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–+ servings

Turkey Bolognese Sauce

A rich and flavorful turkey bolognese sauce that is a lighter alternative to traditional beef bolognese, perfect for pasta or as a base for lasagna.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Sauce
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin for better flavor
  • 1 medium onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 medium carrot finely diced
  • 1 medium celery stalk finely diced
  • 1 pound ground turkey preferably lean
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes 28 ounces
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste for richness
  • 1 cup chicken broth low sodium
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon salt to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 1/4 cup whole milk to soften the acidity

Method
 

Prepare the Vegetables
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. This will help to sauté the vegetables and release their flavors.
  2. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery to the skillet. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Cook the Turkey
  1. Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into smaller pieces. Cook until the turkey is browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings
  1. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth. This will create a rich base for the sauce.
  2. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and bay leaf. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
Simmer the Sauce
  1. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
  2. After 30 minutes, stir in the whole milk. This will help to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and add creaminess to the sauce.
Final Touches
  1. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper to your liking.
  2. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Serve the turkey bolognese sauce over your favorite pasta or use it as a filling for lasagna.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For a deeper flavor, you can add a splash of red wine when adding the tomatoes. Allow it to cook off for a few minutes before adding the crushed tomatoes.

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