This lean meat sauce is made with ground turkey instead of ground beef, and it’s just as tasty! Plus, finely chopped mushrooms are mixed into the sauce for a sneaky way to add more veggies.
Serve this healthy and hearty sauce with your favorite whole-wheat pasta or over polenta with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
This ground turkey meat sauce is perfect for meal prep. You can refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to three days. If you want to store it longer, freeze the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
To reheat, simply microwave it or warm it up in a saucepan over low heat until it’s hot. If frozen, let the sauce thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Ground Turkey Meat Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- ¼ cup Olive oil
- ½ White onion chopped
- 1 Tomato chopped
- 6 Basil leaves finely chopped
- 4 cloves Garlic minced or pressed
- 1 pound ground Turkey
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp Oregano
- 2 15- ounce cans Tomato sauce
- ½ 6- ounce can Tomato paste
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Saute Veggies: Add the chopped onion, tomato, basil, and garlic. Saute until the onion begins to soften, about 5 minutes.
- Cook Turkey: Add the ground turkey, Italian seasoning, and oregano. Cook and stir until the turkey is completely browned, about 7 to 10 minutes.
- Add Tomato Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 20-25 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Finish Sauce: Stir in the tomato paste and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional minute or two.
- Serve: Serve the sauce over your favorite pasta. Enjoy!
Notes
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Freeze: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutrition Facts:
Nutrition | Value |
---|---|
Calories | 220 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 13g |
Protein | 22g |
Fat | 10g |
Cholesterol | 43mg |
Sodium | 824mg |
Calcium | 42mg |
Can I Make This Sauce Ahead of Time and Store It?
Yes, you can make this ground turkey meat sauce ahead of time. After cooking, let it cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove when you’re ready to use it.
Can I Customize the Ingredients in This Recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is quite versatile. You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
If you prefer a spicier sauce, you can add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce. For a richer flavor, consider using fresh herbs like oregano or parsley in addition to the basil. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.