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If you’re craving a cozy, slow-simmered Bolognese but want something a little lighter and more weeknight-friendly, this Healthy Turkey Bolognese is the answer. It delivers that classic, rich, savory flavor you expect from a traditional Italian meat sauce, but swaps in lean ground turkey for a lighter take that still feels comforting and satisfying.
This recipe is one of those staples you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again, especially when you’re craving a bit of comfort. It’s a simple enough recipe for those busy weeknights, but it can also be served when entertaining friends and family. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile; whether you’re serving it over gluten-free pasta, zucchini noodles, or spaghetti squash, it always hits the spot.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Turkey Bolognese
What makes this recipe so special is how much flavor you get from such simple ingredients. By finely chopping the vegetables and letting everything simmer together, the sauce develops depth without feeling heavy.
A few reasons this recipe works so well:
- Ground turkey keeps things lighter than ground beef, but still delivers plenty of protein
- Finely diced vegetables melt into the sauce for natural sweetness and texture
- Tomato paste and a splash of wine (optional) add rich, savory depth
- Easy to adapt for Whole30, Paleo, or gluten-free diets
- Saves so much time! Many traditional Bolognese simmer for hours over a low flame, but this Turkey Bolognese makes simple swaps to reduce time yet keeps the umami-packed meaty sauce that is so good.
It’s proof that “healthy” doesn’t have to mean boring or lacking in comfort.
Ingredients Needed
Every ingredient in this Healthy Turkey Bolognese serves a purpose — from building flavor to balancing texture and making this dish cozy, rich, and satisfying without heaviness. * Scroll down to the recipe card for full ingredients and details.
- Yellow Onion, Carrot & Celery: Known as mirepoix, this trio forms the sauce’s flavorful base. Finely chopping or processing them helps them melt into the sauce and adds natural sweetness and depth.
- Olive Oil: Keeps the vegetables from sticking and helps begin the flavor base with healthy fats.
- Ground Turkey: The lean protein star of this recipe — it cooks quickly and absorbs the aromatics beautifully.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential to season and balance all the savory layers.
- Dry Red or White Wine (Optional): Adds acidity and umami to deepen the sauce’s complexity. You can leave it out for a Whole30 or alcohol-free version and use extra broth instead.
- Tomato Paste: Intensely flavorful and concentrated, tomato paste gives the sauce its rich umami and vibrant color.
- Bay Leaf: A small addition that contributes aromatic herbal notes as the sauce simmers.
- Chicken Broth: Provides the liquid base to create the sauce and meld all components together.
- Butter (Optional): Adds silkiness and richness at the end — classic in Bolognese — but totally optional, especially if keeping it clean/Whole30.
- Pasta of Choice, Zucchini Noodles, or Spaghetti Squash: To serve with the sauce. Choose gluten-free or vegetable noodles to fit your dietary preference.
- Parmesan Cheese (Optional): A finishing touch that adds salty, creamy flavor — great if not following strict Whole30/Paleo.
How to Make Healthy Turkey Bolognese
This recipe uses a classic, layered technique that builds flavor slowly, so each step matters.
- Prepare the Aromatic Base:
Start by finely chopping the onion, carrot, and celery — either by hand or in a food processor. This helps the vegetables “disappear” into the sauce while still lending sweetness and texture. The extra fine chop ensures they cook down evenly and release their flavor. - Sweat the Vegetables:
Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a medium heavy pot. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery with a pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant. This step builds the aromatic foundation for your sauce. - Brown the Turkey:
Add the ground turkey to the softened veggies. Break it up with a spoon and cook until no pink remains and the edges begin to brown. Browning adds flavor and texture, making this sauce feel rich and satisfying. - Deglaze the Pan:
Pour in the wine if using (you can substitute extra broth instead). Let it simmer for a few minutes until mostly reduced — this unlocks deep flavor from the bottom of the pan. Deglazing pulls up all those browned bits, adding savory complexity. - Build the Sauce:
Stir in the tomato paste until it coats the meat and vegetables evenly. Add the bay leaf and chicken broth, then bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer. The tomato paste adds concentrated tomato flavor, while the broth balances it with a saucy consistency. - Simmer Low and Slow:
Once simmering, reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce cook uncovered for 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors deepen. A low simmer lets the liquids reduce and meld all components together into a rich, cohesive sauce. - Finish and Serve:
Remove and discard the bay leaf. Turn off the heat and stir in butter if you’re using it — this adds richness and a velvety finish. Serve the Bolognese over your favorite pasta, zucchini noodles, or spaghetti squash. Sprinkle with parmesan if desired and enjoy!
How This Bolognese Sauce Builds Big Flavor
This Bolognese recipe comes together using a classic technique: building layers of flavor slowly and intentionally. First, the onion, carrot, and celery are cooked until soft and fragrant, creating a flavorful base. Browning the turkey next adds richness, while tomato paste and broth give the sauce its signature body.
Letting the sauce gently simmer is key. Even just 30 minutes allows the flavors to deepen and concentrate, resulting in a sauce that tastes like it’s been cooking all afternoon.
Flavor Tip
Keep the heat low during the simmer. A gentle bubble helps thicken the sauce without drying out the turkey.
Easy Swaps for Paleo & Whole30
This recipe is naturally flexible and easy to adapt to your eating style. With a few simple swaps, it works for multiple dietary needs.
- Whole30: Skip the wine, butter, and parmesan. Use extra chicken broth instead and serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
- Paleo: Follow the Whole30 swaps and keep it dairy-free.
- Gluten-Free: Serve with gluten-free pasta or veggie noodles.
If you’re cooking for a family, this sauce is also very kid-friendly — especially when the vegetables are finely processed and blend seamlessly into the sauce.
Skip the chopping!
This recipe calls for onions, celery, and carrots to be very finely diced. Instead of spending your time doing it, just toss them in the food processor. This also helps them disappear into the sauce, which can be helpful for picky kids.
Best Way to Serve Turkey Bolognese
This is one of those sauces that pairs well with just about anything. While pasta is always a classic choice, there are plenty of lighter options that work beautifully, too.
Some favorite ways to serve it include:
- Fresh or gluten-free fettuccine
- Zucchini noodles
- Spaghetti squash
- Cauliflower gnocchi
Finish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of parmesan (if not Whole30) for a simple, comforting meal.
Make-Ahead & Freezer Friendly
One of the best things about this Healthy Turkey Bolognese is how well it stores. It tastes even better the next day and freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.
Let the sauce cool completely, then store it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
If you like this healthy Italian-inspired recipe, check out these others:
- Spinach Basil Pesto
- Chopped Antipasto Salad with Chicken
- Spaghetti Carbonara (Gluten-Free)
- Zucchini Spaghetti with Homemade Meat Sauce
Healthy Turkey Bolognese
Ingredients
- 1 medium yellow onion peeled
- 1 medium carrot peeled
- 1 medium celery stalk
- 1 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb. ground turkey
- 1-1/2 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup dry red or white wine
- ½ cup +1 tablespoons tomato paste or ½ slightly heaping cup
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoons butter optional12 ounces gluten-free fresh fettuccine (or pasta-of choice)
- Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Place onion, carrot and celery in a food processor and process until very fine pieces. Alternatively you can dice them very fine.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium pot. Add onion mixture and salt cook for 5 minutes, until sweated down.
- Add turkey, salt, and pepper and cook, breaking up the turkey, until no pink remains, about 5 minutes.
- Add wine and cook until reduced, about 5 minutes.
- Add tomato paste, bay leaf and chicken stock and bring up to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer for 30-35 minutes, until the liquid has reduced and the sauce is slightly thickened.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package instructions.
- Once bolognese is finished, turn off heat and mix in (optional) butter. Taste, and adjust seasoning.
- Toss pasta with 1 cup of bolognese and divide into 4 bowls. Divide remaining bolognese on pasta and sprinkle with (optional) parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For Whole30 omit wine, butter and parmesan cheese. Replace the wine with an equal amount of extra chicken stock. Serve with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
- For Paleo omit cheese and butter and serve with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
We love love this recipe in our house! Have made with Turkey and 93/7 grass fed beef and it is amazing. Served jt for Christmas Eve and everyone loved it too and asked for the recipe!