5 4 Published Oct 02, 2023, Updated Aug 23, 2024
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Lean Protein: The use of 93% lean ground turkey makes this a healthier alternative to the classic beef Bolognese without compromising on flavor or texture. Nutrient-Rich: With an array of veggies like carrots, celery, and onions, this dish is not just tasty but also nutritious. Versatile Pasta Choices: Whether you like Tagliatelle, fettuccine, or bucatini, this sauce pairs well with a wide range of pasta. Easy to Make: Though it tastes like you slaved over a hot stove for hours, this bolognese comes together in under an hour, making it a great option for weeknight dinners.
Where Does Bolognese Sauce Originate?
Bolognese sauce, originally known as ragù alla bolognese, is a meat-based sauce originating from Bologna, Italy. Traditionally, this hearty sauce is made with a mixture of minced beef, pork, and sometimes veal, along with a mirepoix of celery, carrots, and onions. It’s simmered slowly with tomato paste, broth, and sometimes milk or cream, to create a rich and flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with broad, flat pasta like tagliatelle or fettuccine. The turkey variant, however, is more of a modern, health-conscious twist on the classic recipe. Ground turkey is used as a leaner alternative to the more traditional meats, offering a lighter, yet still satisfying, version of the beloved Italian dish. While not traditional by Italian standards, turkey Bolognese has gained popularity in many parts of the world, particularly in countries where dietary preferences or restrictions make turkey a more appealing or accessible option.
Ingredients Needed
olive oil – used for sautéing the veggies and giving the base of the sauce a rich flavor. veggies – carrots, celery, and onion make up the “soffritto,” the Italian version of a mirepoix, providing a flavorful base for the sauce. garlic – adds a kick of aroma and taste. ground turkey – a lean protein source that makes this bolognese healthier. salt and ground pepper – for seasoning. italian seasoning – an easy way to add classic Italian herbs. cinnamon or nutmeg – for a unique warming flavor. low sodium veggie broth – adds liquid without too much salt. canned whole peeled San Marzano or plum tomatoes – the backbone of the sauce. tomato paste – for thickening and enriching the sauce. fresh herbs – rosemary, thyme, and/or oregano for a burst of flavor at the end. tagliatelle, fettuccine, or bucatini – your choice of pasta to serve with the bolognese. parmesan cheese – for that extra touch of Italian authenticity.
How to Make
How to Serve Turkey Bolognese
Classic Italian: The traditional way to enjoy bolognese is simply over freshly cooked pasta, topped with a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan and a sprig of fresh basil or parsley for garnish. With Garlic Bread: Enhance your Italian dinner by serving the bolognese with a side of garlic bread. It’s perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate. Over Polenta: For a gluten-free option, try serving the turkey bolognese over creamy polenta. Vegetable Noodles: Keep it low-carb by using spiralized zucchini or sweet potato noodles as a pasta substitute. In a Bread Bowl: For a hearty, cozy meal, serve the bolognese in a hollowed-out sourdough bread bowl. Side Salad: Pair it with a simple Italian salad—mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, olives, and a vinaigrette—to balance out the meal. Wine Pairing: A glass of red wine like Chianti or Montepulciano will complement the rich flavors of the bolognese sauce. Kids’ Favorite: For the little ones, serve the bolognese over small pasta shapes like shells or macaroni. Meal Prep: This dish is also perfect for meal prep. Simply portion out the sauce and your carb of choice into meal prep containers for a quick and easy future meal. Community Style: Hosting a dinner party? Place the big pot of bolognese sauce in the middle of the table and let everyone serve themselves, family-style.
How to Store Leftover Turkey Bolognese
In the Fridge: Store any leftover turkey bolognese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. In the Freezer: This bolognese sauce freezes well. Portion it into airtight containers or zip-top bags and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheating: To reheat, defrost in the fridge overnight if frozen, then warm in a saucepan over low heat. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Meal Prep: If you’re planning to use this recipe for meal prep, store individual servings of the sauce and pasta in separate containers to keep the pasta from absorbing too much sauce and becoming mushy.
More Pasta Dishes to Try
Healthy Baked Mac and Cheese Cottage Cheese Pasta One Pot Pasta Ground Turkey Pasta Lasagna Soup Easy Baked Ziti
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