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Cozy Hidden Vegetable Turkey Bolognese Easy Family Favorite Recipe

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A comforting and healthy turkey bolognese sauce with hidden vegetables, perfect for busy weeknights and picky eaters. This recipe blends veggies finely into the sauce for a silky texture and rich flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) lean ground turkey (93% lean recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and grated
  • 1 medium zucchini, grated and squeezed to remove excess water
  • 1 small red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 ounces (800g) canned crushed tomatoes, preferably San Marzano
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup (240ml) low sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme mix)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Grate the carrots and zucchini using a box grater or food processor. Place the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. Dice the onion and bell pepper finely. Mince the garlic cloves. (10 minutes)
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and break it up with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary. (7 minutes)
  3. Push the turkey to one side of the pan. Add the onions, carrots, bell pepper, and garlic to the empty side. Cook until softened, around 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. (5 minutes)
  4. Stir in the grated zucchini and cook for another 3 minutes until slightly softened but still vibrant. (3 minutes)
  5. Mix all ingredients in the pan. Stir in tomato paste and canned crushed tomatoes. Pour in the broth, and sprinkle dried Italian herbs, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. (3 minutes)
  6. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, uncovered. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Add more broth or water if sauce becomes too thick. (20-25 minutes)
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Turn off heat and stir in fresh chopped basil or parsley. (2 minutes)
  8. Serve the Cozy Hidden Vegetable Turkey Bolognese over your favorite pasta or veggie noodles. Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Squeeze excess moisture from zucchini to avoid watery sauce. Use 93% lean ground turkey for best moisture balance. Simmer sauce gently and stir occasionally to blend flavors. Leftovers taste better the next day. Add a pinch of sugar or splash of cream if sauce tastes acidic. Can substitute turkey with chicken, lean beef, or plant-based alternatives. For gluten-free, serve over gluten-free pasta or spiralized veggies. Parmesan cheese is optional and can be replaced with plant-based cheese for dairy-free option.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey bolognese, hidden vegetables, family recipe, healthy dinner, weeknight meal, lean turkey, easy pasta sauce, gluten-free option, dairy-free option

Find it online: https://clunkcook.com/cozy-hidden-vegetable-turkey-bolognese-easy-family-favorite-recipe/