Let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: turkey bolognese spaghetti! This dish is everything you want in a hearty meal—rich, savory, and packed with flavor. I remember the first time I made it; I was trying to impress a friend who claimed they didn’t like turkey. But once they took that first bite, their eyes lit up, and I knew I had won them over! The ground turkey is so tender and delicious when simmered with those aromatic veggies and crushed tomatoes. Plus, it’s a healthier twist on the classic bolognese, making it perfect for weeknight dinners without sacrificing taste. Trust me, once you try this turkey bolognese spaghetti, you’ll find yourself craving it again and again!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Spaghetti, cooked according to package instructions
How to Prepare Instructions
- First, grab a large skillet and heat up the olive oil over medium heat. You want it nice and hot but not smoking—just enough to get those flavors going!
- Next, toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re soft and fragrant. This is where the aroma starts to fill your kitchen—yum!
- Now, it’s time to add the ground turkey. Break it up with your spatula and cook until it’s browned all over, which should take around 7-10 minutes. Make sure to stir often so it cooks evenly.
- Once the turkey is beautifully browned, stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Give everything a good mix!
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. You’ll want to let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This is crucial, as it allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully. You can cover it partially if you like your sauce a bit thicker.
- While that’s simmering away, cook your spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside when it’s done.
- Finally, serve the hearty turkey bolognese over the cooked spaghetti, and don’t forget to top it with some grated Parmesan cheese if you’re feeling fancy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and satisfying, perfect for hungry bellies!
- Healthier alternative to traditional bolognese with lean ground turkey.
- Quick to prepare—ready in just about 40 minutes!
- Loaded with fresh veggies for added nutrition and flavor.
- Simple ingredients that pack a punch of Italian goodness.
- Perfect for meal prep—great for leftovers during the week!
Tips for Success
To ensure your turkey bolognese spaghetti turns out absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t rush the sautéing of your vegetables; taking the time to soften them really enhances the flavor of the sauce. Also, feel free to experiment with fresh herbs if you have them on hand! Fresh basil or parsley can elevate the dish even more. If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick!
When serving, I highly recommend a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top—trust me, it makes a big difference! And if you want to make it even heartier, toss in some spinach or kale right at the end of the simmering process for extra nutrients. Finally, don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your taste. A little extra salt or pepper can go a long way in bringing out the flavors!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up your turkey bolognese spaghetti! Try adding some chopped bell peppers or zucchini for a colorful twist—both add great flavor and texture. You could also replace the dried herbs with fresh ones; basil and oregano really pop! For a different pasta experience, swap out the spaghetti for whole wheat, penne, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. And if you want to amp up the flavor, a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar can take your sauce to the next level. Get creative and make it your own!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the typical nutritional breakdown for a serving of my delicious turkey bolognese spaghetti. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes you use:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 25g
This turkey bolognese spaghetti is not only hearty and satisfying but also packed with protein and fiber, making it a balanced meal option for the whole family. Enjoy every bite without the guilt!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Storing your turkey bolognese spaghetti is super easy. Just let it cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to save it for longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months—just make sure to label it with the date so you know when it was made!
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw overnight in the fridge if it’s frozen. Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure it warms through evenly. You can add a splash of water or broth if it seems a bit thick. Microwave reheating works too—just cover the bowl to avoid splatters and heat in short intervals, stirring in between. Enjoy your delicious meal again without missing a beat!
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?
Absolutely! While I love the lean aspect of ground turkey, using ground beef will give you a richer flavor. Just make sure to drain some of the excess fat after browning it to keep the dish from becoming too greasy.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
No problem! Simply swap out the spaghetti for gluten-free pasta. There are plenty of delicious options available these days, including rice noodles or chickpea pasta which will still taste amazing with the turkey bolognese!
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The turkey bolognese sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. In fact, letting it sit overnight often enhances the flavors, making it even more delicious when you serve it!
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! My kids absolutely love this dish. The flavors are mild yet satisfying, and the added veggies blend in nicely, making it a sneaky way to boost their nutrition without them even noticing!
Can I freeze leftovers?
Certainly! This turkey bolognese spaghetti freezes wonderfully. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container and it’ll be good for up to 3 months. Perfect for those nights when you need a quick dinner option!
Turkey Bolognese Spaghetti: 7 Reasons You’ll Crave It
- Temps Total: 40 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Faible En Gras
Description
A hearty turkey bolognese served over spaghetti.
Ingrédients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Spaghetti, cooked according to package instructions
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook until softened.
- Add ground turkey. Cook until browned.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Serve over cooked spaghetti.
Notes
- Use whole wheat spaghetti for a healthier option.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Course
- Méthode: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sucre: 6g
- De Sodium: 500mg
- La graisse: 10g
- Graisses Saturées: 2g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 45g
- La fibre: 4g
- La protéine: 25g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 70mg
Mots-clés: turkey bolognese spaghetti
