Spaghetti With Ground Turkey Tomato Sauce
Savory spaghetti topped with a hearty ground turkey tomato sauce, bursting with garlic, oregano 9 and a touch of bay leaf for depth – ideal for week‑night family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Lightly bru 3 garlic cloves and set aside; mince the remaining 3 cloves and coarsely chop the onion.
- In a small bowl, combine the turkey, crushed garlic, 1/2 tsp oregano, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper.
- Warm olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat; add the turkey mixture, onion, and bruised garlic cloves, cooking and stirring until the mixture just turns brown.
- Add the undrained tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaf, and the remaining dry ingredients to the pan.
- Bring the sauce to a boil, break up the tomatoes, then simmer on low for 20 minutes.
- About 10 minutes before the sauce is done, add spaghetti to the boiling water.
- Serve the sauce over the cooked spaghetti.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider substituting ground turkey with lean ground beef or chicken if preferred. Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried; use three times the amount. To enhance flavor, add a splash of red wine to the sauce. Serve with grated Parmesan for an extra touch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side of garlic bread or a fresh Antipasto Salad for a complete Italian meal. It also pairs beautifully with Mary'S Sausage And Peppers for a heartier option. A sprinkle of fresh basil on top adds a nice touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover spaghetti and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in 30-second intervals or warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti With Ground Turkey Tomato Sauce contains roughly 1220 calories, with 25g protein, 133g carbohydrates, and 68g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (115% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (71% of the Daily Value), and protein (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving. You can also freeze the sauce for up to 3 months; just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What can I substitute for spaghetti?
You can substitute spaghetti with any pasta of your choice, such as whole wheat, gluten-free, or even zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a low-carb option. Cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly based on the pasta used.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
To add heat, incorporate red pepper flakes or diced fresh chili peppers while cooking. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste. You could also serve with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper on top for an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).