Turkey Bolognese Recipe: Quick, Easy, and Healthy Dinner
Whip up dinner in 20 minutes or less with this incredibly fast, fresh, and family-friendly recipe for Turkey Bolognese. This lighter take on the classic bolognese sauce requires just seven simple ingredients, making it the perfect solution for those busy weeknights when time is of the essence.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Key Ingredients for Turkey Bolognese
- How to Make Turkey Bolognese Sauce: Step-by-Step
- Kelly’s Recipe Tips for Perfect Bolognese
- Storage and Freezer Tips for Leftover Bolognese
- Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey Bolognese
- More Italian Recipes to Try
- Quick Spaghetti Bolognese with Turkey Recipe
Is there anything more comforting and universally loved than a steaming plate of spaghetti bolognese? It’s a dish that evokes memories of home-cooked meals and cozy evenings.
While some might argue that the ever-popular mac and cheese is a close contender, when it comes to a hearty, satisfying, and budget-friendly meal that doesn’t take hours to prepare, this Quick Spaghetti Bolognese with Turkey recipe is a clear winner! It’s a brilliant way to introduce healthy habits without skipping a satisfying meal.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. It perfectly balances convenience with the option to create a truly homemade experience. Whether you opt for store-bought shortcuts or prefer to make everything from scratch, this turkey bolognese adapts to your preferences and available time.
That flexibility extends to the marinara sauce. Feel free to use your favorite jarred variety for a super-quick meal or, for an extra touch of flavor, prepare a quick and easy homemade marinara sauce. The choice is yours!
Next, consider your preferred protein. Ground turkey makes for a lighter, healthier bolognese, perfect for those seeking a leaner option. However, if you crave the rich, decadent flavor of a traditional meat sauce, consider using ground beef, pork, or a combination of the two. For a truly authentic experience, explore a classic bolognese sauce recipe.
Finally, select your favorite pasta shape. Spaghetti and linguine are classic choices, but rigatoni, with its ridges that grab onto the sauce, is a personal favorite. For a fun twist, try cavatappi or even zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a low-carb alternative. No matter your choice, make sure it is pasta that you and your family enjoy!
One of the best things about this quick-fix turkey bolognese is how well it freezes. Make a double or triple batch and store it in the freezer for future meals. For easy defrosting, divide the sauce into individual portions in sealable plastic bags. Thaw, warm, and serve as needed for a convenient and delicious weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal ingredients. You only need seven simple ingredients to create this flavorful dish.
- Ready in 20 minutes. From start to finish, this recipe is a lifesaver on busy evenings.
- Healthy, yet filling. Ground turkey is a lean protein source that keeps you satisfied.
- Kid-approved. Even picky eaters will love this comforting and familiar meal.
Key Ingredients for Turkey Bolognese
- Garlic: Minced garlic is essential for adding a bold and aromatic flavor. About 3 to 4 medium cloves should yield 1 ½ tablespoons. You can also use those convenient frozen minced garlic cubes.
- Ground turkey: Ground turkey is a lean and versatile protein option. Substitute with ground chicken, beef, pork, or a mixture of beef and pork, depending on your preference.
- Tomato sauce: Use your go-to store-bought spaghetti sauce for convenience, or elevate the flavor with homemade marinara sauce, which takes only 10 minutes to prepare.
- Oregano: This herb adds a distinctive Italian flavor that complements the tomato sauce and meat perfectly. Fresh oregano can also be used; use two teaspoons of minced fresh oregano for every one teaspoon of dried oregano.
- Sugar: A touch of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a harmonious flavor profile. Brown sugar can also be used for a more complex flavor.
- Spaghetti: Long strands of spaghetti are perfect for twirling and soaking up the delicious bolognese sauce. Experiment with other pasta shapes, such as bucatini, linguine, pappardelle, or tagliatelle.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish. This is optional for those who are dairy-free or prefer not to use cheese.
See the recipe card for complete details on ingredients and quantities.
How to Make Turkey Bolognese Sauce: Step-by-Step
- Sauté the garlic. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 2 minutes, until it turns golden brown and fragrant, but be careful not to burn it.
- Add the turkey. Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon or spatula and cook until it’s no longer pink and cooked through. Make sure to evenly distribute the meat.
- Add the sauce ingredients. Once the turkey is fully cooked, add the tomato sauce, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Cook the pasta. While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti in a pot of boiling, salted water according to package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain the pasta well.
- Serve. Serve the cooked spaghetti topped with the turkey bolognese sauce and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve it with garlic bread and salad for a satisfying meal.
Pro Tip: Al dente is Italian for “to the tooth.” Cook your pasta until it’s firm to the bite, about one or two minutes less than the package directions recommend.
Kelly’s Recipe Tips for Perfect Bolognese
- Experiment with Pasta Shapes: While spaghetti is a classic and affordable choice, feel free to use pappardelle for wider noodles or bucatini for noodles shaped like straws. Use whatever pasta shape you like!
- Slow Cooker Option: If you have other tasks to do, combine the sauce ingredients after cooking the garlic and turkey, and cook in a slow cooker on HIGH for approximately two hours.
- Make Ahead for Flavor: The flavor of the sauce will improve over time; storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator overnight and reheating it before meal times allows the spices to fully marinate.
Storage and Freezer Tips for Leftover Bolognese
Any leftover turkey bolognese sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, cooled turkey bolognese can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw the sauce in the refrigerator overnight or defrost it in the microwave or a pot on the stovetop before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey Bolognese
Fattier meats, such as beef and pork, create a richer bolognese and are frequently used. However, other meats, including lamb and turkey, also work well in bolognese recipes.
When properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, turkey bolognese can last up to 5 days. For longer storage, it can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Many bolognese recipes begin with a soffrito, which includes finely chopped onions, celery, and carrots. To simplify the recipe and reduce prep time, the turkey bolognese and Easy Bolognese Sauce recipes do not require carrots or celery.
More Italian Recipes to Try
- Quick Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce
- One Pot Pasta with Italian Sausage
- Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs with Garlic Bread Dippers
- Stuffed Shells with Meat, Cheese and Spinach
- Quick and Easy Vodka Pasta Sauce
Craving more delicious recipes? Subscribe to Just a Taste to receive new recipes, meal plans, and our newsletter directly in your inbox! Keep in touch on Facebook, TikTok, Pinterest, and Instagram for the latest updates.
Quick Spaghetti Bolognese with Turkey
Kelly Senyei
3 votes
