Turkey Tornado Spaghetti Sauce
A hearty, flavorful dish combining tender slow-cooked brisket glazed with sweet jelly and sesame seeds, paired with a rich, spiced turkey spaghetti sauce perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground turkey
- 1 lb. hot Italian turkey sausage ⓘ
- 2 large golden onions, diced ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 2 (28 oz.) cans whole peeled tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground black pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. red hot pepper ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 5 to 6 lb. corned beef brisket ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. pickling spice ⓘ
- prepared mustard ⓘ
- mixed fruit jelly
- sesame seeds
Instructions
- Place brisket in boiling water to cover in a large pot.
- Add pickling spice and simmer for 3 1/2 to 4 hours or until tender.
- Remove brisket from pan and let stand for 15 minutes.
- Place brisket in a baking pan and lightly cover the surface with prepared mustard.
- Let stand for 10 minutes to allow mustard to penetrate the meat.
- Spread fruit jelly over the brisket and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Bake at 375°F for 15 to 20 minutes or until glazed.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the ground turkey and sausage well before adding the other ingredients. You can substitute ground turkey with lean ground beef if preferred. If you like it spicier, increase the red hot pepper to taste. This sauce pairs well with pasta dishes like Terrific Tagliarini or Macaroni With Meat Sauce for added variety.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine, and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. A side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad complements the dish nicely. For a hearty meal, consider pairing it with American recipes like Layered Beef Vegetable Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Turkey Tornado Spaghetti Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to achieve your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Turkey Tornado Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 635 calories, with 33g protein, 125g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (172% of the Daily Value), and calcium (109% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 48g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 use regular sausage instead of turkey sausage?
Yes, you can substitute regular Italian sausage for the hot Italian turkey sausage if you prefer a richer flavor. Just be mindful of the fat content, as regular sausage will add more grease to the sauce.
How can I thicken my spaghetti sauce?
If your sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it uncovered for a longer time to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste or a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) to achieve your desired consistency.
What can I serve with Turkey Tornado Spaghetti Sauce?
This sauce is versatile and goes well with various pasta types. For a complete meal, serve it alongside garlic bread, a simple green salad, or even steamed vegetables for a nutritious balance. It can also be used in baked dishes or as a topping for baked potatoes.
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).