If you’re searching for a deeply comforting, healthy pasta sauce that still brings big flavor to the table, this Turkey Bolognese Recipe will absolutely win you over. It’s everything I love in a cozy meal: a hearty texture from ground turkey, vibrant aromatics, a rich tomato base, and a gentle simmer that turns humble ingredients into dinnertime magic. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, this Italian-inspired favorite proves that wholesome and satisfying can totally go hand in hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The Turkey Bolognese Recipe doesn’t ask for anything wild or hard to find, but each element matters for that beautifully balanced, homey sauce. Every vegetable and seasoning layers in its own bit of flavor, color, and heartiness.
- Olive oil: Adds rich depth and helps the vegetables soften and become sweeter as they cook.
- Ground turkey: Lean, mild, and perfect for soaking up all the Italian flavors without feeling heavy.
- Onion: The classic start to any bolognese, for sweetness and savory undertones.
- Carrots: Bring gentle sweetness and lovely color to the sauce.
- Celery: Balances out the sweetness with a slightly herbal crunch when sautéed.
- Garlic: Brings that irresistible aroma and savory punch.
- Tomato paste: Adds concentrated tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- Crushed tomatoes: Create the bulk of the sauce with juicy, tangy goodness.
- Milk (dairy or non-dairy): Creamy and lovely, it rounds out the acidity of the tomatoes and gives a silky finish.
- Dried oregano: Offers that warm, classic Italian backbone.
- Dried basil: Delivers a delicate floral note and pairs flawlessly with tomato.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle kick—add more if you love a little heat!
- Salt: A must for bringing all the flavors into harmony.
- Black pepper: Adds gentle warmth and a peppery finish.
- Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish): Brightens up each bowl with freshness and color.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): For all my fellow cheese lovers—a sprinkle on top is hard to resist.
How to Make Turkey Bolognese Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Begin this Turkey Bolognese Recipe by warming your olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery, then give everything a good stir. Let these cook gently for a cozy 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies soften up and become fragrant. The sweetness from the onion and carrots really develops during this part—don’t rush it!
Step 2: Add the Garlic
Next, sprinkle in your minced garlic, letting it sizzle for just a minute. You want it fragrant but not browned. That brief bloom in the warm oil brings out its mellow, savory character and infuses the entire base of your sauce.
Step 3: Brown the Turkey
Add the ground turkey right to your pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. You’re looking for the meat to lose its pinkness and brown up in many spots, which should take around 6 to 8 minutes. This is where your sauce gets its hearty, meaty foundation.
Step 4: Stir in Tomato Paste
Dollop in your tomato paste and give it 2 minutes to cook with the turkey and vegetables. This deepens its flavor, letting that tomato richness get a little caramelized and concentrated before you add in the rest of your liquids.
Step 5: Build the Sauce
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and milk, then sprinkle over the dried oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Don’t forget a good pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper to tie it all together. Stir, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan, so the sauce is well-blended and lush.
Step 6: Simmer to Perfection
Turn the heat down low and let the sauce gently bubble, uncovered, for 20 to 25 minutes. This is your chance to let all the flavors develop—your kitchen will smell incredible! Stir occasionally and take a peek; if the sauce thickens too much, just add a splash of water. Taste and adjust the seasoning at the end to make it just right for you.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Spoon your gorgeous Turkey Bolognese Recipe over hot cooked pasta (or zucchini noodles if you’re going lighter). Shower each bowl with chopped parsley or basil, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan if that’s your thing. Dig in and savor the cozy vibes!
How to Serve Turkey Bolognese Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your bolognese with a handful of fresh parsley or basil for brightness and a pop of color. If cheese makes you swoon, a dusting of grated Parmesan is nearly non-negotiable—it adds an irresistible salty richness to every bite.
Side Dishes
I love pairing this saucy Turkey Bolognese Recipe with a simple mixed greens salad or garlicky roasted broccoli for balance. Crunchy garlic bread or a crusty baguette on the side is perfect for sopping up every last bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try swapping regular pasta for spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles for a lighter take. You can even spoon the sauce over polenta or stuff it into baked sweet potatoes for a totally new twist. This bolognese is as versatile as it is comforting!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your Turkey Bolognese Recipe cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It’ll stay happy in the fridge for up to 4 days, making for glorious next-day lunches and quick weeknight dinners.
Freezing
This recipe is a meal prep dream! Ladle the cooled sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers, pressing out excess air. Label and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also zap individual servings in the microwave, stirring halfway through until evenly heated.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well in this recipe. It’s a great way to keep the texture light while still letting those classic flavors shine. Just watch the cooking time, as chicken can dry out more quickly.
What pasta shape works best with this Turkey Bolognese Recipe?
While spaghetti is always a favorite, I love it with rigatoni or penne—the tubes catch extra sauce. For a classic vibe, wide pappardelle noodles are dreamy and elegant, but really, any pasta you love will work!
Is this recipe dairy-free?
It certainly can be! Just use your favorite unsweetened non-dairy milk in place of regular milk, and skip the Parmesan or choose a plant-based cheese on top. The sauce still comes out velvety and delicious.
How can I make the sauce richer?
For even deeper flavor, simmer the sauce for an extra 15 to 20 minutes or stir in a splash of red wine just before adding the crushed tomatoes. Those little adjustments can add wonderful complexity to your Turkey Bolognese Recipe.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Just use a very large pot and give the sauce a bit more time to reduce. It’s perfect for feeding a hungry family or freezing half for later. The Turkey Bolognese Recipe doubles (or even triples) beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This is the kind of meal that always hits the spot—classic, cozy, and just a little bit lighter than your average meat sauce. I hope you’ll give this Turkey Bolognese Recipe a try and make it your own, whether you’re cooking for a big family table or just treating yourself to a comforting weeknight dinner. Enjoy every hearty, tomato-rich bite!
Print
Turkey Bolognese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and flavorful Turkey Bolognese recipe that is a lighter twist on the classic Italian meat sauce. Made with ground turkey, vegetables, herbs, and a touch of milk for creaminess, this sauce is perfect served over pasta or zucchini noodles.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
Aromatics:
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 carrots (peeled and diced)
- 2 celery stalks (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Seasonings and Flavorings:
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish:
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or basil
- grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened. Add garlic and cook briefly.
- Cook Turkey: Add ground turkey, cook until browned. Stir in tomato paste and cook to enhance flavor.
- Add Ingredients: Pour in crushed tomatoes and milk. Season with oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 20–25 minutes.
- Serve: Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve over pasta or zucchini noodles, garnish with herbs and Parmesan.
Notes
- For richer flavor, simmer the sauce longer or add a splash of red wine before the tomatoes.
- This sauce freezes well—perfect for meal prep.
- Use lean ground turkey to keep it light but still flavorful.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
