Hearty & Healthy Green Chile Turkey Soup: Your Ultimate One-Pot Comfort Meal (Whole30 & Gluten-Free!)

This Green Chile Turkey Soup is a truly amazing comfort food, offering a delightful blend of lean ground turkey, earthy mushrooms, tender potatoes, fresh spinach, and smoky roasted green chiles, all brought together in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a wholesome experience, prepared entirely in one pot. This nourishing and delicious recipe is not only hearty and satisfying but also packed with healthy ingredients, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights and perfectly compatible with the Whole30 diet.

The inspiration for this incredible soup comes from my dad’s culinary genius, particularly his legendary Colorado Pork Green Chile. And just like its muse, this turkey version is absolutely fabulous. The moment I tasted it for the first time, I was instantly captivated. I honestly couldn’t believe that a dish made with ground turkey could deliver such a rich, complex, and deeply satisfying flavor profile. It truly defied my expectations and quickly became a family favorite.

Every spoonful of this hearty soup is an explosion of incredible flavor, featuring tender vegetables, a luscious, deeply seasoned broth, and just the right amount of spicy kick from the roasted green chiles. While it stands proudly as a perfect one-pot meal on its own, it’s also wonderfully versatile. For a more complete and traditional Mexican-inspired spread, serve it alongside fluffy Mexican red rice, creamy refried beans, and warm tortillas. These sides are perfect for soaking up every last delicious drop of the flavorful broth, ensuring no goodness goes to waste.

Why You’ll Love This Green Chile Turkey Soup Recipe

This Green Chile Turkey Soup isn’t just another dinner idea; it’s a culinary hug in a bowl, designed to please your palate and nourish your body. Here’s why it’s destined to become a staple in your kitchen:

• A Symphony of Fresh Vegetables: This soup is bursting with vibrant flavors, thanks to a generous medley of roasted green chiles, earthy mushrooms, tender spinach, comforting potatoes, and a foundational blend of aromatic onion and garlic. Each vegetable plays a crucial role, contributing to a rich and satisfying taste experience.
• A Nutritional Powerhouse: Beyond its deliciousness, this soup is incredibly good for you. It’s packed with wholesome vegetables and lean ground turkey, making it a highly nourishing meal. To elevate its nutritional value even further, consider using bone broth, which adds an extra boost of protein, collagen, and essential minerals, making the soup exceptionally satisfying and beneficial for your health.
• Wholesome and Dietary-Friendly Versatility: Catering to various dietary needs, this recipe is naturally gluten-free and easily adaptable for diets like Whole30 and paleo. It’s an excellent choice for anyone seeking a wholesome, clean eating option, perfectly suited for those avoiding grains, dairy, and added sugars without compromising on flavor.
• Effortless One-Pot Wonder: Who doesn’t love a meal that minimizes cleanup? This entire delicious soup comes together in just one pot, making it incredibly convenient for busy weeknights. Less time washing dishes means more time enjoying your fantastic homemade meal!

For another hearty and comforting soup, explore our recipe for Caldillo de Carne Molida.

Essential Ingredients & Smart Substitutions for Your Green Chile Turkey Soup

The beauty of this Green Chile Turkey Soup lies in its carefully selected ingredients, each contributing to its unique flavor profile. Here’s a closer look, along with ideas for substitutions to fit your pantry and preferences:

• Ground Turkey: A fantastic choice for a leaner protein, especially if you’re moderating red meat intake. Ground turkey is generally more affordable and highly versatile. I’ll admit, I wasn’t always a fan of ground turkey, but I discovered that the key is in how it’s prepared. This recipe brilliantly combines ingredients that truly transform the turkey’s flavor, making it incredibly rich. Remember, ground turkey can dry out quickly, so always sauté it with a little oil to ensure it stays moist and flavorful. If ground turkey isn’t available, ground chicken makes an excellent, equally lean substitute.
• Onion and Garlic: These are the fundamental aromatics that lay the groundwork for a deeply flavorful broth. Diced onion provides a sweet, pungent base, while fresh minced garlic adds a distinctive, warm depth that is indispensable in many Mexican-inspired dishes. Do not skip these for the best flavor!
• Roma Tomatoes: These versatile tomatoes bring a lovely balance of sweetness and tanginess to the soup. Their mild flavor complements the other ingredients without overpowering them, adding a subtle brightness and a touch of color to the broth.
• Roasted Green Chiles: The star of the show! For the most authentic and robust flavor, use roasted Pueblo, Hatch, or Anaheim chiles. These varieties offer a smoky, earthy, and subtly spicy kick that defines the character of this soup. Roasting chiles at home is a simple process, and they freeze beautifully, making them perfect for future recipes. Click here for a guide on how to roast green chiles at home. If fresh roasted chiles aren’t an option, look for frozen roasted green chiles, which are typically additive-free and available in many grocery freezer sections or online from specialty stores like The Hatch Chile Store. Avoid canned chiles if possible, as their flavor and spice level often disappoint.
• Thickener (Tapioca Starch): Tapioca starch, also known as tapioca powder, is a fantastic gluten-free thickener derived from the cassava root. It creates a silky, clear, and stable consistency, ideal for soups and sauces without a powdery taste. Other excellent gluten-free alternatives include arrowroot powder or cornstarch. If gluten is not a concern for your diet, regular all-purpose flour will work just as well to thicken the soup.
• Broth: The choice of broth significantly impacts the soup’s richness. Bone broth is highly recommended for its incredible depth of flavor, luxurious texture, and a boost of essential nutrients like collagen and amino acids. If bone broth isn’t on hand, quality chicken broth is a great alternative. For an even more unique and richer flavor profile, surprisingly, pork broth works wonders in this dish, despite using turkey. You can easily make pork broth by saving the flavorful liquid from recipes like my Mexican Shredded Pork, then freezing it for future use in soups like this.
• Ground Cumin: This bold, earthy spice is a hallmark of Mexican cuisine. A small pinch of ground cumin is all that’s needed to perfectly balance the soup’s flavors, adding a warm, aromatic note without overpowering the other ingredients. Be mindful not to overuse it, as a little goes a long way.
• Mushrooms: Both white button mushrooms and baby bella (cremini) mushrooms are excellent choices for this soup. Their distinct earthy and umami flavors beautifully complement the smoky green chiles and savory turkey, adding another layer of depth and texture to the dish.
• Spinach: Fresh spinach is preferred for its milder flavor and vibrant green color, which adds visual appeal and a fresh element to the soup. If you only have frozen spinach, it can be used, but reduce the quantity to about ½ cup, as frozen spinach has a more concentrated flavor and higher water content. Make sure to squeeze out excess water from frozen spinach before adding.
• Potatoes: Russet potatoes are my go-to for their starchy texture that thickens the soup slightly as they cook, but red or Yukon gold potatoes also work wonderfully. They add a comforting and hearty element, absorbing the rich flavors of the broth.
• Salt and Ground Black Pepper: These fundamental seasonings are crucial for bringing all the flavors together. Always season to taste, adjusting as needed throughout the cooking process to perfectly enhance the overall profile of the soup.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Your Green Chile Turkey Soup

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and comforting Green Chile Turkey Soup right in your own kitchen.

7. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and make any necessary adjustments. Add more salt, pepper, or additional chiles if you desire more spice. Serve hot and enjoy!

Recommended Kitchen Tool for This Recipe

Cast-Iron Comal

A comal is a traditional flat, cast-iron griddle, an indispensable tool in Mexican kitchens. It’s not only perfect for warming up corn or flour tortillas to perfection, but it also excels at roasting fresh green chiles, bringing out their smoky flavor, which is essential for this soup. Its even heat distribution ensures perfect roasting every time.

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How to Serve Your Green Chile Turkey Soup

This versatile green chile turkey vegetable soup is delicious served simply in a big, comforting bowl, making it an excellent standalone meal, especially if you’re adhering to the Whole30 diet.

However, if you’re looking to expand your meal, it pairs wonderfully with warm corn tortillas and a selection of traditional Mexican sides. Consider serving it with:

• Arroz Rojo (Mexican Red Rice): The classic side, offering a flavorful and fluffy counterpoint.
• Instant Pot Pinto Beans: Simple, creamy, and wholesome beans that complement the soup beautifully.
• Frijoles Refritos: Smooth, savory refried beans that add a rich, comforting element.
• Instant Pot Buttery White Rice: A milder rice option for those who prefer a less seasoned grain.
• Huevos con Tortillas: For a heartier, breakfast-for-dinner twist, a side of eggs and tortillas can be a delightful pairing.
• Huevos a la Mexicana: Scrambled eggs with diced tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños would add another layer of fresh, spicy flavor.

Storing and Freezing for Future Enjoyment

This Green Chile Turkey Soup is an excellent candidate for meal prepping, as it stores and freezes beautifully. To ensure maximum freshness and flavor:

• Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen and meld even more overnight!
• Freezing: For longer storage, portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Lay freezer bags flat to save space. It can be safely stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply pour the desired amount into a small pot or saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through to your liking. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover and microwave in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring between each, until piping hot. If the soup appears too thick after reheating, you can add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions About Green Chile Turkey Soup

Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! This soup is highly adaptable. To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground turkey and use vegetable broth instead of bone broth. You’ll still have a wonderfully flavorful and hearty vegetable soup. For a vegan version, ensure your thickener (e.g., tapioca starch) and any other additions are plant-based.

Can I make this soup spicier?

Yes, if you love a good kick, there are a few ways to increase the heat. You can roast a couple of jalapeño or serrano peppers along with your green chiles and add them to the soup. Additionally, seek out hotter varieties of green chiles, such as ‘hot’ Hatch green chiles, which are renowned for their significant heat. Don’t forget, leaving the seeds and veins in the green chiles will also contribute to a spicier outcome.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup is perfect for making ahead! The flavors often deepen and meld even more beautifully after a day or two in the refrigerator. Follow the storage instructions mentioned above for best results.

What kind of ground turkey should I use?

For the best balance of flavor and leanness, I recommend using 93% lean ground turkey. This ratio provides enough fat to keep the meat moist and flavorful without being overly greasy. If you prefer a very lean option, 99% lean ground turkey can be used, but be sure to add a little extra oil when browning to prevent it from drying out.

Related Recipes You Might Also Enjoy

If you loved this Green Chile Turkey Soup, you might be interested in these other comforting and flavorful soup recipes:

The Complete Green Chile Turkey Soup Recipe

Ground Turkey Soup Recipe with Green Chiles

By Gemma Aguayo-Murphy

This Green Chile Turkey Soup is an exceptional comfort food, masterfully combining ground turkey, earthy mushrooms, tender potatoes, fresh spinach, and smoky roasted green chiles within a rich, deeply flavored broth. It’s a complete one-pot meal that delivers both heartiness and satisfaction, brimming with nutritious ingredients. This wholesome and delicious recipe is perfect for any weeknight and is also fully Whole30 compatible.

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 40 mins

Total Time: 50 mins

Course: Soup

Cuisine: Mexican

Servings: 8

Calories: 340 kcal

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Equipment

• Dutch oven or large pot
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Wooden Spoon

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 ½ lbs ground turkey
• ½ diced onion
• 1 diced garlic clove
• 1 tablespoon thickener (tapioca starch, arrowroot powder, cornstarch or all-purpose flour)
• 1 tablespoon cold water
• 1 diced Roma tomato
• 6 Anaheim, Hatch or Pueblo chiles (roasted, peeled and diced)
• 1 lb sliced mushrooms (white or baby bella)
• 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
• 1 large potato, peeled and diced
• 4 cups bone broth (or chicken/pork broth)
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (plus more to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon ground cumin

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey, season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Use the back of a mixing spoon to break up the turkey into smaller pieces, browning evenly.
2. After about 5 minutes, add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion is soft and fragrant and the turkey is no longer pink, ensuring it’s fully cooked through.
3. In a small separate bowl, whisk together the tapioca starch (or your chosen thickener) with 1 tablespoon of cold water to create a smooth slurry.
4. Stir this tapioca slurry into the turkey and vegetable mixture in the pot, mixing well to combine and slightly thicken.
5. Add the diced Roma tomato to the pot and sauté for 1 minute, allowing its flavors to gently release.
6. Stir in the diced, roasted green chiles (adjust the quantity based on your spice preference), sliced mushrooms, and fresh chopped spinach.
7. Pour in the bone broth and 2 cups of water (or enough water to adequately cover all the meat and vegetables in the pot).
8. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then add the peeled and diced potato.
9. Season the soup with 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon of ground cumin.
10. Continue to simmer the soup uncovered for about 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender but still hold their shape and don’t become mushy.
11. Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or additional chiles for extra spice if desired.
12. Serve hot. Enjoy by itself for a Whole30 compliant option, or serve with a side of Mexican red rice, white rice, or beans for a heartier meal.

Notes

• While regular chicken broth works, for an enhanced and richer flavor, I highly recommend using bone broth or even pork broth.
• The spice level is adjustable. Use more or fewer roasted chiles according to your preference. If you’re concerned about excessive heat, begin with a smaller amount of chiles and taste before adding more. Another tip is to remove the veins and seeds from the chiles, as they contain most of the heat.
• Learn how to expertly roast green chiles at home by clicking here for our detailed guide.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Serving: 1 serving

Calories: 340 kcal

Carbohydrates: 11g

Protein: 41.6g

Fat: 15.2g

Saturated Fat: 2.5g

Cholesterol: 93mg

Sodium: 551mg

Potassium: 747mg

Fiber: 1.3g

Sugar: 2.4g

Calcium: 44mg

Iron: 3mg

*Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients and preparation methods.

Did you try this recipe?

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Originally published January 29, 2022. Updated post November 2022 and January 2024.