Turkey Bolognese

Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this hearty and healthy Turkey Bolognese, a lighter twist on the classic Italian favorite. Packed with robust flavors, this recipe combines lean ground turkey with a medley of aromatic vegetables—onion, carrot, celery, and garlic—for a rich and satisfying base. Simmered in crushed tomatoes and seasoned with oregano, basil, and a hint of red pepper flakes, the sauce develops a deep, savory taste while a splash of whole milk adds creaminess. Perfectly suited for serving over your favorite pasta, this dish is as comforting as it is nutritious. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to elevate the presentation and flavor. Quick to prepare yet rich in slow-simmered goodness, this Turkey Bolognese is an ideal choice for family dinners or meal prepping.

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 cup whole milk
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• 0.25 cup parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Cook until vegetables are soft, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground turkey to the pan. Break the meat apart with a wooden spoon and cook until no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the tomato paste, ensuring that it is evenly distributed and cooked out for 1-2 minutes.

Step 6

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently, uncovered, for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 8

After 30 minutes, slowly stir in the whole milk and allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 10 minutes. This will enhance the richness of the sauce.

Step 9

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 10

Serve the turkey Bolognese sauce over your favorite pasta, garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1831.6 grams (1831.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1545

Total Fat 84.10g	108%
Saturated Fat 27.60g	138%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.80g
Cholesterol 384mg	128%
Sodium 3849mg	167%
Total Carbohydrate 77.60g	28%
Dietary Fiber 19.40g	69%
Total Sugars 42.60g
Protein 125.30g	251%

Vitamin D 54IU	269%
Calcium 1157mg	89%
Iron 16mg	88%
Potassium 3417mg	73%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 48.3%

Protein: 32.0%

Carbs: 19.8%