Ground Turkey Bolognese Sauce

Name: Ground Turkey Bolognese Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 carrot, finely chopped; 1 celery stalk, finely chopped; 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried basil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil for garnish (optional); Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional); Cooked pasta of your choice

Highlighted under: Hearty & Delicious Comfort Food

I love making hearty sauces that bring family and friends together, and this Ground Turkey Bolognese Sauce is one of my favorites. It's not just a delicious way to enjoy pasta night, but it also packs a nutritional punch with lean turkey as the star ingredient. This recipe is quick and easy, taking just 30 minutes to prepare, but the flavors develop beautifully as they simmer together. I promise you’ll be savoring every bite, and you may even find it becoming a staple in your weeknight rotation.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-04T17:53:27.238Z

Making this Ground Turkey Bolognese Sauce has truly changed my perspective on using lean meats in sauces. When I first tried it, I was amazed by how juicy and flavorful the turkey turned out after simmering in the rich tomato sauce. It’s an excellent alternative to traditional beef Bolognese, and it turned out to be a hit with my family!

I learned that the secret to a great Bolognese is to allow all the ingredients to meld together. Stirring in some fresh herbs like basil and oregano right at the end really enhances the flavors without overwhelming the dish. It’s a simple tip, but it makes all the difference!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich, savory flavors without the heaviness of traditional meat sauces
Quick cooking time makes it perfect for busy weeknights
Nutritious and satisfying, ideal for the whole family

Perfecting the Sauce

To achieve the best flavor in your Ground Turkey Bolognese Sauce, the order of your ingredients matters. Sautéing the vegetables first allows them to soften and release their flavors, forming a flavorful base for the sauce. Aim for your onions to turn translucent and your carrots to soften slightly, about 5 minutes over medium heat. Overcooking at this stage can cause bitterness, so keep an eye on them.

When incorporating the ground turkey, make sure to break it down into small pieces using a wooden spoon. This helps achieve a consistent texture, and cooking until there’s no pink remaining, about 5-7 minutes, ensures it’s fully cooked and flavorful. If the turkey starts to stick, feel free to add a splash more olive oil for a smoother cooking process.

Flavor Development

Simmering the sauce is crucial for melding the flavors. After adding tomatoes and seasoning, allow it to simmer on low heat for at least 15 minutes. Not only does this help integrate the spices, but the sauce will also thicken slightly during this time. Keep the heat low enough to bubble gently, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking but high enough that it reduces nicely.

If you prefer a richer sauce, consider adding a splash of red wine when you add the tomatoes. It enhances the depth of flavor while adding acidity, balancing the sweetness of the tomatoes. Rapidly simmering the wine for 2-3 minutes will burn off the alcohol while retaining the complexity.

Serving and Storing

Serving this Bolognese with pasta of your choice is essential for a hearty meal. I recommend pairing it with thicker pasta like tagliatelle or pappardelle as they hold the sauce exceptionally well. For an even heartier meal, adding a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad can round it out nicely.

If you're looking to make this sauce ahead of time, it stores beautifully. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container—the sauce can last in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze it in portions, and it can be kept for up to three months. When reheating, predict that it may need a splash of water to loosen up, as it can thicken while stored.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients:

Ingredients for Ground Turkey Bolognese Sauce

1 lb ground turkey
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 carrot, finely chopped
1 celery stalk, finely chopped
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Cooked pasta of your choice

Make sure to have all these ingredients on hand for a delightful meal!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your delicious Ground Turkey Bolognese Sauce:

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

Brown the Turkey

Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.

Add the Ingredients

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer.

Simmer

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The flavors will meld beautifully during this time.

Serve

Toss the sauce with your cooked pasta and serve hot. Garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Enjoy your hearty and flavorful Ground Turkey Bolognese Sauce!

Pro Tips

For added depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce as it simmers. If you prefer a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes works nicely too.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to make this dish vegetarian, you can substitute the ground turkey with lentils or mushrooms. Cooked lentils add a similar texture and protein while mushrooms can provide umami flavors and a meaty consistency that is satisfying. Just make sure to sauté them until they're golden for the best flavor.

For those monitoring their sodium intake, consider using low-sodium canned tomatoes and broth. Combining these ingredients not only lowers the sodium content but also allows you to control the flavors more tightly. This way, you can build the customary seasoning based on your personal taste preferences.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your sauce ends up too acidic, you can soften that sharpness by adding a pinch of sugar. This simple trick can neutralize the acidity and make the sauce taste more balanced. Start with a teaspoon and adjust based on your preference.

Should your sauce appear too watery after simmering, increasing the heat slightly can help reduce it more quickly. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking and watch closely to prevent it from burning. A good visual cue is when the sauce thickens enough to cling to the pasta without pooling on the plate.

Serving Variations

For a twist on traditional Bolognese, consider adding some finely chopped spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking. This not only boosts the nutritional content but adds a vibrant color and a slight earthiness to the dish without overpowering the original flavors.

Another variation involves spicing it up! Add red pepper flakes at the same time as your dried herbs for a bit of heat. Adjust the quantity to your liking, but even a half teaspoon can bring a lovely warmth to the sauce that complements the savory turkey beautifully.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Ground beef, pork, or chicken will all work well if you prefer.

→ How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply serve the sauce over gluten-free pasta, and ensure that your ingredients, such as the tomato paste, are gluten-free.

→ Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 3 days. It also freezes well!

→ What can I serve it with?

This sauce pairs perfectly with various types of pasta, but it also works well over rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.