Dinner

Ground Turkey Bolognese

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Ground Turkey Bolognese is the kind of dish that wraps you in a warm hug on a chilly evening. Imagine rich, savory flavors dancing together—garlic, onion, and tomatoes swirling like they are at a party, with ground turkey strutting in as the star of the show. refreshing Mediterranean Chickpea Salad The aroma wafts through your kitchen, beckoning everyone to gather around the table. hearty Big Mac Salad crispy smashed potato salad This delightful meal not only satisfies your taste buds but also fills your home with a cozy vibe that says, “Stay for dinner; it’s going to be great.”

I remember the first time I attempted this Ground Turkey Bolognese recipe. It was one of those memorable nights when my friends dropped by unannounced, and I had nothing but frozen turkey and some sad-looking vegetables. With a little creativity and a lot of love, I whipped up this dish that turned out to be an instant hit! Now, it’s our go-to meal for gatherings or even just those nights when we need a little comfort food love. For more inspiration, check out this Easy Irish Soda Bread recipe.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This Ground Turkey Bolognese is quick to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights
  • With its robust flavor profile, it satisfies even the pickiest eaters
  • The vibrant colors of the dish make it visually appealing on any table setting
  • You can easily adapt ingredients based on what you have at home, ensuring versatility in every bite

When I first made this dish for my friends, their delighted faces were priceless—it was clear I’d struck gold in comfort food!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Ground Turkey: Choose lean ground turkey for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
  • Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness and depth; chop finely for best results.
  • Garlic: Use fresh cloves for maximum flavor; minced garlic brings warmth to the sauce.
  • Canned Tomatoes: Opt for whole peeled tomatoes; crush them by hand for a rustic texture.
  • Carrot: A finely grated carrot enhances sweetness while adding nutritional value.
  • Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for sautéing; it adds richness to the sauce.
  • Italian Herbs: A mix of oregano and basil elevates the flavors—fresh herbs are always best!
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance all flavors; adjust according to taste.
  • Pasta of Choice: Any pasta works well here; spaghetti or penne are classic choices.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Sautéing the Aromatics: Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Toss in minced garlic until fragrant—a heavenly scent will fill the air.

Browning the Turkey: Increase heat slightly and add ground turkey to the skillet. Cook until browned fully, breaking it apart with a spatula as you stir. Look for no pink spots—this ensures it’s cooked through.

Incorporating Veggies and Tomatoes: Stir in grated carrot along with canned tomatoes (crushed by hand). delicious veggie fried rice Allow these ingredients to meld together beautifully while simmering gently for about 15 minutes.

Seasoning Your Sauce: Sprinkle in Italian herbs along with salt and pepper. Taste-test your sauce—it should be bursting with flavor! Adjust seasonings if necessary according to your palate.

Cooking Your Pasta: While your sauce simmers away, boil water in a separate pot and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain it but save some pasta water—this liquid can help create a silky sauce later!

Bringing It All Together!: Combine drained pasta with the bolognese sauce directly in the skillet. If needed, add reserved pasta water gradually until you reach your desired consistency—creamy perfection awaits you!

And there you have it—a luscious bowl of Ground Turkey Bolognese ready to serve! Enjoy it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top if you want an extra touch of indulgence.

Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and having fun! So don’t be afraid to try new things or tweak this recipe as per your taste preferences. Happy cooking!

You Must Know

  • Ground Turkey Bolognese is not just a meal; it’s a flavor-packed journey
  • This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for busy nights
  • The aroma wafting from your kitchen will make everyone believe you’re a culinary wizard
  • A hearty sauce that’s great over pasta or as a filling in lasagna

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the ground turkey in a hot pan, then add onions and garlic for aromatic bliss. Simultaneously, cook your pasta to save time and keep everything fresh.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground turkey for lean beef or add extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini. Experiment with spices—basil and oregano can give it an Italian twist!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to keep it moist.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Perfectly season your turkey before cooking for enhanced flavor
  • Always taste and adjust seasoning as the sauce simmers
  • Serve with freshly grated Parmesan for that extra touch of indulgence!

There was that one dinner party where I served Ground Turkey Bolognese, and my friend declared it “life-changing.” I never knew meat sauce could evoke such passion until that moment.

FAQ

Can I freeze Ground Turkey Bolognese?

Yes, you can freeze it for up to three months; just thaw before reheating.

What can I serve with Ground Turkey Bolognese?

Pair it with spaghetti, zoodles, or use it as a lasagna filling—so versatile!

How do I enhance the flavor of my sauce?

Add red wine while simmering; it enriches the sauce beautifully!

Print

Ground Turkey Bolognese

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Ground Turkey Bolognese is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings warmth to any chilly evening. This easy-to-make recipe combines lean ground turkey with aromatic vegetables and robust herbs for a hearty sauce that’s perfect over pasta or as a lasagna filling. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a cozy night in, this meal is sure to impress with its rich taste and inviting aroma.

  • Author: Gordon Calloway
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb lean ground turkey
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand
  • 1 medium carrot, grated
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 8 oz pasta of choice

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until translucent (about 5 minutes). Stir in garlic until fragrant.
  2. Increase heat slightly and add ground turkey. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
  3. Mix in grated carrot and crushed tomatoes. Simmer gently for about 15 minutes.
  4. Season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper; adjust to taste.
  5. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving some pasta water.
  6. Combine drained pasta with the bolognese sauce in the skillet, adding reserved pasta water for desired consistency.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

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