High Protein
Homemade Spaghetti With Meat Sauce is a classic for a reason. The sauce is made with tomatoes, ground turkey, and a mix of herbs that simmer until everything blends together. Toss it with pasta and finished with a little cheese on top.
This is the kind of dinner that always works. It’s filling enough for weeknights when you just want something reliable, and it also feels right for weekends when you want to sit down to a hearty meal.
Using lean turkey keeps it on the lighter side without losing that satisfying taste.
This high protein dinner is a great freezer meal!
Why You’ll Love This Spaghetti With Meat Sauce
A Family Classic
This recipe is a reliable option for family dinners that everyone will recognize and enjoy.
Lighter but Filling
Using lean ground turkey makes it a healthier choice without losing the hearty texture of a traditional meat sauce.
Great for Meal Prep
The sauce reheats well, making it a smart option for planning ahead.
Tips and Tricks
Sauce Consistency
If the sauce becomes too thick while simmering, add a splash of water to thin it.
Pasta Timing
Start cooking the spaghetti when the sauce is nearly ready so the pasta doesn’t sit too long before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions
Ground Turkey
You can swap in lean ground beef or ground chicken if preferred.
Dried Herbs
Fresh basil or oregano can replace dried herbs; just double the amount for the same flavor.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring often, until warmed through. The sauce also freezes well for up to 2 months.
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Homemade Spaghetti Sauce With Ground Turkey
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Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 4 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 2 cans (28 ounces each) plum tomatoes undrained, coarsely chopped
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 1½ teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
- 12 ounces uncooked spaghetti
- 20 ounces extra lean ground turkey
- 2 tablespoon Parmesan-Romano cheese grated
Instructions
- Coat a medium pot with cooking spray and place over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes, stirring sometimes.
- Add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes.
- Stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and crushed red pepper if using. Bring to a simmer.
- Simmer uncovered for 25 to 35 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens.
- Cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Drain in a colander and keep warm.
- Coat a large skillet with cooking spray and place over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground turkey and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring and breaking it up with a wooden spoon until no longer pink.
- Stir the cooked turkey into the tomato sauce and cook together for 5 minutes.
- Serve the sauce over the spaghetti. Sprinkle with Parmesan-Romano cheese.
Notes
Sauce Consistency
If the sauce becomes too thick while simmering, add a splash of water to thin it.Pasta Timing
Start cooking the spaghetti when the sauce is nearly ready so the pasta doesn’t sit too long before serving.Ingredient Substitutions
Ground Turkey
You can swap in lean ground beef or ground chicken if preferred.Dried Herbs
Fresh basil or oregano can replace dried herbs; just double the amount for the same flavor.How to Store and Reheat
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring often, until warmed through. The sauce also freezes well for up to 2 months.Nutrition
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