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To make Garlic Herb Turkey Bolognese, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Here’s what you will gather: - Ground turkey - Olive oil - 1 large onion, finely chopped - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 medium carrot, diced - 1 medium celery stalk, diced - 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 tablespoon tomato paste - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for spice) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped - Fresh parsley, for garnish - Cooked pasta of your choice (tagliatelle or spaghetti) Each ingredient plays an important role in the dish. Ground turkey adds lean protein that keeps it light. Olive oil provides a rich base for flavor. The onion and garlic give a savory aroma. Carrots and celery add sweetness and texture. Crushed tomatoes and tomato paste create a thick and hearty sauce. Dried herbs bring depth, while fresh basil adds brightness. Feel free to swap ingredients based on your taste or what you have at home. The key is to keep it simple and fresh for a great meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion for about 3-4 minutes until it turns translucent. This step builds a great base for your sauce. Next, add minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery to the skillet. Cook these for another 5 minutes. You want the vegetables to soften but not brown. They will add sweetness and depth to your dish. Now, it’s time to brown the ground turkey. Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the turkey to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. This should take about 6-8 minutes. Cook until the turkey is no longer pink. After browning the turkey, stir in crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Add dried oregano and thyme for flavor. If you like some heat, throw in crushed red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This mixture should now come to a gentle simmer. To let the flavors meld, reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer for 20-25 minutes. Stir it occasionally to prevent sticking. This simmering time thickens the sauce nicely. Before serving, mix in the chopped fresh basil. It adds a burst of fresh flavor to the dish. Serve the Bolognese sauce over your choice of cooked pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy your meal! Fresh herbs bring life to any dish. In this Garlic Herb Turkey Bolognese, fresh basil is key. It adds bright notes that enhance the rich sauce. After cooking, mix in the chopped basil just before serving. This keeps its vibrant taste and color. Balancing acidity in tomatoes is vital for flavor. Crushed tomatoes can be tart. To reduce acidity, add a bit of sugar or a splash of balsamic vinegar. This adjustment smooths the sauce and makes it more enjoyable. Sautéing is an art that builds flavor. Start with olive oil and let it heat. Add onions first and cook them until soft. This step releases their natural sweetness. Then, add garlic, which cooks quickly. Be careful not to burn it, as that can turn your dish bitter. To achieve the perfect turkey texture, cook it until browned. Break apart the meat with a spatula as it cooks. This helps it cook evenly and prevents clumping. Once it’s browned, add the tomatoes and herbs for a rich sauce. For pasta, tagliatelle or spaghetti works well. These types hold the sauce nicely, making each bite flavorful. Cook the pasta according to the package directions for the best texture. Garnishing adds a touch of elegance. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving. This not only looks great but adds a hint of freshness. A simple touch can make your dish stand out on the table. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil and parsley enhance the flavor of your Bolognese. Add them at the end of cooking to preserve their vibrant taste. Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes. You can always serve additional spice on the side for those who like it hot! Pair with the Right Pasta: Wide noodles like tagliatelle or pappardelle hold onto the sauce better than thinner varieties, making for a more satisfying dish. Make it Ahead: This sauce tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Make a double batch and freeze half for a quick meal later! {{image_2}} You can easily change the meat in this recipe. Try using ground beef or chicken for a different taste. If you want a plant-based option, use lentils or mushrooms. These swaps keep the dish fresh and fun. You can also switch up the veggies. Add bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra color and nutrients. Each choice adds a unique twist to your Bolognese. For a gluten-free meal, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options that still taste amazing. You can also spiralize zucchini or carrots for a low-carb alternative. These swaps keep your meal healthy and light. Want to elevate the flavor? Add a splash of red wine to the sauce. It deepens the taste and adds richness. If you prefer a creamy sauce, stir in a bit of heavy cream or milk near the end. This makes the sauce smooth and luscious. Don’t forget about the spice! Adjust the red pepper flakes to suit your taste. More flakes bring heat, while less keep it mild. You control the flavor. To store your Garlic Herb Turkey Bolognese, use airtight containers. Place the cooled sauce in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about three to four days. For longer storage, freeze it. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. This way, you can enjoy it later without losing flavor. When you reheat the sauce, use a saucepan. Heat it over low to medium heat. Stir it often to keep it from burning. If the sauce seems thick, add a splash of water or broth. For pasta, reheat it in boiling water for just a few minutes. This helps keep the texture nice and firm. The refrigerated sauce lasts about three to four days. If you freeze it, it can last for up to three months. Just remember to label your containers with the date. This way, you can keep track of how long it has been stored. Enjoy your meal when you are ready! You can serve Garlic Herb Turkey Bolognese with various sides. Here are some ideas: - A simple green salad with vinaigrette. - Garlic bread or crusty rolls for dipping. - Steamed or roasted vegetables for added nutrition. - Grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor. These sides balance the meal and add more taste. Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time! Prepare the sauce and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Use it within three days for the best taste. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Just thaw and reheat when you are ready to eat. To check if the turkey is cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, look for these signs: - The turkey should be browned with no pink spots. - The juices should run clear when you cut into it. These tips ensure that your turkey is safe to eat. Yes, you can adapt this recipe for both slow cookers and Instant Pots. For a slow cooker: - Sauté the onion, garlic, and turkey on the stove first. - Then, add all ingredients to the slow cooker. - Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. For an Instant Pot: - Use the sauté function to brown the turkey and veggies. - Add the rest of the ingredients. - Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 10-15 minutes. These methods save time and still give you a tasty meal. In this article, we explored a tasty Garlic Herb Turkey Bolognese recipe. We covered ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips to enhance flavor. You learned how to swap ingredients for dietary needs and streamline storage. This dish offers a perfect balance of nutrition and flavor that suits many diets. Remember, cooking can be fun and creative, so don’t hesitate to make your own twists. Enjoy your meal and share it with others!

Garlic Herb Turkey Bolognese

A delicious and healthy twist on traditional Bolognese sauce using ground turkey and fresh herbs.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium carrot, diced
  • 1 medium celery stalk, diced
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes (15 oz/425g)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 0.25 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • for garnish fresh parsley
  • as needed cooked pasta of your choice (tagliatelle or spaghetti)

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until translucent.
  • Add the minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery, cooking for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
  • Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook it, breaking it apart with a spatula until browned (about 6-8 minutes).
  • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  • Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
  • Just before serving, stir in the chopped fresh basil into the sauce for a burst of fresh flavor.
  • Serve the Bolognese sauce over your choice of cooked pasta and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less crushed red pepper flakes.
Keyword bolognese, healthy, herbs, pasta, turkey