Name: Turkey Bolognese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 pound 93% lean ground turkey; 2 medium carrots, diced; 1 stalk celery, diced; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated; ¼ cup tomato paste; One 28-ounce can whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes, roughly chopped; 2 sprigs fresh rosemary; 8–10 sprigs fresh thyme; 2 dried bay leaves; Optional: 1 parmesan rind; 1 cup chicken stock; ½ cup half and half; ½ cup grated parmesan or pecorino romano; 16 ounces bucatini or pasta of choice; Kosher salt and ground black pepper; Optional for serving: grated parmesan, basil or parsley, crushed red pepper flakes

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If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, hearty dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Turkey Bolognese Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Rich in flavor but lighter than traditional beef versions, this sauce combines tender ground turkey with a vibrant soffritto base, fresh herbs, and creamy parmesan, simmered to perfection. Whether you’re feeding the family or impressing friends, this dish brings the perfect balance of rustic charm and wholesome goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white cutting board placed on a white marbled surface with several chopped ingredients on it. On the board, there are two large orange carrot pieces, some diced carrots, and chopped green celery arranged in small piles. A sharp knife with a black handle lies diagonally across the board, partially on top of a long orange carrot. Next to the board, on the right, there is a white plate with a block of raw ground meat. Near the top left of the board, there are two halves of a white onion and several peeled garlic cloves scattered beside fresh green rosemary sprigs. Below the chopping board, a small wooden bowl filled with coarse salt and two bay leaves are visible. Fresh thyme sprigs are placed near the bottom edge, and two small open cans of red tomato sauce are seen near the top right corner of the cutting board. A small piece of yellow cheese is positioned near the plate with ground meat. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple and fresh ingredients is the first step to creating a flavorful Turkey Bolognese Recipe. Each component adds its own unique touch — from the natural sweetness of carrots and celery to the rich depth of fresh herbs and creamy cheese.

Olive oil: A staple for sautéing that adds a fruity richness and helps develop deep flavors.
93% lean ground turkey: Provides lean protein with a light, delicate texture perfect for this sauce.
Carrots, diced: Bring subtle sweetness and color to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Celery, diced: Adds savory depth and a little crunchy texture early in the cooking process.
Yellow onion, diced: Builds a caramelized base flavor that’s essential for any great Bolognese.
Garlic, finely chopped or grated: Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth and complexity.
Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor with its concentrated sweetness and umami.
Whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes: Known for their balance of acidity and sweetness, they create a naturally rich sauce foundation.
Fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs: These herbs offer an earthy and fragrant lift to the sauce.
Dried bay leaves: Provide a subtle herbal depth during simmering.
Optional parmesan rind: Adds a layer of savory depth when simmered with the sauce.
Chicken stock: Keeps the sauce moist and infuses gentle savory notes.
Half and half: Creates a creamy texture and mellows the acidity of the tomatoes.
Grated parmesan or pecorino romano: Enhances savoriness and adds that classic finishing touch.
Bucatini or pasta of choice: Bucatini’s hollow center captures sauce beautifully, but feel free to use your favorite pasta.
Kosher salt and ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the flavors.
Optional toppings: Extra parmesan, fresh basil or parsley, and crushed red pepper flakes for a personalized finish.

How to Make Turkey Bolognese Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, which will be ready for cooking your pasta later. While waiting, chop up your carrots, celery, and onion into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Finely chop or grate your garlic for maximum flavor release. Roughly chop the San Marzano tomatoes by hand or briefly pulse them in a food processor for a fresh sauce texture. Prepping everything upfront sets the pace for a smooth cooking process.

Step 2: Brown the Soffritto

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced carrots, celery, and onion, seasoning them early with kosher salt to draw out moisture and intensify sweetness. Cook patiently for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until these veggies develop a deep caramelized color and rich aroma. Push the mixture to the edges of the pot, clearing the center for the next step. This soffritto layer is the flavor backbone of your Turkey Bolognese Recipe.

Step 3: Brown the Turkey

Add the ground turkey to the cleared center of the pot and season again with salt. Let it sear on one side without stirring for 2–3 minutes to get a nice golden crust. Then flip and brown the other side for an additional 2–3 minutes. Once browned, break the meat into small chunks and incorporate it thoroughly with the soffritto. Browning the turkey seals in juices and creates complex browned bits that will enrich your sauce.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Stir in the garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 2–3 minutes until the mixture smells fragrant and the tomato paste deepens in color. Pour in the chicken stock, scraping the pot’s bottom to lift all of those flavorful browned bits. Add the chopped tomatoes, rosemary, thyme, bay leaves, and optional parmesan rind, stirring everything well. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and partially cover. Let it simmer gently for 15–20 minutes until the sauce thickens beautifully and the flavors marry perfectly.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

While your sauce is simmering, cook your bucatini or preferred pasta in the boiling salted water until al dente. Be sure to reserve a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the noodles. This pasta water will be your secret weapon to adjust the sauce’s consistency in the final step, helping it cling beautifully to every strand.

Step 6: Finish the Bolognese

Remove the lid from the sauce and raise the heat slightly to maintain a gentle simmer. Stir in the half and half and grated parmesan cheese, cooking for 1–2 minutes until the sauce turns creamy and velvety. Add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce pot and toss everything together to combine. If the sauce feels too thick, add some reserved pasta water gradually until you get the perfect silkiness.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Your Turkey Bolognese Recipe is ready to delight! Serve it straight from the pot while it’s warm and inviting. Load each bowl generously and get creative with toppings for an extra layer of flavor.

How to Serve Turkey Bolognese Recipe

The image shows a close-up view of a pot filled with spaghetti mixed with ground meat sauce. The spaghetti noodles are light brown and soft, tangled throughout the pot. The sauce is a rich red-orange color with chunks of cooked ground meat and small pieces of orange carrots and green celery scattered evenly. The pot is white, and traces of sauce stick to its sides. The background surface is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes elevate this dish from everyday to memorable. Sprinkle grated parmesan or pecorino for a salty pop. Add torn basil or parsley leaves for brightness and aroma. For those who love a hint of heat, crushed red pepper flakes are a fabulous choice. These small finishing touches really bring the flavors together and offer a lovely contrast to the creamy sauce.

Side Dishes

Pair your Turkey Bolognese with a crisp green salad tossed with a lemony vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a warm baguette slathered with butter and herbs works wonderfully to soak up any extra sauce on your plate. Roasted vegetables, like broccoli or asparagus, add some vibrant color and a satisfying crunch alongside the pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, serve the Turkey Bolognese Recipe over creamy polenta or mashed potatoes for a comforting twist. You can also layer it in a baked casserole with mozzarella and bake until bubbly for a lasagna-like treat. If you want to impress, plate it on a large serving platter and garnish with fresh herbs and cheese shavings for a family-style meal everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Turkey Bolognese Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the fresh flavors and prevent drying out. The sauce actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

Freezing

If you want to tuck away some magic for later, freeze the sauce (without pasta) in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags for up to 3 months. Be sure to label and date your containers for easy access when you need a quick dinner solution.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a saucepan over low to medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently until warmed through. If reheating pasta mixed into the sauce, be mindful not to overcook to avoid mushiness.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey in this recipe?

Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great lean substitute and will work well, though the flavor will be slightly milder. Just make sure to brown it properly to develop those beautiful flavors.

What pasta types work best with Turkey Bolognese Recipe?

Bucatini is ideal because its hollow center catches the sauce perfectly, but any sturdy pasta like rigatoni, pappardelle, or even spaghetti will work wonderfully and hold onto this delicious sauce.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Simply skip the half and half and parmesan, or replace them with coconut cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative. The sauce will still be rich and satisfying without the dairy.

How can I make this Turkey Bolognese spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes during the sauce simmering stage or sprinkle extra on top when serving. You can also incorporate a diced chili pepper with the soffritto for a nice heat infusion.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Definitely! Turkey Bolognese Recipe is even better when made ahead because the flavors deepen over time. Store the sauce separately from the pasta and reheat gently before serving.

Final Thoughts

I am so excited for you to try this Turkey Bolognese Recipe because it’s truly a feast of flavors that’s nourishing and comforting without being heavy. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish will bring warmth, satisfaction, and a little Italian magic to your table. Give it a go — your taste buds will thank you!