Making a ground turkey spaghetti meal has become a staple in my kitchen, passed down from my mom over the years. It’s not your usual spaghetti recipe with store-bought pasta sauce. Instead, we opt for a homemade touch, using Italian herbs and spices, along with sautéed onions, garlic, and juicy tomatoes. The result? A delicious and flavorful sauce that truly makes this dish stand out from the rest. Whether you’re cooking for just a few or for a larger crowd, this is one of the easiest recipes to prepare, and it’s made with just 6 simple ingredients.
For those looking for a simple yet flavorful meal, the ground turkey spaghetti sauce is packed with taste while also being a healthier option compared to traditional meat sauces made with sausage or ground beef. With a focus on protein, it’s an ideal dish to enjoy throughout the week. Whether you’re cooking on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or using the Instant Pot, it’s the perfect combination of convenience and flavorful ingredients. And don’t forget, it only takes 30-minutes to make, so you can have dinner ready in no time!
In my experience, this recipe is often my favorite way to enjoy spaghetti meat sauce. From start to finish, it comes together in just about 25 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick dinner with 4-6 people, and the best part is, it makes amazing leftovers! Just store them in the fridge for 2-3 days, and you’ve got an easy meal ready to go. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual dinner gathering, this recipe is sure to impress.
Turkey Spaghetti Simplified-The Short Answer
Ground Turkey Spaghetti Recipe (Ingredients)
When making a delicious ground turkey spaghetti, the secret to creating a perfect dish is balancing the lean ground turkey with the rich flavors of herbs and spices. Whether you’re using 93% ground turkey or 85% ground turkey, this dish will be both healthy and flavorful. The key is to ensure that the ground turkey breast stays juicy and tender, as it takes on the flavors of your sauce.
Ingredients for Ground Turkey Spaghetti
To start off, you’ll need some basic spaghetti pasta—whether it’s the traditional thin spaghetti or something lighter like angel hair pasta. In addition to that, here are some essential ingredients for the sauce:
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil for sautéing
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 ½ pounds of ground turkey or a mix of ground turkey and ground Italian sausage
- Italian seasoning (1 ½ tablespoons), dried oregano, dried basil, and dried parsley for that aromatic base
- Spaghetti seasoning packs or a homemade blend using paprika (2 teaspoons), garlic powder (1 teaspoon), and onion powder (1 teaspoon) for a bit of extra flavor
- Tomato paste (1 tablespoon) and diced tomatoes (1 14.5 oz. can) to create the rich tomato base
- Tomato sauce (1 8 oz. can), crushed tomatoes (1 28 oz. can), and a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity
- Kosher salt (1 ¼ teaspoons) and black pepper to taste
Once you have these essentials ready, add in some finishing touches:
- ½ cup of reserved pasta water for consistency
- A splash of balsamic vinegar or red wine to enhance the depth of flavor
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese for that perfect sprinkle on top
As you simmer your sauce, the aroma of garlic, onions, and tomatoes will take over the kitchen, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The ground turkey will absorb all the wonderful spices and sauce, while the spaghetti pasta soaks up the rich, tangy goodness. You can even try adding a large grated carrot or fresh basil for an extra burst of freshness.
This is a go-to meal that not only satisfies your hunger but also packs a punch with healthy ingredients. I personally love how lean ground turkey gives this spaghetti a light, yet fulfilling feel without the heaviness of ground beef or ground Italian sausage.
How To Make Ground Turkey Spaghetti
Making homemade spaghetti with ground turkey is a quick, satisfying, and healthy meal. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making it from scratch while ensuring we include all the necessary ingredients and techniques for a perfect dish!
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Start by boiling your pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to reserve about ½ cup of water before draining the pasta in a colander. This water will help thicken the sauce later on, especially if it’s too thick.
- Once cooked, set the pasta aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Turkey
- Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant.
- Add the ground turkey and cook until it’s fully browned, breaking it apart to ensure even cooking. Season the meat with kosher salt (about ¼ teaspoon) and other spices.
Step 3: Season the Meat
- Add Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to the ground turkey. Stir well to combine the flavors.
- Once seasoned, add a spoonful of tomato paste and some of the reserved pasta water. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes so the flavors can develop and blend together.
Step 4: Prepare the Tomato Sauce
- After the turkey has simmered, add in diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. You may also want to add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Let the sauce simmer for about 4-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. If you’re cooking for longer, you can let it simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours in a slow cooker, or use high pressure in an Instant Pot for 8 minutes with quick release.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
- Once the sauce is ready, combine the cooked pasta with the sauce and mix well to coat every piece.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and grated parmesan cheese for a burst of flavor.
- You can serve this dish with a side of garlic bread, a side salad, or any vegetable of your choice. Enjoy!
Tips:
- If you want to add some extra flavor to the dish, drizzle some balsamic vinegar over the vegetables, or incorporate a few chopped carrots for a touch of sweetness.
- If you’re in a hurry, you can skip the simmering and use marinara sauce instead of making the sauce from scratch for a quicker meal.
Notes & Nutrition
Choosing the Right Turkey Meat
When preparing ground turkey spaghetti, the type of ground turkey meat you use can make all the difference. It’s best to go for 85% or 93% lean ground turkey. These choices give you a nice balance of lean protein while maintaining the right amount of fat for flavor. If you opt for leaner cuts like turkey breast, you may miss out on some of the fat needed for richness.
- 85% or 93% lean provides the perfect fat content.
- Turkey breast might be too lean, lacking flavor.
- Prep your spaghetti seasoning by mixing spices in a small bowl to save time during cooking.
Nutrition Breakdown
One serving of this meal is surprisingly nutritious. For example, a single serving (about 1serving) delivers about 277kcal, with 36g of carbohydrates, 24g of protein, and 5g of fat. It’s low in cholesterol (42mg) and sodium (495mg), and provides a decent amount of fiber (3g) and sugar (5g).
Here’s a quick look at the breakdown:
- Calories: 277kcal
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 5g (healthy fats)
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
Larger Servings and Enhanced Nutritional Value
If you’re cooking for more people or need a heartier meal, you can easily scale up the recipe. For instance, a serving for 6 could provide about 471kcal, 58g of carbohydrates, and 31g of protein. It would also contain 12g of fat, which includes healthy fats like polyunsaturated and monounsaturated.
The added saturated fat (3g) is still manageable, while the dish provides a solid amount of essential nutrients:
- Cholesterol: 84mg
- Sodium: 587mg
- Potassium: 449mg
- Vitamin A: 106IU
- Calcium: 49mg
- Iron: 3mg
If you’re aiming for even more energy, a serving with 628kcal and 44g of protein is also a great option. This will keep you full longer and provide plenty of nutrients like potassium (681mg) and vitamin A (1423IU), along with a bit of trans fat (0.02g) and sugar (6g).
Key Takeaways
- 85% or 93% lean ground turkey offers the best balance of flavor and nutrition.
- Prep your spaghetti seasoning ahead of time to save time.
- A typical 1serving provides a nutritious balance of protein, carbs, fiber, and healthy fats.
- Larger servings provide more calories and protein for a filling, nutrient-dense meal.
Variations You Can Try
As a food explorer, I am trying my best to tell you all homemade recipes that you can enjoy at minimum cost and in hygienic way. I am giving you my other recipes which are related to Pasta & Rice Hub. Some other recipes are giving below:
Unstuffed Peppers Recipe With a Twist You Must Try
Crockpot Million Dollar Pasta With a Secret Upgrade-Try It!
Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups: The Cheesiest Bite You’ll Ever Try
Easy Spaghetti Salad Recipe with Italian Dressing for Summer
I hope you will visit all these recipes and enjoy my recipes because it will boosts your craze for homemade products. I also bet that when you try first time it will boost your taste and you will become addictive to these recipes. I will recommend you that instead of this category you will visit my other categories such as Chef’s Specials , Spice & Seasonings, Brew Boosts, Sweet Cravings. These recipes will also boosts your taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use ground turkey in spaghetti?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef in spaghetti. It’s a lighter and healthier option that keeps the classic dish intact. Simply brown the ground turkey with onions and vegetables, add spaghetti sauce, and let it simmer before serving over cooked pasta.
Is spaghetti with ground turkey healthy?
Yes, spaghetti with ground turkey is healthier than traditional versions made with ground beef or ground sausage. Ground turkey is a lighter protein, lower in fat, and packed with vitamins and nutrients, making it a great choice for a nutritious meal.
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef for spaghetti?
Yes, replacing ground beef with ground turkey reduces the fat content while maintaining flavor. The addition of Italian seasoning, garlic, and parmesan cheese gives the sauce a delicious taste, making it a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor.
What is the unhealthiest pasta dish?
Spaghetti Bolognese with meatballs is one of the unhealthiest pasta dishes. It can have a plateful of calories and over 4,000 mg of sodium, making it an unhealthy choice for a meal.
How do I add flavor to ground turkey?
You can add flavor to ground turkey with kosher salt, pepper, garlic powder, and olive oil. For turkey taco meat, try adding hot sauce or enchilada sauce for extra flavor, and bell peppers can enhance the taste and texture.
What spices enhance ground turkey pasta?
Garlic powder, Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, parsley, basil, and rosemary), and marinara sauce with its tomato flavor are perfect for enhancing ground turkey pasta. These spices add savory, earthy, and peppery notes to the dish.
Why do bodybuilders eat ground turkey?
Ground turkey is popular with bodybuilders because it’s a lean meat full of protein and has a low carb and fat content. It’s perfect for building muscle without adding excess fat, providing a clean source of protein without any nasties.
