Description
At its core, this Hidden Veggie Turkey Bolognese is a modern, health-conscious twist on the traditional Italian meat sauce. A standard Bolognese, or ragù alla bolognese, typically relies on a base of onion, celery, and carrot (known as soffritto) sautéed with ground meat and tomato. Our version takes that concept and amplifies the vegetable content significantly.
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb (450 g) ground turkey
1 carrot, finely grated
1 zucchini, finely grated
1 cup mushrooms, very finely chopped (or pulsed in a food processor)
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 can (14–15 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes
½ cup chicken or vegetable broth (optional, for thinning)
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil (or Italian seasoning)
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, adds depth)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
¼ cup milk or cream (optional, for richness)
To serve:
Cooked pasta (spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni)
Grated Parmesan or Pecorino
Instructions
Sauté aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.Brown the turkey
Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink (about 5–6 minutes).Add hidden veggies
Stir in grated carrot, zucchini, and mushrooms. Cook 5–7 minutes until vegetables soften and moisture cooks off.Build the sauce
Add tomato paste and cook 1 minute. Stir in crushed tomatoes, broth (if using), oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper.Simmer
Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.Finish
Stir in milk or cream if using. Adjust seasoning to taste.Serve
Toss with pasta or spoon over noodles. Finish with grated cheese.
Notes
This Hidden Veggie Turkey Bolognese is a family-friendly, nutrient-packed twist on a classic favorite. Finely chopped vegetables melt into the sauce, adding natural sweetness and extra goodness without overpowering the flavor. It’s perfect for meal prep, freezer-friendly, and a great way to sneak more veggies into everyday dinners—especially for picky eaters.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmered
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
Keywords: Vegetable Loaded Turkey Pasta Sauce, Healthy Turkey Ragù, Sneaky Veggie Spaghetti Sauce, Lean Turkey Bolognese with Vegetables