Turkey Bolognese Spaghetti: 7 Steps to Family Bliss

Name: Turkey Bolognese Spaghetti: 7 Steps to Family Bliss
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 carrot, diced; 1 celery stalk, diced; 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; Salt and pepper to taste; 8 ounces spaghetti; Parmesan cheese for serving

October 15, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Oh, let me tell you about this turkey bolognese spaghetti! It’s one of those hearty, comforting meals that feels like a warm hug from the inside. My family absolutely loves it, and I can’t blame them! The rich turkey bolognese sauce is packed with flavor, and when you twirl it around your fork with that perfect spaghetti, it’s pure bliss. I remember making this for the first time on a chilly evening, and it quickly became a staple in our household. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a family favorite!

turkey bolognese spaghetti - detail 1

Ingredients List

1 pound ground turkey
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 carrot, diced
1 celery stalk, diced
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
8 ounces spaghetti
Parmesan cheese for serving

How to Prepare Turkey Bolognese Spaghetti

Cooking the Spaghetti

Let’s start by cooking the spaghetti! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add in the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions—usually around 8 to 10 minutes. You want it al dente, which means it should have a little bite to it. After it’s done, drain the spaghetti in a colander and set it aside. A quick tip: drizzle a tiny bit of olive oil over it to prevent it from sticking while we get that delicious turkey bolognese sauce ready!

Sautéing Vegetables

Now, grab a large skillet and heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. As it warms up, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. The aroma will be incredible! Sauté these for about 2-3 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent. Next, add the diced carrot and celery, and continue to sauté for another 5 minutes or so. You want everything to soften and mingle together nicely—it’s the start of your flavor base!

Browning the Turkey

Time to add the star of the show—our ground turkey! Crumble it into the skillet with the sautéed veggies and cook it all together. Stir occasionally, breaking up the turkey as it cooks, until it’s browned all over. This should take about 5-7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when there’s no more pink in the turkey. This is where the magic begins, and trust me, you’ll want to take a moment to enjoy that smell!

Making the Sauce

Now, let’s bring it all together! Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix everything well and let it simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes. This is the perfect time to stir occasionally, allowing all those flavors to blend beautifully into the sauce. If you have a little extra time, letting it simmer longer will deepen the flavor even more—yum!

Serving the Dish

Finally, it’s time to serve! Place a generous portion of the spaghetti on a plate or in a bowl, and ladle that hearty turkey bolognese sauce right on top. Don’t be shy with it! Finish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and maybe a little extra basil if you’re feeling fancy. Dive in and enjoy every single bite of your homemade turkey bolognese spaghetti!

Nutritional Information

When you’re enjoying this turkey bolognese spaghetti, it’s nice to know a bit about what you’re putting into your body. Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional values per serving:

Calories: 350
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 450mg
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 25g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use. So, feel free to adjust things as you like! Enjoy your delicious and nutritious meal!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s get into some pro tips to make your turkey bolognese spaghetti even more fabulous! I’ve learned a few tricks along the way that can take this dish to the next level, and I can’t wait to share them with you.

Brown the Turkey Well: Don’t rush this step! Letting the ground turkey brown properly adds a deeper flavor to your sauce. Make sure to break it up into small pieces so it cooks evenly.
Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh basil or oregano on hand, absolutely use them instead of dried! Fresh herbs will elevate the dish and add a burst of freshness that’s hard to beat.
Vegetable Add-Ins: Feel free to sneak in more veggies! Zucchini, bell peppers, or even mushrooms can enhance the flavor and nutrition of your sauce. Just chop them up and add them in when you sauté the other veggies.
Simmer Longer: If you can, let your sauce simmer for a bit longer than 20 minutes. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together. Just keep an eye on it and stir occasionally.
Season to Taste: Always taste your sauce before serving! You might want to adjust the salt, pepper, or herbs to fit your personal preference. A little pinch can make a big difference!
Leftover Love: This recipe makes great leftovers! If you make a larger batch, it stores beautifully in the fridge. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave—perfect for quick meals during the week.

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to impress anyone who sits down to enjoy your turkey bolognese spaghetti. Happy cooking!

Variations of Turkey Bolognese Spaghetti

Now, let’s get creative with your turkey bolognese spaghetti! One of the best things about this dish is how versatile it can be. Here are some fun variations that’ll keep things exciting and delicious:

Veggie-Loaded Bolognese: Add even more nutrition by incorporating chopped spinach, kale, or zucchini. Just toss them in while sautéing the onions and garlic. They’ll wilt down beautifully and blend right into the sauce!
Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, throw in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while you’re cooking the turkey. It’ll add a nice little zing that pairs perfectly with the rich sauce.
Mushroom Medley: For an earthy flavor, add finely chopped mushrooms. They can be sautéed with the veggies and will soak up all that tasty bolognese goodness!
Herb Infusion: Switch up the dried herbs! Fresh thyme or parsley can give your sauce a whole new flavor profile. Just chop them finely and stir them in at the end to preserve that fresh taste.
Different Pastas: You don’t have to stick with spaghetti! Try using whole wheat pasta, gluten-free options, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb twist. The sauce is so hearty; it’ll work well with whatever you choose!
Cheesy Delight: Mix in some ricotta cheese or cream cheese for an extra creamy texture. Just stir it in towards the end before serving for a rich and indulgent dish.

Feel free to mix and match these ideas or come up with your own! The beauty of cooking is that you can tailor it to your taste and have fun in the process. Enjoy experimenting with your turkey bolognese spaghetti!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Now, let’s talk about storing those delicious leftovers of your turkey bolognese spaghetti! If you happen to have any sauce left after dinner (which is rare in my house, but just in case!), you’ll want to store it properly to keep it fresh and tasty.

First off, let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This will help prevent condensation, which can make it watery. If you’ve got leftover spaghetti, I recommend storing it separately from the sauce to avoid it getting mushy.

You can keep the turkey bolognese sauce in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s well-sealed! If you want to save it for longer, it freezes beautifully. Just portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Now, when it comes to reheating, I prefer using the stove for the best results. Pour the turkey bolognese sauce into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through. If it seems a bit thick, you can add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. For any leftover spaghetti, just add a little olive oil to a skillet and heat it on low, stirring gently to warm it up without making it sticky.

If you’re in a rush, the microwave works too! Just place your sauce or pasta in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a lid or microwave-safe wrap, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Give it a stir between intervals to ensure even heating.

With these storage and reheating tips, you’ll always have a tasty meal ready for those busy days ahead. Enjoy your turkey bolognese spaghetti anytime you crave it!

FAQ Section

Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! While I love using ground turkey for its lean quality, you can easily swap it out for ground beef, chicken, or even a meat substitute if you prefer a vegetarian option. Just keep an eye on the cooking times, as they may vary slightly.

How can I make this turkey bolognese spaghetti gluten-free?
No problem at all! Simply use gluten-free pasta instead of regular spaghetti. There are many options available that hold up wonderfully in this dish, and you won’t miss a thing in terms of flavor!

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, definitely! This turkey bolognese sauce actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage. Just reheat it when you’re ready to enjoy it!

What can I serve with turkey bolognese spaghetti?
I love pairing this dish with a simple side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. You could also serve it with roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli for a healthy touch. The options are endless!

Why is my bolognese sauce too watery?
If your sauce turns out a bit watery, it might be because it didn’t simmer long enough. Let it cook a little longer to thicken up. Alternatively, you can add a bit more tomato paste to help absorb some of that excess liquid!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
Hearty and satisfying, thanks to the flavorful turkey bolognese sauce.
Nutritious and low-fat, making it a healthier option for pasta lovers.
Versatile; you can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or spices.
Great for meal prep—leftovers taste even better the next day!
Kid-friendly and sure to please the whole family.
Simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
Deliciously comforting, perfect for any season!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.