One-Pot Curry Meatball Soup with Ground Turkey and Kale

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A hearty, one-pot Curry Meatball Soup with Ground Turkey featuring tender meatballs, spiced tomato broth, kale, and pasta for a cozy, flavor-packed meal.

Delicious curry turkey meatball soup with vibrant colors and hearty ingredients, perfect for comfort food.

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Easy Curry Meatball Soup Recipe

Let me tell you, this Curry Meatball Soup with Ground Turkey is like a warm hug on a chilly day. It’s hearty, flavorful, and comes together in just one pot—yes, one pot, which means fewer dishes to wash (I’m already sold).

For those of you just starting learning to cook, don’t worry. This recipe is easy to follow, and you’ll be dishing out a bowl of deliciousness in no time.

No Stress

I was inspired to make this Spiced Turkey Meatball Soup because I wanted something cozy yet a bit different from the usual chicken noodle routine. Picture tender, juicy ground turkey meatballs simmered in a fragrant, spiced tomato broth, with vibrant kale and a little pasta thrown in for good measure.

The best part? It’s a One-Pot Ground Turkey Curry, which means you get all those bold, comforting flavors without turning your kitchen into a war zone.

Think of this meatball soup as the ultimate all-in-one meal: protein, veggies, and carbs swimming happily in a bowl of goodness. Plus, it’s packed with flavor without being too heavy, making it perfect for any time of the year. So, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!

Making Flavorful Turkey Meatballs

Let’s face it: ground turkey can sometimes be a little… bland. But not in this Curry Meatball Soup with Ground Turkey! We’re packing in flavor by mixing the turkey with a vibrant aromatic paste, a generous scoop of adobo, and adobo seasoning.

The paste—loaded with fresh herbs, garlic, and a touch of heat—infuses the meatballs with layers of flavor, making each bite a burst of savory goodness. The adobo and adobo seasoning add that perfect blend of salty, earthy, and spicy, bringing the meatballs to life.

Trust me, once you try this combination, you'll never look at plain turkey meatballs the same way again.

The Purpose of an Aromatic Paste

An aromatic paste is the backbone of any great dish, and this soup is no exception. Think of it as a flavor bomb—onion, garlic, herbs, and peppers all blended together to create a smooth, fragrant base that elevates the dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

This particular paste was inspired by epis, a traditional Haitian seasoning blend that’s essential in many Caribbean kitchens. Classic epis typically include green herbs, garlic, bell peppers, onions, and even Scotch bonnet peppers for a bit of heat. It’s a staple that brings depth and aroma to everything from stews to marinades.

Looking for authentic Haitian recipes? Check out Sendy's Cookin and Savory Thoughts.

My version is a nod to this Caribbean favorite, infusing the soup with bold, fresh flavors from the very start.

The Story of Adobo

Ah, adobo—the magical seasoning that instantly transforms any dish into something special. In the Caribbean community, adobo is essential for bringing out the best in meats, vegetables, and even soups. The term "adobo" originated from the Spanish word "adobar," which means "to marinate."

Historically, it referred to the process of preserving meats with a mixture of vinegar, salt, garlic, and spices. As Spanish colonization spread, so did the use of adobo, and it evolved into a versatile seasoning blend found throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.

Today, Caribbean adobo seasoning often includes garlic powder, oregano, black pepper, and turmeric, adding a punch of flavor to anything it touches. And in this Spiced Turkey Meatball Soup, it does just that.

Blooming Spices for a Richer Broth

One of the key steps in making this Curry Tomato Soup with Meatballs is blooming the spices with tomato sauce. Blooming is a technique that releases the essential oils in spices, making their flavors more robust and aromatic. In Indian cuisine, this is done by frying whole or ground spices in hot oil, often before adding other ingredients.

It’s a method that unlocks the full potential of the spices, giving the broth a deeper, richer flavor. By sautéing our spice blend with crushed tomatoes, we’re not just adding flavor—we’re enhancing it. This little step transforms the soup base, making it rich, fragrant, and utterly delicious.

Bringing Global Influences Together in a One-Pot Meal

What makes this One-Pot Ground Turkey Curry truly special is how it brings together flavors and techniques from different corners of the world. From the Caribbean-inspired aromatic paste to the traditional use of adobo, and the Indian technique of blooming spices, this soup is a celebration of rich culinary histories.

It’s a dish that highlights how food can bridge cultures, creating something new and delicious that everyone can enjoy. All these influences simmering together in one pot make for a soul-warming bowl of comfort that’s as complex as it is tasty. So, grab a spoon and dive into this global fusion of flavors!

More Delicious Recipes

Heart curry turkey meatball soup in a vivid blue lodge cast iron enameled dutch oven.

Ingredients with Steps

Start by making an aromatic paste by blending onion, bell pepper, garlic, parsley, scotch bonnet pepper, adobo seasoning, and thyme until smooth. Mix a portion of this paste with lean ground turkey, breadcrumbs, seasoning, and egg to prepare the meatballs.

Heat oil in a Dutch oven, scoop, and sear the meatballs until browned, then set them aside. In the same pot, sauté the remaining paste, add spices and crushed fire-roasted tomatoes, cooking briefly to release flavors. Pour in low-sodium chicken broth, return the meatballs, and simmer.

Finally, add kale and pasta, cooking until the pasta is tender. Adjust seasoning and serve hot.

Curry turkey meatball soup in a stainless-steel tray with vibrant sauce and spices. — Adobo Seasoned Ground Turkey Meatballs.

Culinary Glossary

This section provides concise definitions of key ingredients and techniques to enhance understanding and improve cooking skills related to this recipe. Check out the live Culinary Glossary here.

Ingredients

Epis - A traditional Haitian seasoning base made from a blend of green herbs, garlic, onions, bell peppers, and sometimes hot peppers. It serves as the flavor foundation for many Caribbean dishes.
Dry Adobo Seasoning - A seasoning mix originating from Spain and popular throughout the Caribbean and Latin America. Traditionally, adobo refers to a marinade, but modern versions are dry blends of garlic, pepper, turmeric, oregano, and other spices, used to add a burst of savory flavor to meats, soups, and stews.
Jamaican Curry Powder - A blend of spices commonly used in Caribbean and Indian cooking. While not traditionally Caribbean, curry powder was adopted through the region's history of trade and colonization, adding warm, spiced notes to dishes like this soup.
Ground Turkey - A lean protein source made from finely chopped turkey meat. It is a healthy, lower-fat alternative to ground beef, and its mild flavor allows it to easily absorb the seasonings in this recipe.
Scotch Bonnet Pepper - A small, extremely hot chili pepper that is a staple in Caribbean cooking. It adds heat and a fruity, tangy flavor to dishes. When used in the aromatic paste, it brings a bold kick to the soup.
Macaroni (or Ditalini) - Small pasta shapes that add texture and substance to the soup. They absorb the broth's flavors and make each spoonful more filling.

Technique

Aromatic Paste - A blend of herbs, spices, and vegetables ground into a smooth mixture, used to add depth of flavor to dishes. This recipe uses a paste inspired by the Haitian seasoning blend, epis.
Blooming Spices - A cooking technique that involves heating spices in oil to release their essential oils, enhancing their flavor and aroma. This method, often used in Indian cuisine, deepens the overall taste of a dish.
Fond - The caramelized bits are left at the bottom of the pan after searing meat. Fond is packed with flavor and can be deglazed (lifted off the pan with liquid) to add depth to sauces, broths, and soups.
Sear - A cooking method that involves cooking the surface of food (usually meat) at high heat until a browned crust forms. Searing meatballs before adding them to the soup helps lock in their juices and intensifies their flavor.
Simmer - Cooking food gently in liquid at a temperature just below boiling. Simmering allows flavors to meld and develop without overcooking the ingredients.

Equipment

Dutch Oven - A thick-walled, usually cast-iron pot with a tight-fitting lid. Ideal for slow-cooking, braising, and making soups, as it retains and distributes heat evenly.

See the turkey meatball vegetable soup recipe card for quantities below.

Colorful ingredients for curry turkey meatball soup arranged on a marble surface.

shredded kale in a glass rectangle container.

ground turkey in a rectangle glass container.

low-sodium chicken broth in a pyrex glass measuring cup

Instructions with Pictures

Follow the instructions and cooking tips below using the step-by-step picture guide.

The Aromatic Paste

Chopped vegetables and spices in a food processor for healthy curry turkey meatball soup.

Blend the onion, bell pepper, garlic, parsley, scotch bonnet pepper, adobo seasoning, and thyme in a food processor until smooth.

Vibrant fresh vegetable mixture in a food processor for curry turkey meatball soup.

If everything doesn't fit into the food processor, ensure that the onion and parsley are blended first.

The Meatballs

Fresh ingredients for Curry Turkey Meatballs in a mixing bowl, ready to combine.

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, a portion of the aromatic paste, breadcrumbs, egg, and seasoning for the meat mixture.

Chunky turkey meat mixture in a glass bowl, ready for curry meatball soup preparation.

Combine the ingredients with your hand (with or without gloves).

Hands preparing flavorful turkey meatballs for homemade curry soup.

Use a small portion scoop or tablespoon to create even mini turkey meatballs.

Preparing flavorful turkey meatballs for a delicious curry meatball soup in a cozy kitchen.

Heat oil in a Dutch oven before adding the meatballs to prevent sticking.

Homemade curry turkey meatballs sizzling in a vibrant blue pot, ready for soup.

The meatballs will be ready to be turned when the edges are brown and crispy.

Sizzling curry turkey meatballs in a vibrant blue Dutch oven on the stovetop.

Brown the meatballs in batches until golden brown on all sides.

Crispy curry turkey meatballs being transferred from the pan, showcasing delicious cooking techniques.

Then, transfer the meatballs into a warming dish.

The Soup Base

Vibrant green seasoning paste in a blue-handled cast-iron pot.

In the same pot, sauté the remaining aromatic paste until fragrant to remove the raw taste.

topped with crushed fire roasted tomatoes and jamaican curry powder

Stir in curry powder and crushed tomatoes, cooking for a few minutes to bloom the flavors.

Hearty aromatic paste in a blue cast iron pot.

Combine the paste well and fry.

Hearty aromatic paste for the base of the stew in a rustic pot, cooking for a comforting meal.

Allowing the spices, paste, and tomato to fry will deepen the flavor through caramelization.

The Soup

Cooking curry turkey meatball soup, pouring broth into a pot for enhanced flavor.

Measure the chicken broth, add it, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Golden broth simmers in a modern kitchen, as crispy turkey meatballs are added.

Add the seared meatballs back, along with pasta and kale, into the broth, letting them cook through.

Hearty curry turkey meatball soup with golden noodle and vibrant kale in a blue pot.

Check the soup for flavor and add more salt or pepper if needed.

Substitutions

Dairy-Free

Yay! This soup is already Dairy-Free!

Gluten-Free

Panko Breadcrumbs - Replace with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Pasta - Use gluten-free pasta varieties like rice-based or corn-based pasta instead of regular macaroni or ditalini.
Adobo Seasoning - Ensure that the adobo seasoning used is gluten-free, or make your own blend to avoid hidden gluten sources.

Vegetarian

Lean Ground Turkey - Swap the meatballs with plant-based meat alternatives or create veggie balls using a mix of lentils, mushrooms, breadcrumbs, and the aromatic paste.
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth - Replace with vegetable broth to keep the dish flavorful and meat-free.

Convenience

Ground Turkey - Substitute with ground chicken, ground beef, or plant-based meat crumbles.
Fresh Parsley - Use dried parsley or Italian seasoning if fresh herbs aren’t available.
Scotch Bonnet Pepper - Replace with scotch bonnet pepper sauce or a jalapeño or crushed red pepper flakes for a milder heat.
Jamaican Curry Powder - Use any curry powder blend you have on hand, or mix turmeric, cumin, coriander, and paprika as a homemade substitute.
Panko Breadcrumbs - Swap for regular breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or oats if needed.
Kale - Substitute with fresh spinach, Swiss chard, or any other leafy greens you have in your refrigerator.
Macaroni - Use any small pasta shape, rice, or even quinoa for a different texture.
Adobo Seasoning - Replace with a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper if adobo isn’t available.

Change Heat Level - Modify these hearty turkey meatballs with veggies recipe's heat level to your liking, and learn more about the Scoville Scale and Chili Pairings.

Hearty curry turkey meatball soup with vibrant vegetables and greens in a comforting broth.

Variations

Adding Beans and Vegetables - Mix in a can of drained beans (like chickpeas or black or white beans) and extra veggies such as diced carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers for added texture and nutrition.
Using Other Ground Meat - Swap the ground turkey with ground beef or chicken for a different flavor profile while keeping the same juicy, tender meatballs.
Using Rice Instead of Noodles - Substitute the pasta with cooked rice or even wild rice for a heartier, gluten-free option that soaks up the flavorful broth.
Topping with Cheese - Finish the soup with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, mozzarella, or even a crumbling of feta for a creamy, savory twist.
Other Herbs for Depth of Flavor - Enhance the aromatic base by adding bay leaves during simmering or stirring in fresh cilantro just before serving for a bright, herbaceous finish.

Suggested Sides

This Curry Meatball Soup with Ground Turkey is a meal in itself, but a few sides can make it even more satisfying. Pair it with a crisp side salad, dressed simply with lemon juice and olive oil, to balance the soup’s warm, spiced flavors.

Or, serve it with slices of crusty bread to soak up the rich broth. For a lighter option, garlic breadsticks make an excellent accompaniment, perfect for dipping and enjoying every last drop.

Equipment

Food Processor - This handy gadget is used to blend the onion, bell pepper, garlic, herbs, and spices into a smooth, aromatic paste that forms the flavor base for both the meatballs and the soup.
Mixing Bowl - The mixing bowl holds the ground turkey, aromatic paste, breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings, allowing you to combine everything to form flavorful meatball mixtures.
Dutch Oven - This heavy-duty pot is perfect for searing the meatballs, sautéing the aromatic paste, and simmering the soup. It retains and evenly distributes heat, ensuring that all the flavors meld beautifully.
1-Inch Portion Scoop or Tablespoon - Used to scoop the ground turkey mixture into evenly sized meatballs, ensuring they cook uniformly when added to the soup.
Holding Container for Meatballs - After searing the meatballs, they are placed in a separate container to rest while you continue building the soup base, keeping them ready for when it’s time to simmer them in the broth.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula or Slotted Spoon - Essential for stirring the aromatic paste, spices, and soup ingredients without scratching your pot, this tool helps distribute flavors evenly throughout the dish.
Liquid Measuring Cup - Accurate measurements are key to a well-balanced soup, so a liquid measuring cup is used to measure out the chicken broth and other liquids.
Ladle - Once the soup is ready, the ladle helps serve perfect portions into bowls, ensuring each serving gets a generous mix of meatballs, veggies, and broth.

Kitchen Must Haves - Find other tools I use here.

Delicious curry turkey meatball soup served in a bowl and cooking pot, perfect for sharing.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator - Store any leftover Curry Meatball Soup with Ground Turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer - For longer storage, let the soup cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating - To reheat, warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until it’s heated through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway,

Airtight Food Containers - I interchange glass food storage containers with plastic clipping lids or wooden push-ins. I always suggest glass storage containers because they can be microwaved, they hold food without staining, and the glass keeps the food at a more stable temperature, keeping it fresher and longer.

Try the OXO Good Grips Smart Seal Glass Rectangle Food Storage Containers or the Pyrex Freshlock Glass Food Storage Containers.

Cooking Tips

Hot Oil -When searing the mini turkey meatballs, make sure the oil is hot to get a nice golden brown crust without overcooking the inside.
Uniform Meatballs - Use a small portion scoop or tablespoon to create uniform tiny meatballs, ensuring they cook evenly and quickly.
Al Dente Pasta - Add the pasta towards the end of cooking to keep it al dente, preventing it from becoming too soft and mushy.
Deepen Flavor - For a richer flavor, let the soup simmer a bit longer to allow all the spices and seasonings to meld together—it’s what makes this a comforting, one-pot meal.
Spicy - If you prefer a spicier kick, keep the seeds in the scotch bonnet pepper when blending the aromatic paste, but use caution if you’re new to handling hot peppers.

Your Cooking Tips Resource Guide - Become a better home cook with tips to help you cook more efficiently on the Cook's Notebook tab.

Hearty curry turkey meatball soup with pasta, greens, and vibrant broth, perfect for chilly days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this a quick weeknight meal?

Yes, this Curry Meatball Soup with Ground Turkey can be prepared in under an hour, making it a perfect, quick weeknight meal.

How do I know when the mini meatballs are done searing?

The mini meatballs should have a golden brown exterior, which indicates they’re properly seared and ready to be added to the soup.

What can I do if I want a healthier version of this soup?

You can swap the pasta for whole grain or gluten-free varieties and load up on extra vegetables to make it one of your go-to healthy soups.

How can I keep the pasta from getting too soft when reheating leftovers?

Cook the pasta until just al dente during the initial preparation; this way, it will still have the perfect bite when reheated.

What sides go well with this comfort food?

Serve this comfort food with a side of crusty bread or a light salad for a complete, satisfying meal.

Hearty curry turkey meatball soup in a vibrant blue pot, perfect for cozy meals.

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Hearty curry turkey meatball soup with dumplings, vegetables, and pasta in a rich broth.

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