This Turkey Bolognese is the ultimate comfort food moment—a hearty, rich sauce brimming with tender ground turkey and a medley of finely diced vegetables that melt seamlessly into every bite. It delivers all the slow-simmered vibes you expect from a classic bolognese, but with a lighter and healthier twist that keeps it feeling balanced and approachable.

A fork holds a bite of spaghetti with meat sauce above a plate of spaghetti bolognese, with cheese wedges and another plate in the background.

I love how adaptable this dish is. Serve it over whole-grain pasta for a familiar favorite, or pair it with spaghetti squash or zoodles when you want something lower in carb—it satisfies every time. The vegetables quietly do a lot of the heavy lifting here, adding natural sweetness and bold texture while boosting the overall nourishment of the dish.

A white pot contains ground meat, chopped onions, celery, carrots, and red bell peppers before being mixed. A metal ladle with celery is nearby, and a cutting board with celery and a small bowl is in the background.

If you love this Turkey Bolognese, try these next…

More weeknight-friendly recipes that follow the same nourishing-but-satisfying approach: 

When I’m hosting or feeding a crowd, this Turkey Bolognese is one of my go-to sauces. It’s familiar, flexible, and easy to scale up—everyone feels taken care of, and I’m not stuck in the kitchen all night.

As a nutritionist, I’m especially drawn to recipes like this that combine protein, vegetables, and gentle simmering—proof that comfort food can still feel good and work hard for you!  And this is one of those sauces that is wonderful straight from the stove, but after a day in the fridge, the flavors deepen and settle into something even more yummy. It also freezes beautifully, making it a true make-ahead hero for busy weeks.

This recipe is also featured on TODAY.com!

A plate of spaghetti topped with meat sauce and grated cheese, garnished with a basil leaf. A fork and spoon rest on the plate. In the background, there is a bowl of plain spaghetti and a small bowl of red pepper flakes.

Looking for a meat-free option? Try this Lentil and Mushroom Bolognese!

(5 stars) 2 ratings

Turkey Bolognese

This hearty sauce is made with lean ground turkey, vegetables, and crushed tomatoes for a cozy, lighter twist on a classic. Freezer-friendly and perfect for weeknights.
Yield: 7 cups
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
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Ingredients
 

  • 1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey, 90 to 94% lean
  • ½ cup celery, finely diced (1 stalk)
  • ½ cup carrots, finely diced (1 small)
  • 1 large onion, finely diced (2 cups)
  • 1 cup red bell pepper, finely diced (1 medium)
  • 1 to 1 ½ cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 4 to 5 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Whole grain pasta
  • Optional garnish: Torn fresh basil leaves and Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • In a heavy bottom pot or Dutch oven, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the turkey and cook, stirring frequently to break it up, about 6 minutes. Add the vegetables and cook for about 8 minutes, stirring frequently (mist with oil spray if the mixture becomes too dry). Veggies will begin to soften and caramelize.
  • Add 1 cup of broth, crushed tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the pan while stirring to combine all the ingredients. Bring to a gentle boil and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Remove lid and cook for another 10 minutes, adding additional broth if needed to reach desired consistency. You want to create a thick rich sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Spoon over pasta and garnish with optional Parmesan and basil.
  • The sauce will last up to 4 days in the fridge or you can freeze for up to 2 months in an airtight container.

Notes

Nutrition provided for 1 cup of Bolognese sauce. If enjoying over pasta, add about 100 calories per half-cup.
Author: Joy Bauer, MS, RDN, CDN

Nutrition Information per serving

Calories: 160Carbohydrates: 14gProtein: 16gTotal Fat: 7g— Unsaturated Fat: 6g— Saturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 330mgFiber: 4gTotal Sugar: 7g— Natural Sugar: 7g— Added Sugar: 0g
Nutrition information is calculated using a leading industry software. That being said, brands can vary, and there may be slight fluctuations in the numbers.
I’m hoping you loved this recipe! If you made it and want to share feedback, I’d be so grateful to hear from you. Please leave a review below or tag @joybauer on Instagram!