Name: Turkey Bolognese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound 93% ground turkey; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; ½ yellow onion, chopped; 1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped; 1 celery rib, chopped; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 clove garlic, minced; 10 ounces uncooked mezze rigatoni, or fusilli pasta; 1 ½ cups canned crushed tomatoes, tuttoroso; 2 ½ cups chicken bone broth; 1 teaspoon calabrian chili paste, optional; ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish; fresh basil, for garnish; ricotta, optional for serving

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Turkey Bolognese is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish, showcasing the rich flavors of ground turkey paired with aromatic vegetables and a rich tomato sauce. This one-pot sensation brings together perfectly cooked mezze rigatoni and a luscious sauce that clings to every bite. It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl that anyone can savor. One of the beauties of this dish is how it transforms simple ingredients into a hearty feast that fills the home with an irresistible aroma, beckoning loved ones to gather around the table.

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I first stumbled upon this recipe during a busy weeknight, wishing for a comforting dinner without spending hours at the stove. The ease of preparing Turkey Bolognese in one pot caught my attention, and ever since, it has become a beloved staple in my kitchen. It’s an easy, budget-friendly, and crowd-pleasing recipe perfect for those at-home gatherings or cozy dinners with family. Trust me, once you try this twist on a classic, you’ll want to whip up Turkey Bolognese again and again!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Turkey Bolognese
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Turkey Bolognese

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 15 minutes of prep and 45 minutes of cook time, this recipe is lightning-fast for a hearty meal!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of turkey, veggies, and tomatoes creates a warm, savory, and slightly sweet sauce that is utterly satisfying.
One-Pot Wonder: Minimal dishes mean less cleanup, allowing you to enjoy more time with loved ones.
Flexible Serving: Great for a family dinner or meal prep for the week. It’s versatile enough for any occasion.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets with your choice of pasta!

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 pound 93% ground turkey: This lean meat makes the dish light but still hearty. You can substitute with ground chicken for a different flavor.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.
½ tablespoon extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables. Feel free to use canola or grapeseed oil if you prefer a lighter option.
½ yellow onion, chopped: Provides a sweet base flavor. Yellow onions are ideal, but white onions also work.
1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped: Adds natural sweetness to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
1 celery rib, chopped: A great aromatic that contributes crunch and flavor.
2 tablespoons tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce. Look for concentrated tomato paste for the best taste.
1 clove garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with its distinctive aroma and taste.
10 ounces uncooked mezze rigatoni, or fusilli pasta: These shapes are fantastic for holding the sauce. Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
1 ½ cups canned crushed tomatoes, such as Tuttorosso: The base of our sauce. Choose high-quality canned tomatoes for the best results.
2 ½ cups chicken bone broth: Adds depth and richness to the sauce. You can substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
1 teaspoon Calabrian chili paste, optional: For a bit of heat, add this spicy paste. Adjust according to your heat tolerance.
¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty richness to the dish.
Fresh basil, for garnish: Brings a bright, fresh flavor to the dish.
Ricotta, optional for serving: Adds creaminess and is a nice touch atop this meal.

How to Make Turkey Bolognese

Brown the Turkey: Heat a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Spray the pan with olive oil spray and add 1 pound of 93% ground turkey along with the teaspoon of kosher salt. Cook the turkey for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon until it’s no longer pink. Set the cooked turkey aside in a bowl.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add ½ tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften and become fragrant.
Combine Ingredients: Stir in the 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and minced garlic, allowing it to meld with the turkey mixture for a couple of minutes. Then, add the uncooked pasta, cooked turkey, 1 ½ cups canned crushed tomatoes, and 2 ½ cups of chicken bone broth, along with the optional teaspoon of Calabrian chili paste. Stir everything until well combined.
Cook the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Finish & Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the ¼ cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese. To serve, dish out the bolognese topped with extra parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and a dollop of ricotta if desired.

Storing & Reheating

This Turkey Bolognese stores well, making it perfect for meal prep. Allow it to cool at room temperature for no more than two hours before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. If you’re looking to freeze, pack it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to refresh the flavors and prevent drying out.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be sure to brown your turkey well; it adds depth to the flavor.
If you add the optional Calabrian chili paste, adjust the amount based on the spice level you prefer.
For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end.
Cook the pasta until just al dente since it will continue to cook while it absorbs the sauce.
This dish is perfect for meal prepping; make a double batch and enjoy it throughout the week!

Turkey Bolognese is a comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor, making it a perfect addition to your weeknight dinner rotation. Feel free to explore other pasta shapes or add your favorite vegetables to the mix. Cooking is all about experimenting and making a dish your own, so don’t hesitate to make it uniquely yours!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Ground beef or pork can be used as tasty substitutions for turkey. Just remember to drain excess fat if you’re using a fattier meat!

What pasta shapes work best?

While mezze rigatoni and fusilli are ideal, any pasta shape you love will do! Penne, shells, or even spaghetti work great as they all pair nicely with the sauce.

How can I make it vegetarian?

To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the ground turkey with diced mushrooms, lentils, or a meat alternative, and use vegetable broth instead. Adjust cooking times accordingly for the veggies.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the bolognese a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge, and when you’re ready to serve, reheat it gently. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even more delicious!

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