Description
This lighter, brighter Turkey Bolognese offers all the slow-simmered, comforting satisfaction of a traditional bolognese but comes together much more quickly. This weeknight hero builds incredible depth by roasting fresh tomatoes and garlic to create a sweet, smoky base that beautifully complements the lean ground turkey. The result is a rich, savory, and complex pasta sauce that tastes like a weekend project.
Ingredients
6 large tomatoes
6 cloves garlic, peeled
2 tablespoons olive oil
salt & pepper
1 teaspoon dried basil
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lb. ground turkey 93/7
1 medium onion, diced
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 heaping teaspoon Italian seasoning
salt & pepper, to taste
1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce
1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons sugar
1 lb. spaghetti or other pasta
Instructions
Roast the Tomatoes and Garlic:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). On a baking sheet, toss the chopped tomatoes and garlic with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of dried basil. Roast for 20-25 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized.
Build the Sauce Base:
While the tomatoes roast, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, then add the diced onion and cook until softened.
Simmer Your Bolognese:
Stir in the bay leaves, remaining dried basil, Italian seasoning, and another pinch of salt and pepper. Add the roasted tomatoes and garlic, canned tomato sauce, and sugar. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes.
Cook the Pasta and Serve:
While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and serve the hot bolognese sauce over the top, garnished with fresh parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Make-Ahead Friendly:
This sauce tastes even better the next day. You can make it up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stovetop while you cook fresh pasta.
Freezer Instructions:
This sauce freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers for a fantastic, quick meal on busy nights.
Creamy Variation:
For a richer, creamier finish, stir a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half into the sauce during the last few minutes of simmering.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 60
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting, Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: turkey bolognese, healthy pasta sauce, weeknight dinner, ground turkey recipe, spaghetti bolognese, roasted tomato sauce