Slow Cooker Ground Turkey Lentil Soup

This Crockpot Lentil Soup Recipe is made using ground turkey and is so hearty and flavorful! Takes minimal time to put together since you are tossing everything into the slow cooker! Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner idea!

Everyone needs a lentil soup recipe!  Here is my slow cooker ground turkey lentil soup.  I decided to add the ground turkey because I'm a big protein girl and like feeling full after a meal.  Even though lentils are one of the top beans for protein I am a stickler for ground turkey and felt it was the perfect touch. 

This is also cooked in the crockpot which is even better in my eyes.  Set it and forget it!  My time constraint is slim to none, especially having three little ones at home! So, this recipe is perfect for my family! If you are a big fan of ground turkey; like I am, then you NEED to try my Healthy Stuffed Pepper with Ground Turkey or my Ground Turkey Quesadillas!

Ingredients to make this soup

Here is a list of the ingredients you will need for this nutritious and delicious lentil soup!

• dry green or brown lentils - the good part about making this soup in a crockpot is you don't have to soak the lentils prior because they will be cooking for so long. You still can soak them if you would like, but if you're looking to cut corners like I always am you can skip this step
• onions - chopped
• carrots - diced
• garlic - minced
• bay leaves - bay leaves are typically used to season long cooking dishes. The key to cooking bay leaves is to have some liquid for them to go in so they infuse and start the flavoring.
• low-sodium chicken broth or veggie broth - buying one large 32 oz container will be just the right amount for this recipe
• baby spinach - use fresh over buying anything frozen because the excess water from thawing the spinach might make your soup not as flavorful from the extra water.
• can of diced tomatoes (15 oz) - I like to buy unsalted because you can always add more salt if need be instead of having your soup too salty and too much sodium is not a good idea.
• coconut milk - using coconut milk will help lend body, flavor, and richness to this soup.
• parsley - fresh and chopped
• ground turkey - I use about 1 pound for this recipe because if you use too much it will overpower the lentils.

How to make this soup

First, add to your slow cooker the lentils, onions, carrots, garlic, coriander, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, pepper, and ground turkey. 

Next, add your broth and stir to combine. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours. 

Then, discard bay leaves and add in spinach, tomatoes, coconut milk, parsley, vinegar, and salt and heat through. 

Last, serve spoonfuls into bowls and eat up!

Cookware to make this recipe

You will need the following to make this soup!  First of all, to make anything in a slow cooker you need a crockpot. Below are 2 that I recommend!

Cuisinart Programmable Slow Cooker - 3½ quart (Renewed) Silver

Cuisinart Programmable Slow Cooker - 3½ quart Copper

Substitutions for this soup

Green or Brown Lentils - you can also use red lentils if that is what you have on hand, but you need to be conscious that red lentils tend to disintegrate if they are cooked too long so you would need to keep an eye on them while they are cooking.

Coconut Milk - you can omit this milk if you aren't a fan of coconut. I have just found that my soup is creamier when I include milk. You can also try almond milk, as well!

Chicken or Veggie Broth - beef broth will also work, but I believe the chicken or veggie broth just compliments the lentils better.

Ground Turkey - you can also use real turkey if you are a fan. I recommend using the wing or thigh part of the turkey bird.

Why eat lentils

Lentils are great for you to add into your diet.  They are low in calorie, rich in iron and folate, and an excellent source of protein.  Lentils are also considered a legume.  According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans you should be eating at least 1 ½ cups each week. 

Lentils are also packed with B vitamins, magnesium, zinc, and potassium.  They are also high in fiber, which supports bowel movements and the growth of healthy gut bacteria.

Tips and FAQ's

Other Crockpot dishes to try

If you give this soup recipe a try don't forget to rate the recipe below! Always love hearing what you all think. You can also Stay in touch with me through social media on @Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my healthy recipes!