Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a delicious, healthy, and easy meal that won't keep you slaving away in the kitchen? Then look no further! This ground turkey spaghetti recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's packed with flavor, surprisingly quick to make, and a fantastic way to enjoy a homemade meal without the fuss. This recipe delivers a healthy and delicious dish, perfect for the whole family. Get ready to elevate your spaghetti night!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 pound spaghetti
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
-
Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
-
Brown the Turkey: While the spaghetti is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
-
Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
-
Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for at least 15 minutes, or longer for a richer flavor. Stir occasionally.
-
Combine and Serve: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat. Serve immediately, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves (optional).
Tips for the Best Ground Turkey Spaghetti:
- Don't overcook the turkey: Overcooked turkey can become dry. Cook it until it's browned and cooked through, but not dry.
- Use quality ingredients: The better your ingredients, the better your sauce will taste. Look for good quality canned tomatoes.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to your sauce, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Add them along with the onions.
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. A pinch of cayenne pepper can also add a nice kick.
- Make it ahead: This recipe is great for meal prepping. You can make the sauce ahead of time and reheat it when you're ready to serve.
Variations:
- Meatless Monday: Substitute the ground turkey with lentils or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Creamy Delight: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or crème fraîche at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Cheesy Goodness: Add a handful of shredded mozzarella cheese during the last few minutes of simmering.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50g
This easy ground turkey spaghetti recipe is a fantastic option for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner. The simple ingredients combine to create a flavourful and satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy. Enjoy your delicious homemade spaghetti!