Easy Turkey Bolognese (With Hidden Veg)

Turkey Bolognese is perfect when you crave the richness of traditional bolognese, but want something lighter. Quick to prepare and packed with ‘hidden’ veggies, this is a family favourite you need in your dinner rotation.

Everyone has their favourite beef Bolognese recipe, but they normally require at least an hour of simmering to get that typical rich flavour. This easy Turkey bolognese only needs 20 minutes of simmer time, and the extra vegetables in the sauce help to keep it light and fresh.

Turkey Spaghetti

Turkey is not just for Christmas! This light and tasty bolognese recipe uses turkey breast mince (or you could also use thigh mince or a mix of both). Turkey mince is lower in saturated fat than beef mince but still high in protein. It is also a great source of B Vitamins, selenium, zinc, and phosphorus.

If you are looking for more great turkey mince recipes you need to try these Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs.

Ingredients

Full ingredients list with quantities is included in the recipe card below. These are some helpful notes about the main ingredients including some swaps and substitutes where applicable.

• Turkey Mince (Ground Turkey) – you can use breast or leg mince, or a mixture.
• Chopped Tomatoes – or tinned cherry tomatoes.
• Onion – either red or white onion works well.
• Carrot – I prefer to grate the carrots, but you can also dice them if preferred.
• Courgette/Zucchini – again, grate or dice to your preference.
• Bell Pepper – I love a red bell pepper, but you can also use yellow or orange. I would avoid a green pepper for this bolognese.
• Garlic, dried basil and dried oregano – for added flavour.
• Fresh parsley and/or basil – for added flavour, freshness and garnish
• Chicken Stock – I prefer to use a low salt stock cube.
• Spaghetti – Bolognese loves spaghetti, but most pasta works well.

Substitutes and Add-Ins

• This is a great recipe to use up extra vegetables hanging around the fridge – diced mushrooms or sliced cherry tomatoes would be a great addition. Add some diced chilli in with the peppers for a nice kick if you love food with some spice.
• Try stirring in some sliced green olives to serve – I know olives can be divisive but if you like them then please trust me on this one.
• Instead of turkey mince use chicken mince or your preferred vegetarian mince.

How to Serve

Of course the obvious choice is spaghetti. But this bolognese works well with pretty much any type of pasta. You could use wholemeal, chickpea or lentil pasta for added fibre. Try courgette/zucchini noodles or a 50/50 mix for a lighter meal.

I love using turkey bolognese to make lasagne with herby ricotta and plenty mozzarella.

My family always tops bolognese with a sprinkle of parmesan or pecorino cheese. Cheddar or mozzarella are great too. I also love to top my pasta dishes with fresh herbs – basil or parsley work best here.

Looking for more easy pasta dishes? You will love these:

• Aubergine Ragu
• Tuna Pasta Bake with Leeks & Cheddar
• Chilli Prawn Linguine
• Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Pasta
• Bacon & Mushroom Carbonara

Easy Turkey Bolognese

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Turkey Bolognese is perfect when you crave the richness of traditional bolognese, but want something lighter. Quick to prepare and packed with 'hidden' veggies, this is a family favourite you need in your dinner rotation.

Carrie Carvalho

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Simmer Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 40 minutes minutes

Servings 6 servings

Ingredients

• 500 gram (1 lb) turkey breast mince
• 1 400g tin (1 14oz can) tin of chopped tomatoes
• 500 ml (2 cups) chicken stock made from 1 stock cube
• 1 white onion diced
• 2 carrots grated or diced
• 1 courgette/zucchini grated or diced
• 1 red or yellow pepper diced
• 1 tbsp tomato puree
• 2 cloves garlic diced
• ½ tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• 2 tbsp olive or vegetable oil
• fresh chopped basil or parsley to garnish
• 500 gram (1 lb) spaghetti or your preferred pasta shape

Instructions

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• Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat and add the onions. Cook for about 5 minutes until beginning to soften. Stir in the dried basil and oregano.
• Add the turkey mince to the pan and cook for another 4-5 minutes until it is browned all over, breaking it up with a spatula or wooden spoon as it cooks.
• Add the carrot, courgette, pepper and garlic then stir in the tomato puree.
• Pour in the tinned tomatoes and chicken stock and stir well.
• Simmer, uncovered, for a minimum of 20 minutes.
• While the bolognese is simmering, cook the pasta to packet instructions.
• Toss the pasta with the bolognese to serve and garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley.

Notes

This bolognese sauce will keep in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

This recipe is great to make ahead and freeze. Allow to cool and transfer to a freezer safe container. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating on the hob until piping hot – you may wish to add a splash of water when reheating. 

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