Turkey Mince Bolognese with Jar Sauce (Turkey Ragu Pasta)

Turkey ragu pasta or turkey mince bolognese with jar pasta sauce served on a plate

5 from 4 votes

Turkey Mince Bolognese with Jar Sauce (Turkey Ragu Pasta)

This easy bolognese pasta with jar tomato sauce is made with ground turkey for a healthier version of a favorite Italian dish.

Prep Time10

Cook Time35

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Servings: people

Calories: 730kcal

Author: Dr. Nena Stefanovic

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey
½ onion medium, chopped
1 carrot chopped
1 celery stalk large, chopped
1 clove garlic
1 ½ cups tomato sauce in a jar, marinara sauce
½ to 1 cup water
¼ cup red wine optional
¼ cup olive oil extra virgin
salt and black pepper to taste
1 lb pappardelle pasta or any other pasta

Instructions

Saute onion. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook for about 2-3 minutes until they become translucent.
Add vegetables. Add chopped carrots and celery, and sauté for another 5 minutes until the vegetables soften. Mix frequently so the veggies don’t stick to the bottom of the pan and burn.
Add ground turkey. Add the ground turkey to the pan, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until it's browned and cooked through about 5-7 minutes. I typically add salt & pepper at this time.
Add jared tomato sauce. Add 1 ½ cup of jarred tomato sauce and ½ cup of water (you can also add water from the pot where the pasta is cooking). Add minced garlic, stir everything together and bring it to a simmer.
Add red wine (optional). Pour in the red wine (if using) and let it simmer for a couple of minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off.
Simmer the sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the sauce simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld, and the sauce will thicken. If the sauce becomes too thick at any point, add a small amount of water where the pasta was cooking (or tap water) to the desired consistency.
Cook the pasta. While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta in a large pot according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite).
Taste the Bolognese sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Serve. Serve the Bolognese sauce over the cooked pasta and top with grated Parmesan cheese.

Video

Notes

Nutrition information is an estimate and will depend on your specific ingredients.
Ground turkey - it tastes better if you use dark turkey meat, but if you want to keep it lean, ground turkey breast will be fine, although the meat will be on the dry side.
Tomato sauce - I typically use tomato basil pasta sauce from Whole Foods. I never tried making it with tomato paste, but add more water in the next step if you use it. Also, if you want to make your own tomato sauce, puree the fresh tomatoes in a food processor and add the seasoning of your choice (fresh basil, bay leaves, salt and black pepper, or any other fresh herbs).
Pasta - You can use any pasta in this recipe. I used Pappardelle pasta from Trader Joe’s. You can even serve the ground turkey red sauce over zucchini noodles. So yum 😉👌!

FAQ

Is ground turkey a healthier choice than ground beef?

Ground turkey is generally leaner and lower in saturated fat than ground beef, making it a healthier choice for those looking to reduce their fat intake. It's also a good source of protein.

What jarred sauce works best for this dish?

You can choose from various jarred pasta sauces at your local grocery store. Look for one that complements the flavors of turkey and Italian seasonings, such as marinara, tomato basil, or a classic Bolognese sauce.

Can I use any type of pasta with this dish?

Yes, you can use your favorite type of pasta, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, or any other pasta you prefer. The choice of pasta is highly customizable.

Can I freeze any leftover sauce?

Yes, you can freeze leftover turkey mince Bolognese sauce for future use. Just ensure it's stored in an airtight container and labeled with the date for reference.

Nutrition