This Ground Turkey Spaghetti is simple, flavorful, and made with pantry staples. This classic spaghetti recipe is done in just 45 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights and easy to freeze for later.
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Whipping up a quick meat sauce is one of my specialties. Growing up, we ate pasta at least once a week -perks of having an Italian father -so I became really good at helping my mom in the kitchen. Now, I'm a pro at getting a decadent meat sauce on the table in under an hour.
Ground turkey is a great option for a leaner meat sauce. This is one of my favorite quick spaghetti sauces to make because it's made with all staple ingredients and I always make a bit extra to keep in the freezer for meal prep and easy reheating.
Key Ingredients
- Mirepoix. Onion, carrots, and celery. Mirepoix is used as the base for many different soups, sauces, and stocks. I use it in my Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup and Chicken Osso Buco.
- Red wine. Adds a rich and robust flavor to the sauce. This is optional, but I highly recommend using it.
- Can crushed tomatoes. I always recommend San Marzano crushed tomatoes.
See the recipe card below for the remaining ingredients and quantities.
Instructions
Step 1: Heat the olive oil & butter in a large pot and soften the mirepoix for a few minutes.
Step 2: Next, add in the salt, garlic, and ground turkey and cook for 5 minutes, until browned.
Step 3: Pour in the red wine (optional), deglaze the bottom of the pot & allow to cook for 5 minutes. Add a 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes, black pepper and basil.
Step 4: Bring the sauce to a boil, turn down the heat to medium-low & simmer for 25 minutes. Serve with spaghetti, and enjoy!
Sarah's Top Tips
- Buy pre-packaged mirepoix to save time on chopping.
- This recipe makes about 6 servings. Leftovers can be stored in the freezer for a few months. Let it defrost in the refrigerator or on the counter for a few hours before reheating. Check out my spaghetti storage tips!
- I highly recommend using fresh basil over dried to brighten up the sauce.
- If the carrots are tender, the sauce is ready! Carrots typically take the longest to cook, so if they are still a little hard, let the sauce simmer for a little longer.
Serving Suggestions
I love this ground turkey spaghetti as is, but the sauce also works beautifully in my Classic Lasagna with Béchamel. If you prefer a meat-free sauce, try my Italian Spaghetti Sauce or Italian Pink Sauce.
If you want to add some extra vegetables, serve brussels sprouts in the air fryer or Roasted Sweet Potato Salad on the side.
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Recipe
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Ground Turkey Spaghetti
See the full post for extra tips and photos
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoons salt
- 1 pound 93% lean ground turkey, (can also use ground beef, ground pork or sausage)
- ½ cup dry red wine, optional (replace with 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar if desired)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil & butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onion, carrots and celery and sauté for 5 minutes while stirring occasionally.2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, 1 yellow onion, 2 carrots, 2 celery stalks
- Add in the salt, minced garlic and ground turkey. Cook while crumbling for 5 minutes.2 garlic cloves, 1 teaspoons salt, 1 pound 93% lean ground turkey
- Pour in the red wine (if using), deglaze the bottom of the pot & allow to cook for 5 minutes. Add in the can of crushed tomatoes, black pepper, and basil.½ cup dry red wine, 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes, 1 tablespoon fresh basil, salt and black pepper to taste
- Bring the sauce to a boil, cover, then turn down the heat to medium-low and simmer for 25 minutes. Season with more salt to taste.
- Serve with spaghetti and top with parmesan cheese, if desired.
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Sarah's Tips
- Wine is optional. You can use a little broth or add a splash of balsamic vinegar as substitutes.
- Doneness cue: When the carrot pieces are tender, the sauce is ready.
KITCHEN TOOLS NEEDED
- Cutting board
Brenda Pullin says
I found the Turkey Spaghetti Recipe. Thank you for posting.
Sarah Hill says
Let me know if you have any questions!
Michael Holt says
Quick, easy and delicious, had it for dinner this evening!
Sarah Holt says
So happy you loved it!