Spaghetti with Turkey Meat Sauce

Spaghetti with Turkey Meat Sauce Recipe - Italian Cuisine

Region / culture: Italy | Servings: 4

Introduction

Spaghetti with Turkey Meat Sauce is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. This recipe combines lean ground turkey with a flavorful tomato sauce, served over a bed of spaghetti noodles. It is a simple and satisfying meal that is sure to please everyone at the table.

History

Spaghetti with Turkey Meat Sauce is a modern twist on the classic Italian dish, spaghetti bolognese. Traditionally, bolognese sauce is made with ground beef, but this recipe uses lean ground turkey for a healthier alternative. The combination of tomatoes, peppers, onions, and garlic creates a rich and savory sauce that pairs perfectly with the tender turkey meat.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) of lean ground turkey
28 oz (794 g) of whole canned tomatoes
1 cup of green bell pepper
1 cup of onion
2 cloves of garlic
1 tsp of dried oregano
1 tsp of black pepper
1 lb (454 g) of spaghetti pasta

How to prepare

Coat a large skillet with nonstick spray.
Preheat the skillet over high heat.
Add the turkey and cook, stirring occasionally, for five minutes.
Drain and discard the fat.
Stir in the tomatoes with juice, green pepper, onion, garlic, oregano, and black pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat and simmer covered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove the cover and simmer for an additional 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti in unsalted water.
Drain the spaghetti well.
Serve the sauce over the spaghetti.
For a creamier sauce, blend the sauce in a blender or food processor.

Variations

Try using ground chicken or lean ground beef instead of turkey for a different flavor.
Add some chopped mushrooms or zucchini to the sauce for extra vegetables.
Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain and discard the fat after cooking the ground turkey to keep the dish lean and healthy.

- For a creamier sauce, blend the cooked sauce in a blender or food processor before serving.

- To add extra flavor, try adding a splash of red wine or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to the sauce.

- Don't overcook the pasta - be sure to follow the package instructions for the perfect al dente texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Spaghetti with Turkey Meat Sauce with a side salad and some crusty bread for a complete meal. You can also top it with fresh herbs or grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the ground turkey thoroughly to ensure it is safe to eat.

- Simmering the sauce slowly helps to develop the flavors and create a rich and savory dish.

- Cooking the pasta al dente will give it the perfect texture and prevent it from becoming mushy.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of ground meat in place of the turkey, such as chicken, beef, or pork.

- Feel free to customize the vegetables in the sauce to suit your taste preferences.

- Use any type of pasta you like, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving. Cook the pasta fresh when you are ready to eat for the best texture.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Spaghetti with Turkey Meat Sauce in a large pasta bowl, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. You can also add a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a light and crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. You can also serve it with a glass of sparkling water or iced tea for a refreshing beverage option.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat the sauce on the stove or in the microwave until heated through, and cook fresh pasta to serve with it.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Spaghetti with Turkey Meat Sauce contains approximately 350 calories. This makes it a satisfying and filling meal that won't weigh you down.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Spaghetti with Turkey Meat Sauce contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbohydrates come from the pasta, which provides a good source of energy for your body.

Fats

This dish is low in fat, with only about 8 grams of fat per serving. The lean ground turkey helps to keep the fat content down, making it a healthy option for those watching their fat intake.

Proteins

Spaghetti with Turkey Meat Sauce is a great source of protein, with each serving containing around 25 grams. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body, making this dish a nutritious choice for a balanced meal.

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is packed with vitamins and minerals, thanks to the fresh vegetables used in the sauce. Bell peppers are a great source of vitamin C, while onions and garlic provide antioxidants and other beneficial nutrients.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the pasta, and may also contain allergens such as dairy if you choose to add cheese to the dish. Be sure to check for any specific allergens that may affect you or your family members.

Summary

Overall, Spaghetti with Turkey Meat Sauce is a well-balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, protein, and essential nutrients. It is a healthy and delicious option for a family dinner or a cozy night in.

Summary

Spaghetti with Turkey Meat Sauce is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. This recipe is easy to make and full of flavor, making it a great option for a satisfying meal. Enjoy this hearty and healthy dish with your loved ones today!

How did I get this recipe?

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I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Spaghetti with Turkey Meat Sauce. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins, who lived down the street. Mrs. Jenkins was well-known for her delicious home-cooked meals and she had invited me over for lunch that day.

As I walked into her kitchen, the aroma of garlic and tomatoes wafted through the air, making my mouth water. Mrs. Jenkins greeted me with a warm smile and a hug, and then she led me to the dining table where she had already set out two bowls of steaming spaghetti with turkey meat sauce.

I took a bite of the pasta and instantly fell in love with the flavor. The ground turkey was tender and juicy, the tomato sauce was rich and savory, and the spaghetti was perfectly cooked al dente. I couldn't help but ask Mrs. Jenkins for the recipe.

She chuckled and said, "Oh, it's nothing special, just a simple recipe I picked up from my grandmother. Would you like me to write it down for you?"

I eagerly nodded and watched as Mrs. Jenkins scribbled down the ingredients and instructions on a piece of paper. She explained each step in detail, from browning the ground turkey to simmering the sauce for hours to allow the flavors to meld together.

I thanked Mrs. Jenkins profusely and promised to make the dish for my own family. As I walked back home, I couldn't stop thinking about the delicious spaghetti with turkey meat sauce and how I couldn't wait to recreate it in my own kitchen.

When I got home, I immediately set to work gathering the ingredients and following Mrs. Jenkins' instructions to a tee. As the sauce bubbled away on the stove, filling my kitchen with the same enticing aroma as Mrs. Jenkins', I felt a sense of satisfaction and contentment wash over me.

When the spaghetti with turkey meat sauce was finally ready, I ladled generous portions into bowls and called my family to the dinner table. The looks of delight on their faces as they took their first bites made all the effort worth it.

From that day on, spaghetti with turkey meat sauce became a staple in our household. I made it for special occasions and for simple weeknight dinners alike. Each time, my family would eagerly gather around the table, savoring every mouthful and showering me with compliments.

Over the years, I have tweaked the recipe here and there, adding a pinch of this or a dash of that to suit my family's tastes. But the core of the recipe, the flavors that drew me in on that fateful day at Mrs. Jenkins' house, has remained the same.

I am grateful to Mrs. Jenkins for sharing her family recipe with me and for inspiring me to become a better cook. I have since passed down the recipe for spaghetti with turkey meat sauce to my children and grandchildren, hoping that they too will find joy in cooking and in sharing delicious meals with their loved ones.

In the end, it's not just about the food itself, but about the memories and the connections that are made around the dinner table. And for that, I will always be thankful for discovering this recipe for spaghetti with turkey meat sauce.