Craving a delicious, low-carb meal that doesn't compromise on flavor? Look no further than this mouthwatering Turkey Meat Sauce with Zucchini Noodles! This Italian-inspired dish transforms the classic pasta recipe into a healthier, nutrient-packed meal that will satisfy your taste buds and keep you feeling light and energized. Perfect for health-conscious foodies, weight watchers, and anyone looking to add more vegetables to their diet, this recipe proves that eating well can be incredibly delicious and exciting!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 medium zucchini
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Prepare the zucchini noodles by washing the zucchini and using a spiralizer or vegetable peeler to create long, thin noodle-like strips. Set aside on a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent and softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Increase heat to medium-high and add ground turkey to the skillet. Break the meat into small crumbles using a wooden spoon, cooking until the turkey is completely browned and no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes.
- Pour the crushed tomatoes into the skillet, stirring to combine with the turkey. Add dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer the sauce for 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
- While the sauce is simmering, lightly sauté the zucchini noodles in a separate pan with a touch of olive oil for 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to overcook, as they can become watery.
- Plate the zucchini noodles and top with the hot turkey meat sauce. Serve immediately while warm.
Tips
- Moisture Management: After spiralizing zucchini, let the noodles sit on paper towels to absorb excess water. This prevents your dish from becoming watery and ensures a perfect texture.
- Meat Browning Technique: When cooking ground turkey, make sure to break it into small crumbles and cook until it's completely browned. This develops deeper flavor and prevents clumpy meat.
- Seasoning Secrets: Don't be shy with herbs and spices! While this recipe calls for oregano, feel free to experiment with additional Italian herbs like basil or thyme.
- Zucchini Noodle Cooking Hack: Briefly sauté zucchini noodles to warm them, but avoid overcooking. They should remain slightly crisp and not turn mushy.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The meat sauce can be prepared in advance and reheated, making this a great meal prep option for busy weeknights.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 277kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 60mg
