Go Back
–+ servings
Save This Recipe Form

Don’t lose this recipe!

Put in your email, and we’ll deliver it straight to your inbox. You’ll also get weekly recipe suggestions based on what you love. Opt-out anytime – no strings attached!

A plate of spaghetti topped with savory Turkey Bolognese and grated cheese, garnished with chopped parsley, with a fork resting on the side.

Turkey Bolognese

I love making this Turkey Bolognese because crushed tomatoes simmer with garlic and balsamic vinegar into a thick, glossy sauce that tastes like it's been cooking all day. Ground turkey browns beautifully with onions, celery, and carrots, then everything simmers together for an hour until the flavors develop and the sauce thickens naturally. I make it for weeknight dinners, Sunday meals, or when I've got leftover turkey after Christmas or Thanksgiving because it reheats easily and freezes without any fuss. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe [btn-google-source]
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Turkey Bolognese
Servings: 8
Calories: 137kcal
Author: Mandy Applegate

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 cup yellow onion diced
  • 2 ribs celery minced
  • 2 medium carrots minced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
  • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 cup fresh parsley chopped

Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • In a large pot or deep skillet, cook the ground turkey over medium heat until browned. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then remove from the pot and set aside.
    1 pound ground turkey, Salt and pepper
  • In the same pot, add the diced onion, celery, carrots, and garlic. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, or until soft and fragrant.
    1 cup yellow onion, 2 ribs celery, 2 medium carrots, 3 cloves garlic
  • Return the cooked turkey to the pot. Stir in the chopped parsley, crushed tomatoes, and balsamic vinegar.
    2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes, ¼ cup balsamic vinegar, 1 cup fresh parsley
  • Mix in sugar, oregano, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and additional salt and pepper to taste.
    1 tablespoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, 2 tablespoons sugar
  • Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the sauce simmer gently for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm over your favorite pasta or spaghetti squash.

Video

[adthrive-in-post-video-player video-id="aOdEN1QR" upload-date="2025-10-28T07:20:57+00:00" name="Easy Turkey Bolognese for Weeknights" description="This rich pasta sauce turns weeknight dinners into comfort food." player-type="default" override-embed="default"]

Notes

  • Use a large pot or deep skillet: You’ll need plenty of space to sauté the vegetables and simmer the sauce without splashing.
  • Don’t skip browning the turkey: Letting it get golden adds flavor and helps the meat hold its texture in the sauce.
  • Simmer gently: A low, slow simmer for an hour brings all the flavors together and thickens the sauce naturally.
  • Choose your protein: Lean ground turkey keeps the bolognese sauce lighter without sacrificing heartiness, or try ground beef or pork for a richer, more traditional flavor.
  • Pair with rigatoni or spaghetti: Rigatoni’s ridges catch the sauce in every bite, but any pasta you love will work.
  • Adjust the tomato base as needed: San Marzano tomatoes make the pasta sauce richer and more balanced, or reach for marinara sauce to keep it simple.
  • Use olive oil or finish with butter: Sautéing the vegetables in olive oil adds richness and depth, or stir in a small knob of butter at the end for a silky finish.
  • Finish with cream or herbs for extra depth: A splash of heavy cream adds richness and a velvety texture, or stir in dried basil, Italian seasoning, or fresh basil for a fragrant, layered finish.

Nutrition

Calories: 137kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 183mg | Potassium: 621mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 3553IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 72mg | Iron: 3mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!