This Ground Turkey Spaghetti Sauce is a hearty, flavorful twist on a classic Italian favorite, ready in just 45 minutes. Juicy ground turkey simmers in a rich, aromatic tomato sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and a hint of sweetness. The result? A velvety, savory sauce that clings perfectly to al dente spaghetti, offering a satisfying balance of textures and flavors in every bite.
Packed with 49g of protein and a medley of vitamins, this dish is as nourishing as it is delicious. The tender turkey, vibrant tomatoes, and earthy herbs create a comforting meal that’s both light and indulgent. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings the warmth of Italy to your table effortlessly.
Ingredients for Ground Turkey Spaghetti Sauce
- 2 pounds ground turkey (substitute with ground chicken or beef if preferred)
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 5 garlic cloves, minced (use pre-minced garlic for convenience)
- 42 ounces crushed tomatoes (3 cans of 14 ounces each)
- 6 ounces tomato paste (1 can)
- 1½ cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
- 1½ Tablespoons dried oregano
- 1½ Tablespoons dried basil
- 1½ teaspoons dried thyme
- 1½ teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1½ Tablespoons butter (optional, for richness)
- 12 ounces whole wheat spaghetti noodles, cooked (substitute with regular or gluten-free pasta)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the turkey: In a large pot, cook the ground turkey over medium heat until fully browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon. Drain any excess grease.
- Cook the aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and fragrant.
- Add tomatoes and broth: Stir in the tomato paste and crushed tomatoes until well combined. Pour in the chicken broth to thin the sauce slightly.
- Season the sauce: Add the dried oregano, basil, thyme, salt, pepper, and butter. Stir to incorporate all the spices.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld while you cook the pasta.
- Cook the pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Taste and adjust: Taste the sauce and add more salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve: Spoon the sauce over the cooked spaghetti noodles and enjoy!
Perfect Pairings: Sauce and Topping Ideas
Elevate your ground turkey spaghetti sauce with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a handful of chopped fresh basil for a burst of flavor. For a creamy twist, stir in a dollop of ricotta or mascarpone cheese just before serving. If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil.
Serve It Up: Creative Serving Suggestions
While this sauce is fantastic over whole wheat spaghetti, it also shines with other pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. Pair it with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette for a complete meal.
Make It Last: Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if it thickens too much. For frozen sauce, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Mix It Up: Recipe Variations to Try
Swap ground turkey for ground chicken, beef, or even plant-based crumbles for a different twist. Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the sauce for extra veggies. For a richer flavor, substitute red wine for half of the chicken broth.
Quick Tips: Time-Saving Hacks
Use pre-minced garlic and pre-chopped onions to cut down on prep time. Double the recipe and freeze half for a future meal—it’s just as delicious reheated! While the sauce simmers, use that time to cook your pasta and prep any sides.
Ground Turkey Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground turkey
- 1 yellow onion, large (chopped)
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 42 ounces crushed tomatoes, (3)14 ounce cans
- 6 ounces tomato paste, 1 can
- 1½ cups chicken broth
- 1½ Tablespoons dried oregano
- 1½ Tablespoons dried basil
- 1½ teaspoons dried thyme
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ Tablespoons butter
- 12 ounces whole wheat spaghetti noodles, cooked
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the ground turkey over medium heat. Add in the onion and garlic and cook until softened. Then drain grease well.
- Add tomato paste and crushed tomatoes, stirring until all is combined. Add chicken broth to thin it down a little bit.
- Add spices, butter, and salt and pepper and allow to simmer over low heat for about 15 minutes (just long enough to boil the water and cook the pasta!).
- Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve over cooked noodles and enjoy!