Turkey Bolognese Sauce
Turkey bolognese sauce is a tasty version of the classic Italian meat sauce that everyone will love!
Makes 4
Calories 202kcal
Cost 10.00
Equipment
- large frying pan
- measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Knife
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 carrot diced
- 2 oz shiitake caps diced
- 3 garlic cloves finely chopped
- 1 small onion diced
- 16 oz ground turkey I use 93/7 turkey
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 14 oz. can chopped tomatoes undrained
- 2 teaspoons thyme
- red pepper flakes to taste
Optional Toppings
- parmesan cheese
- fresh chopped Italian parsley or basil
Instructions
- In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil. Add the diced carrot and shiitake caps. Cook them until they are starting to caramelize.
- Add the chopped garlic and onion. Cook until they are translucent.
- Add the ground turkey and salt. Continue cooking the mixture until the meat is no longer pink.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated.
- Add the thyme and red pepper flakes. Stir and cook for another 3-5 minutes.
- Serve, use, or cool and store the meat sauce. Top with Parmesan, fresh chopped Italian parsley, or fresh chopped basil.
Video
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken, beef, or pork. For a leaner option, stick with ground chicken breast or lean ground beef. What can I use instead of shiitake mushrooms?
You can use button mushrooms, cremini mushrooms, or even omit them if needed. Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Diced zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach are great additions to boost the veggie content. What if I don’t have thyme?
Substitute thyme with Italian seasoning, oregano, or fresh basil for a similar flavor. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, use about 2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes, but you may need to simmer longer to reduce the liquid. Do I need to drain the canned tomatoes?
No, use the tomatoes with their juice to create a flavorful sauce base. Can I make this sauce in advance?
Yes, it stores well and even tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
Let it simmer uncovered until most of the liquid evaporates. For a thicker sauce, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double all the ingredients. You may need a larger pan to ensure even cooking. What’s the best pasta to serve with this sauce?
Traditional options like spaghetti, ravioli, or tortellini work well, but you can also serve it with zoodles, spaghetti squash, or whole-grain pasta for a healthier twist. Can I use this sauce for other dishes?
Yes, it’s great in lasagna, stuffed peppers, or as a topping for baked potatoes or polenta. How long does the sauce last in the fridge?
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Can I freeze this sauce?
Yes, it freezes well. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken, beef, or pork. For a leaner option, stick with ground chicken breast or lean ground beef. What can I use instead of shiitake mushrooms?
You can use button mushrooms, cremini mushrooms, or even omit them if needed. Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Diced zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach are great additions to boost the veggie content. What if I don’t have thyme?
Substitute thyme with Italian seasoning, oregano, or fresh basil for a similar flavor. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, use about 2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes, but you may need to simmer longer to reduce the liquid. Do I need to drain the canned tomatoes?
No, use the tomatoes with their juice to create a flavorful sauce base. Can I make this sauce in advance?
Yes, it stores well and even tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
Let it simmer uncovered until most of the liquid evaporates. For a thicker sauce, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double all the ingredients. You may need a larger pan to ensure even cooking. What’s the best pasta to serve with this sauce?
Traditional options like spaghetti, ravioli, or tortellini work well, but you can also serve it with zoodles, spaghetti squash, or whole-grain pasta for a healthier twist. Can I use this sauce for other dishes?
Yes, it’s great in lasagna, stuffed peppers, or as a topping for baked potatoes or polenta. How long does the sauce last in the fridge?
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Can I freeze this sauce?
Yes, it freezes well. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.
Nutrition
Calories: 202kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 62mg | Sodium: 514mg | Potassium: 682mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 2749IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 2mg