Make the Best Spaghetti with Ground Turkey for a Healthy, Delicious Meal

Spaghetti with ground turkey is a nutritious and delicious way to put a flavorful twist on a classic. This protein-packed pasta dish is easy to make, budget-friendly, and sure to please the whole family Here’s everything you need to know to make the best spaghetti with ground turkey recipe for a mouthwatering meal

Why Choose Ground Turkey for Spaghetti

Using lean ground turkey instead of fattier meats like beef or pork sausage offers some key advantages

• Lower in fat and calories: Ground turkey has much less saturated fat than ground beef or pork sausage, cutting calories while still offering great flavor.

• Cost effective: Ground turkey costs less per pound than ground beef, making this budget-friendly dish even more affordable.

• Subtle flavor: While not as bold as beef or sausage, ground turkey takes on seasoning and sauce flavors well.

• Nutritional boost: Ground turkey provides protein, niacin, selenium, vitamins B6 and B12. More nutritious than plain pasta.

Tips for Cooking Flavorful Ground Turkey Spaghetti

Follow these simple tips for maximum flavor when making spaghetti with ground turkey

• Use Italian seasoning blend to amplify flavor. Dried oregano, basil, parsley and thyme work well.

• Sauté the turkey in olive oil instead of butter for added healthy fats and enhanced taste.

• Be careful not to overcook the turkey to prevent dry, tough meat. Cook just until no longer pink.

• Let the sauce simmer so the herbs and spices have time to permeate the sauce.

• Add vegetables like onions, garlic, carrots or mushrooms for extra flavor. Sauté them first before the turkey.

• For a restaurant-worthy sauce, deglaze the pan with a splash of red wine after browning the turkey.

• Finish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a delicious final touch.

Ground Turkey Spaghetti Recipe Ideas

Experiment with different add-ins and flavors to customize your turkey spaghetti:

• Basic: Ground turkey, marinara sauce and Italian seasoning for fast, classic flavor.

• Bolognese style: Cook turkey with carrots, celery, onions and tomato paste for a heartier meat sauce.

• With mushrooms: Earthy sautéed mushrooms pair nicely with mild ground turkey.

• Southwestern: Add taco seasoning, bell peppers, fire-roasted tomatoes and cumin for a zesty kick.

• With spaghetti squash: Swap regular spaghetti for nutrient-dense spaghetti squash strands for a lighter meal.

• One pot: Save time by cooking the pasta right in the sauce instead of boiling separately.

Easy Step-by-Step Turkey Spaghetti Recipe

Follow these simple instructions for how to make delicious turkey spaghetti:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 8 oz spaghetti
• Grated Parmesan

Directions:

1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook onions in oil 3-5 minutes until translucent.

2. Add garlic and turkey. Break up turkey chunks and cook until no longer pink, 5-7 minutes.

3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, red wine, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Simmer 10-15 minutes.

4. Meanwhile, boil salted water and cook spaghetti al dente according to package directions. Drain.

5. Add cooked pasta to sauce. Toss to coat noodles evenly.

6. Serve turkey spaghetti topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

It’s that easy to make a hearty and healthy weeknight meal the whole family will love. Leftovers can be refrigerated for quick lunches or dinners later on.

Cooking Options: Stovetop, Slow Cooker or Instant Pot

This versatile turkey spaghetti can be made three different ways depending on your schedule:

• Stovetop: Quickest option, ready in just 30 minutes. Great for last minute meals but turkey won’t be as tender.

• Slow cooker: Set it and forget it. Turkey comes out very tender and sauce has rich flavor after slow cooking 4-6 hours on low.

• Instant Pot: Another hands-off method if you’re short on time. Be careful not to burn sauce on sauté setting.

Follow recipe instructions carefully for best results with your preferred cooking method.

Simple Variations to Try

• Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta instead of regular spaghetti.

• Stir in chopped spinach at the end for an extra serving of veggies.

• Swap crushed or fire roasted tomatoes for the tomato sauce.

• Add sliced zucchini, riced cauliflower or shredded carrots for hidden veggies.

• Garnish with red pepper flakes, extra parsley or grated Parmesan cheese.

What to Serve with Spaghetti and Turkey Meat Sauce

Round out your Italian-style dinner with these tasty sides:

• Fresh mixed green salad with vinaigrette dressing

• Warm garlic bread for dipping in the sauce

• Roasted broccoli or asparagus

• Italian meatballs

• Sautéed zucchini rounds

A cool, crisp glass of Chianti would make the perfect accompaniment to your spaghetti and meaty turkey sauce. A hearty Cabernet Sauvignon would work nicely too.

Storing and Freezing Leftovers

Properly stored, leftover spaghetti with turkey meat sauce will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat gently before serving. The sauce also freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge or quickly in microwave to reheat.

Give this better-for-you twist on a pasta classic a try. With its lean turkey meat, zesty tomato sauce, and plenty of fresh herbs, this spaghetti with ground turkey recipe makes for a nutritious, protein-packed dinner the whole family can enjoy.

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