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  7. Turkey Bolognese
Turkey Bolognese

Turkey Bolognese

Lighter Italian meat sauce using ground turkey — still rich and deeply savory. Perfect weeknight pasta.

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Jump to Instructions ↓
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Prep20 min
Cook25 min
Protein34g
Calories440
Carbs44g
Fat16g

Per serving · Adjust servings below to scale ingredients

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🥗Ingredients

4 servings

Bolognese

  • 500g ground turkey
  • 1 onion, diced fine
  • 2 carrots, diced fine
  • 2 celery stalks, diced fine
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 400g canned crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 150ml chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Italian herbs
  • Salt and pepper

Pasta

  • 350g pappardelle or tagliatelle
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil

👨‍🍳Instructions

  1. 1

    Mix all meatball ingredients gently. Form into 16-20 meatballs (don't overwork).

  2. 2

    Sear meatballs in olive oil 2-3 minutes per side until browned. They don't need to be cooked through.

  3. 3

    Heat marinara sauce in a large pan with garlic.

  4. 4

    Add browned meatballs to sauce. Simmer 15-20 minutes until meatballs are cooked through.

  5. 5

    Serve over spaghetti or in sub rolls with extra parmesan and fresh basil.

📊Nutrition per serving

Values are per 1 serving and stay fixed regardless of the servings adjuster above — use the adjuster to scale ingredients only.

Calories440
Protein34g
Carbs44g
Fat16g
Fiber4g

💪Protein & Nutrition Breakdown

Turkey is one of the leanest animal proteins available, with a similar amino acid profile to chicken but often slightly higher in selenium — an antioxidant mineral that supports thyroid function and immune health. Ground turkey and turkey breast are both excellent bases for high-protein meals. Each serving of Turkey Bolognese delivers 34g of protein at 440 calories — that's 13 calories per gram of protein, making it one of the more efficient protein sources on this site. Protein accounts for roughly 31% of total calories in this dish. The 44g of carbohydrates per serving provide energy for training, making this a well-rounded meal both pre- and post-workout. The 16g of fat primarily comes from the cooking method and protein source itself, contributing to satiety and supporting fat-soluble vitamin absorption.

🥡Meal Prep & Storage

Turkey Bolognese is a straightforward recipe that scales well for meal prep. This recipe makes 4 servings, each delivering 34g of protein and 440 calories — ideal for tracking macros across the week. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave in 90-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through. Adding a small splash of water or broth prevents the protein from drying out during reheating. Turkey Bolognese also freezes well — portion into individual freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Batch cooking a double or triple portion on the weekend means you have 34g-protein meals ready throughout the week with zero daily effort.

💡 Tips & Notes

  • •Wet your hands when forming meatballs to prevent sticking.
  • •Parmesan and egg keep them moist.
  • •Bake at 200°C for 20 min as an alternative to pan-frying.

Variations

  • →Use half turkey, half pork for more flavor.
  • →Make them into a meatball sub.
  • →Serve with zucchini noodles for low-carb.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Turkey Bolognese keep in the fridge?

Turkey Bolognese keeps well for 4-5 days refrigerated. The flavors actually improve overnight as the spices meld together. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Can I use chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, ground chicken is a direct swap. Turkey is slightly leaner with a milder flavor. You won't need to adjust cooking times or seasoning amounts.

Why isn't my protein browning properly?

The pan must be hot before the protein goes in — add oil and wait until it shimmers. Pat the protein completely dry first (moisture prevents browning). Don't crowd the pan; cook in batches with space between each piece.

high proteinmeal prep

Recipe by

BoBo Chef

Fitness enthusiast and home cook. Every recipe is tested in a real kitchen and macro-verified before publishing.

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