Craving a mouthwatering pasta sauce that's both delicious and nutritious? Look no further! Our Turkey Meat Sauce is about to revolutionize your spaghetti nights, offering a lighter alternative to traditional beef sauce without sacrificing an ounce of flavor. Packed with lean protein and bursting with Italian-inspired herbs, this recipe will have your family begging for seconds and asking, "What's your secret?"
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Add chopped onions to the skillet and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook the meat until it is completely browned and no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes.
- Pour the crushed tomatoes into the skillet with the browned turkey and onion mixture.
- Sprinkle dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper into the sauce. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer, partially covered, for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs to enhance the flavor.
- Serve hot over cooked spaghetti, garnishing with fresh basil or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning.
- Break the ground turkey into small, uniform pieces while cooking to create a consistent texture and ensure thorough browning.
- Don't rush the sautéing process - letting onions and garlic develop their flavors slowly creates a more complex sauce.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of red wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes during simmering.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a little pasta water when serving to achieve your desired consistency.
- Make a double batch and freeze portions for quick future meals - this sauce freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
- Fresh herbs can elevate the sauce, so consider garnishing with fresh basil or parsley just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 246kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 60mg
