Ina Garten Turkey Bolognese Recipe

Get ready to make a delectable turkey bolognese inspired by Ina Garten’s amazing recipe!

You’ll love the way the lean turkey blends perfectly with the rich tomato sauce and aromatic vegetables.

Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to sauté the onions until they’re soft and translucent; it really makes a difference in flavor.

I find that carrots and celery finely chopped in a food processor save time and effort, ensuring an even texture.

Try pairing this with caesar salad with parmesan croutons for an unforgettable meal.

How to Make Ina Garten Turkey Bolognese

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 Onion (chopped)
• 2 Carrots (chopped)
• 2 Celery Stalks (chopped)
• 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 1/2 lbs Ground Turkey (dark meat)
• 1 cup Whole Milk
• 1 cup Dry White Wine
• 1 can Crushed Tomatoes (28 oz.)
• 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
• 1 tsp Dried Oregano
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
• 1/4 cup Fresh Basil (chopped)
• 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (chopped)
• Parmesan Cheese (for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery.

Cook until they start to soften, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2

Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Stir in the ground turkey.

Cook until the turkey is no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks.

Step 3

Add the whole milk and simmer until it is mostly evaporated.

Pour in the dry white wine and let it cook down for a few minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.

Let the mixture simmer on low heat for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Step 5

Stir in the fresh basil and parsley just before serving.

Sprinkle with parmesan cheese on top and serve your delicious Turkey Bolognese.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Perfectly Chop Veggies

Use a food processor to quickly chop carrots and celery.

It saves time and ensures uniform pieces!

Choose the Right Turkey

Use dark meat for a richer flavor and juicier texture.

It makes all the difference in taste!

Slow Simmering Matters

Let the sauce simmer for at least an hour.

This helps meld all the flavors together beautifully.

Fresh Herbs Last

Add fresh basil and parsley right before serving.

It keeps their flavors vibrant and fresh.

Cheese on Top

Always finish with freshly grated parmesan cheese.

It adds a lovely salty note that complements the bolognese perfectly.

What to Serve with Ina Garten Turkey Bolognese

Simple Green Salad

A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette is always a great choice.

It balances the richness of the bolognese.

Use mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onions.

Garlic Bread

Warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for sopping up the sauce.

Simply slice a baguette, brush with garlic butter, and toast until golden.

Roasted Vegetables

Try a medley of roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots.

The sweetness of the roasted veggies complements the savory bolognese.

Polenta

Creamy polenta is an unexpected but delightful option.

Its creamy texture and subtle flavor pair well with the hearty turkey sauce.

Sauteed Mushrooms

Mushrooms sautéed in butter and herbs add an earthy touch.

They provide a nice contrast in texture and enhance the umami flavors.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein Options

You can swap the ground turkey for other proteins like ground beef, chicken, or pork.

Each option gives a different flavor profile!

Dairy-Free Alternatives

Substitute the milk with almond, oat, or soy milk for a dairy-free version.

These plant-based milks keep the sauce creamy.

Wine Substitutes

Replace white wine with chicken broth if you prefer not to use alcohol.

This keeps the dish flavorful without the wine.

Vegetable Additions

Add finely chopped mushrooms to the mix for an extra earthy taste.

They blend well with the sauce and add a rich texture.

Pasta Choices

Serve the Bolognese over spaghetti, penne, or even zoodles for a lighter option.

Each one complements the sauce differently!

Herbs and Spices

Feel free to experiment with herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme.

These bring new layers of flavor to the dish.

Gluten-Free Options

Use gluten-free pasta or serve it over a bed of rice.

This makes the dish accessible for gluten-sensitive guests.

How to Store Leftover Ina Garten Turkey Bolognese

Storing in the Refrigerator

You should transfer your leftover turkey bolognese to an airtight container.

I find that glass containers work best for keeping the flavor intact.

Make sure to cool the bolognese to room temperature before sealing and refrigerating.

You can safely store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Turkey Bolognese

First, let your leftover bolognese cool completely.

Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers.

Leave some space at the top of your containers to account for expansion as the sauce freezes.

Label each container with the date, and you can freeze the bolognese for up to 3 months.

Thawing Frozen Bolognese

When you’re ready to use the frozen bolognese, transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight.

For quicker thawing, submerge the sealed container in cold water.

Once thawed, always check the sauce for any off smells or changes in texture before using.

Enjoy your delicious leftovers!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Too Much Liquid

One common mistake when making Ina Garten’s Turkey Bolognese is using too much liquid.

The sauce should be a little drier, not overly saucy.

Stick to the recipe amounts for liquids to achieve the right consistency.

Overcooking the Turkey

It’s easy to overcook the turkey, which can make it tough and dry.

Keep an eye on it and cook until it’s just browned, not beyond that.

Skipping the Deglazing Step

Don’t skip deglazing the pan with white wine.

This step adds depth and flavor to your bolognese.

Scrape up those browned bits for a rich taste!