkey and cook it until it’s browned, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Remember to break it apart with your spoon as it cooks! This step is key to getting that nice, savory flavor.
- Add onion and garlic: Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and fragrant. Wow, your kitchen will start smelling amazing!
- Mix in the veggies: Next, stir in the can of diced tomatoes, chopped carrots, and chopped celery. Don’t forget that tablespoon of Italian seasoning, along with salt and pepper! Mix everything well and let those flavors blend for about 2 minutes. This is where the soup really starts to come alive!
- Pour in the broth: Now it’s time to add 4 cups of vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, and then reduce the heat to let it simmer gently for 30 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully! Just keep an eye on it, and feel free to give it a stir every now and then.
- Cool and store: After 30 minutes, take the pot off the heat and let the soup cool down a bit. Once it’s cool enough to handle, portion it into freezer-safe containers. Label them with the date and contents, so you know what you’ve got stored away! This way, you’ll always have a tasty meal ready to go.
- Reheat to enjoy: When you’re ready to serve, just thaw your soup in the fridge overnight, then reheat on the stove or in the microwave. It’s that easy! You’ll love how convenient it is to have homemade soup at your fingertips.
And there you have it! With just a few simple steps, you’ve created a hearty, comforting soup that’s perfect for those busy fall days. Don’t worry about getting it perfect on the first try; cooking is all about learning as you go!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This turkey vegetable soup is not just delicious but also brings a host of benefits that make it a fantastic choice for your fall freezer meals. Here’s why you’ll adore this recipe:
- Convenient: Prepare a big batch and freeze it for quick meals on busy days.
- Healthy: Packed with lean protein and plenty of veggies, it’s a wholesome option for your family.
- Flavorful: The combination of herbs and vegetables creates a savory taste that’s hard to resist.
- Budget-friendly: Using ground turkey and seasonal veggies keeps costs low while filling your freezer.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your family’s taste preferences!
With all these perks, you’ll find yourself reaching for this soup time and again as the weather cools down!
Tips for Success
To ensure your turkey vegetable soup turns out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips to keep in mind:
- Chop vegetables evenly: Aim for uniform pieces so they cook at the same rate. I like to use a sharp knife and take my time; it really makes a difference in texture!
- Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go! Feel free to add more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Your palate is the best judge!
- Maximize storage: Use freezer-safe containers that can handle the cold. I prefer using smaller portions, like 1 or 2 cups, so I can easily pull out just what I need for a quick meal.
- Label your containers: Don’t skip this step! Write the date and contents on each container, so you know exactly what’s in your freezer and when it was made.
These little touches will elevate your soup-making game and make meal prepping a breeze!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to customize this turkey vegetable soup to suit your taste buds! Here are a few ideas:
- Swap the meat: Ground chicken or beef can be used in place of turkey for a different flavor profile.
- Try different veggies: Feel free to toss in potatoes, green beans, or bell peppers. Just remember to chop them evenly!
- Spice it up: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a smoky kick.
- Herbs and spices: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or basil, or even a bay leaf for extra depth.
These variations let you tailor the soup to your family’s preferences, making it a dish everyone will love!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your turkey vegetable soup is super easy and ensures you can enjoy it later! First, once your soup has cooled to room temperature, portion it into freezer-safe containers. I recommend using containers that are airtight to prevent freezer burn. Don’t forget to leave a little space at the top, as liquids expand when frozen!
Label each container with the date and contents so you can keep track of what’s in your freezer. This soup can be stored for up to three months, but trust me, it won’t last that long!
When you’re ready to enjoy a bowl, simply move a container to the fridge and let it thaw overnight. For a quick option, you can also run it under cold water to speed up the thawing. Reheat your soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or pop it in the microwave until hot. Just be sure to stir well to avoid hot spots. Enjoy your comforting meal!
Nutritional Information Section
Here’s a quick glance at the estimated nutritional information for each serving of this delicious turkey vegetable soup. Remember, these values are approximations and can vary based on specific ingredients used:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 4g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 70mg
This soup is not only hearty and satisfying but also packed with nutrients to fuel your busy days. Enjoy knowing you’re serving up a wholesome meal!
FAQ Section
Got questions about *fall freezer meals* and meal prep? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common inquiries:
- Can I use different types of meat in this soup? Absolutely! Ground chicken or beef works just as well. Feel free to experiment with what you have on hand!
- How long can I store the soup in the freezer? Your turkey vegetable soup can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Just be sure to label your containers!
- Can I make this soup vegetarian? Yes! Substitute the ground turkey with lentils or chickpeas and use vegetable broth as you normally would. It’s still delicious!
- What’s the best way to reheat the soup? You can reheat it on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave. Just stir well to avoid any hot spots.
- How do I ensure my vegetables cook evenly? Chop your vegetables into uniform pieces. This way, they’ll all cook at the same rate and give your soup a great texture!
Hope these answers help you on your meal prep journey!
For more information on meal prepping, you can check out this resource from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Fall Freezer Meals: 5 Steps to Easy Turkey Veggie Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Easy fall freezer meals to prepare and enjoy later.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of ground turkey
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 2 cups of chopped carrots
- 2 cups of chopped celery
- 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups of vegetable broth
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the ground turkey over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until onion is soft.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, carrots, celery, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and let simmer for 30 minutes.
- Allow the soup to cool before portioning into freezer-safe containers.
- Label containers with date and contents, then freeze.
- To serve, thaw and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Notes
- Chop vegetables evenly for consistent cooking.
- Use a lean ground meat for a healthier option.
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste.
- Freeze in smaller portions for easy meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: fall freezer meals, easy soup recipe, meal prep