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ground turkey bolognese pasta in a bowl garnished with parsley and parmigiano reggiano

High Protein Turkey Bolognese

Extra lean ground turkey simmered with aromatics, tomatoes, Calabrian chiles, herbs, and spices for a rich meat sauce perfect for high protein pastas, lasagna, and more.
4.67 from 6 votes
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 10 Servings
Calories: 240kcal
Author: Mason Woodruff

Ingredients

  • 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 1 medium Onion diced
  • 5 medium Carrots peeled and diced
  • 2 stalks Celery diced
  • 2 teaspoons Kosher Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 4 cloves Garlic minced or crushed
  • 2 Tablespoons Calabrian Chiles or tomato paste
  • 2 pounds Extra Lean Ground Turkey
  • 1 1/2 cup Dry White Wine or chicken broth with 1-2 tablespoons vinegar or lemon juice
  • 28 oz can Crushed Tomatoes
  • 2 cups Whole Milk
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon Allspice
  • 3 Bay Leaves

For Finishing

  • 2 Tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar
  • 1 Tablespoon Fish Sauce optional
  • 1-2 handfuls Freshly Chopped Parsley

Instructions

  • Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add the onion, celery, carrots, salt, and pepper. Sweat the vegetables for 6-8 minutes, stirring often, until they have started to soften. Add the garlic and Calabrian chiles and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground turkey. Break it apart and cook for another 5-6 minutes until the turkey is fully cooked and no pink remains.
  • Once the turkey is cooked, add the wine and cook for another 8-10 minutes until it's mostly evaporated.
  • Add the tomatoes, milk, Italian seasoning, allspice, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot but leave the lid slightly open, and simmer for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  • Once the liquid has reduced and the bolognese has thickened, add the balsamic vinegar and the optional fish sauce and fresh herbs. Salt to taste or add freshly grated parmigiano reggiano or parmesan cheese before serving.
  • To serve with pasta, cook your choice of pasta in salted water just shy of al dente. Toss the cooked pasta with the bolognese and a small amount of pasta water until the sauce coats the pasta. Garnish with fresh herbs and parmigiano reggiano or parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

Serving: 1heaping cup (about 9 oz) | Calories: 240kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 8g