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Instant Pot Southwest Turkey Soup

Gluten Free • Dairy Free • High Protein

If you love warm, hearty soups with a little southwest kick, you’re going to love this Instant Pot Southwest Turkey Soup! It’s packed with lean protein, vibrant veggies, and just the right amount of spice to make every bite comforting and satisfying. Plus, thanks to the Instant Pot, this soup comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep!

Why Will You Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy – Thanks to the Instant Pot, you get a slow-simmered taste in a fraction of the time!
Healthy & Protein-Packed – Lean ground turkey, fiber-rich brown rice, and nutrient-dense veggies make this a well-balanced meal.
Bold Southwest Flavors – A perfect blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic, and other spices makes every spoonful irresistible.
Great for Meal Prep – This soup stores well and tastes even better the next day!
Diet-Friendly – It’s naturally gluten-free and can be customized for dairy-free and low-carb diets.

How to Prepare the Southwest Turkey Soup

I love this Instant Pot Southwest Turkey Soup because it’s the ultimate comfort food without being heavy. The mix of tender turkey, hearty brown rice, and bold spices gives it that classic southwest taste while still being wholesome and healthy. Plus, the Instant Pot makes it ridiculously easy—just sauté, dump, and let it do the work! It’s one of my favorite go-to recipes when I need a fast, nutritious meal that my whole family loves.

Ingredients

  • Lean Ground Turkey
  • Brown Rice
  • Water
  • Gluten Free Chicken Bouillon Cubes (I use Herb Ox)
  • Yellow Onion
  • Baby Carrots
  • Bell peppers (small)
  • Celery
  • Black Beans
  • Corn
  • Olive Oil
  • Cumin
  • Black Pepper
  • Salt
  • Garlic Powder
  • Paprika
  • Oregano
This image is of the soup ingredients used in the southwest turkey soup.

Directions

  1. Start by prepping your vegetables and setting aside.
  2. Turn the instant pot to saute setting. Brown ground turkey and add 1 tsp of salt and 1/2 tsp of pepper while cooking.
  3. Remove cooked ground turkey and set aside in a bowl. The bowl will be hot, so use a cooking glove. Replace pot to saute setting and clear out any turkey juices.
  4. Add olive oil, and diced vegetables to the instant pot bowl. Stir around and let them sautee for a few minutes or until onion is translucent.
  5. Then add water, bouillon cubes, rice and the rest of the seasonings. Stir.
  6. Close Instapot lid, make sure to turn the pressure cooker valve and set to 12 minutes.
  7. Let the soup naturally release in pressure for 10 minutes before serving.
  8. Enjoy!

Alternatives & Add-ons

  • For more spice, add paprika and cayenne pepper.
  • For an Italian style soup, use Italian sausage and replace oregano with Italian Seasoning blend.

Try Another Soup Recipe!

Did You Try this Recipe?

Leave a rating and comment below, and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @cookingwithquetzal—I’d love to hear your thoughts on this soup!

Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 12 mins
Rest Time 10 mins
Total Time 32 mins
Cooking Method:
Courses:
Difficulty: Beginner
Dietary: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, High Protein, Low-Carb
Description

This Instant Pot Southwest Turkey Soup is a bold, flavorful, and nourishing meal that comes together quickly and effortlessly! Made with lean ground turkey, colorful bell peppers, brown rice, and a perfectly balanced blend of southwest spices, this soup is packed with protein and wholesome ingredients. Whether you're meal-prepping or just need a cozy dinner, this gluten-free soup is a must-try!

Ingredients
  • 1 pound Lean Ground Turkey
  • 1 cup brown rice
  • 6 cups water
  • 5 gluten free chicken bouillon cubes
  • 1/2 onion, diced
  • 1 dozen baby carrots, diced
  • 6 small bell peppers, diced
  • 1 stalk celery (or about 6 medium length ribs)
  • 1 can black beans
  • 1 can corn
  • 1 T olive oil
    • Seasonings
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika (add for more spice)
  • 2 tsp oregano
Instructions
  1. 1
    Start by prepping your vegetables and setting aside.
  2. 2
    Turn the instant pot on to sauté setting.
  3. 3
    Brown ground turkey and add 1 tsp of salt and 1/2 tsp of pepper while cooking.
  4. 4

    Remove cooked ground turkey and set aside in a bowl. Replace pot to sauté setting and clear out any turkey juices.

    The bowl will be hot, so use a cooking glove.
  5. 5
    Add olive oil, and diced vegetables to the instant pot bowl. Stir around and let them sauté for a few minutes or until onion is translucent.
  6. 6
    Then add water, bouillon cubes, rice and the rest of the seasonings. Stir.
  7. 7

    Close Instant Pot lid, make sure the pressure cooker valve is closed and set the time to 12 minutes.

  8. 8

    When the Instant Pot timer goes off, let it naturally release for 10 minutes before opening the lid. 

  9. 9

    Allow soup to rest for a few minutes before serving. 

Read it online: https://cookingwithquetzal.com/recipe/southwest-turkey-soup/
Jenna Ramirez
Gluten Free Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Hello beautiful people! My name is Jenna Ramirez and welcome to my gluten free kitchen!

I have been gluten free for more than half of my life and have learned to love and appreciate every step of my gluten free journey. I am passionate about living a healthy, balanced lifestyle and I am excited to share that journey with you!