Easy quick dinner recipes are my speciality and this ground turkey bolognese fits the bill! The pasta sauce tastes like it has been simmering for hours but is ready in just 30 minutes! Made with ground turkey and a rich, tomato-based sauce, it’s a twist on the classic Italian favorite without sacrificing taste or comfort. Serve with thick fettuccine noodles, enjoy!

turkey bolognese in a large pan

There are few things in life that I love more than a big bowl of pasta. If I had to choose between a big bowl of soup and a big bowl of pasta, I think pasta wins for me. This 30-Minute Ground Turkey Bolognese Sauce is the real MVP when I just need a warm hug. As a busy home cook, this recipe fits perfectly into our hectic schedule.

Watch how to make it

When it comes to bolognese, I know ground beef is often used (and even preferred). You can totally use ground beef if you want, but I love the how this ground turkey meat sauce really allows for the flavors to shine through. And if you know me, you know that I love recipes using ground turkey.

turkey bolognese served over fettucine on a plate with a fork

And if you came for 30 minute dinner ideas, you’ve come to the right place.

MYTH: You don’t need to slow cook a pasta sauce for hours on end to have a delicious tasting sauce. This recipe is done in 30 minutes and you’ve got dinner on the table.

raw fettuccine noodles on a dark board

What is a good sub for ground turkey?

Ground beef would work really well here. If you want to keep it vegetarian you can also chop up mushrooms in place of the ground meat, tofu or even lentils.

turkey bolognese in a pan with a wooden spoon

Can I freeze turkey bolognese sauce?

YES! This is a fantastic make ahead freezer meal (or freeze leftovers). It will last up to 3 months frozen, then simply defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat when ready to eat.

turkey bolognese in a pan with a wooden spoon

My family requests this meal anytime they feel like having something special and of course I never mind because it’s so simple!

turkey bolognese served over fettucine on a plate with a fork and a wine glass
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fettuccine turkey bolognese

30-Minute Ground Turkey Bolognese Sauce

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 15 reviews
  • Author: Laney Schwartz
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stove Top
  • Cuisine: Italian
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Description

Easy quick dinner recipes are my speciality and this ground turkey bolognese fits the bill! The pasta sauce tastes like it has been simmering for hours but is ready in just 30 minutes! Made with ground turkey and a rich, tomato-based sauce, it’s a twist on the classic Italian favorite without sacrificing taste or comfort. Serve with thick fettuccine noodles, enjoy!

Ingredients

Scale

For the sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, (small dice)
  • 1 medium carrot, (small dice)
  • 3 garlic cloves, (minced)
  • 1 pound ground turkey meat
  • 1.5 teaspoons salt (plus 3 teaspoons for pasta water)
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta water

For the pasta:

  • 3/4 pound fettuccine pasta

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Meanwhile, heat a large pan over medium/high heat. Add the olive oil, onion, carrot, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 5-7 minutes until veggies begin to soften. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
  2. Add the turkey meat, 1 teaspoon salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, and cinnamon and cook until meat is no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
  3. Add the tomato paste and stir to combine. Add the crushed tomatoes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and parsley and simmer (stirring occasionally) for 15 minutes while you cook the pasta.
  4. Once your large pot of water is boiling, add 3 teaspoons of salt to the boiling water and add the pasta. Cook according to the package, about 10-15 minutes.
  5. In the last few minutes of cooking the sauce, add the butter if using and stir until melted. Turn off the heat and add the parmesan cheese, stirring to combine.
  6. Once the pasta is done cooking, reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water to help thin out the sauce if needed. Drain noodles and serve with sauce.

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