Quick & Cozy Ina Garten Turkey Bolognese Recipe For Dinner Joy

A soul-warming turkey bolognese transforms ordinary weeknight cooking into a culinary adventure.

Dark, juicy turkey meat elevates this classic Italian sauce with unexpected richness and depth.

Layered Mediterranean flavors mingle effortlessly, creating a symphony of taste that dances across your palate.

Lean protein meets vibrant vegetables, crafting a nutritious meal that doesn’t compromise on satisfaction.

Simmering herbs and spices infuse the sauce with complex, robust character that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

Every forkful tells a story of tradition reimagined, blending home-style simplicity with gourmet finesse.

This isn’t just dinner, it’s a delicious journey waiting to unfold on your plate.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 605 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Turkey Bolognese

• Onion: Select a firm, heavy bulb with no soft spots or sprouting.
• Carrots: Choose bright orange, crisp carrots without any blemishes.
• Celery Stalks: Pick bright green, sturdy stalks with fresh, tight leaves.
• Garlic: Look for firm, plump cloves without any green sprouts.

• Ground Turkey: Pick fresh, lean meat with a consistent light pink color.
• Parmesan Cheese: Select a hard, aged wedge with a complex, nutty aroma.
• Milk: Choose whole milk for richer, creamier sauce texture.

• White Wine: Select a dry, crisp variety that complements the turkey's flavor.
• Tomato Paste: Find a concentrated, deep red paste without added preservatives.
• Bay Leaves: Pick whole, fragrant leaves with no signs of discoloration.
• Olive Oil: Choose cold-pressed, extra virgin for best flavor profile.
• Butter: Select unsalted, high-quality dairy for smoother consistency.

• Fusilli Pasta: Choose bronze-cut pasta for better sauce adherence.

Equipment Required for Turkey Bolognese

• Large Skillet: Heavy-bottomed pan for sautéing and browning ingredients evenly.
• Food Processor: Quick tool for finely chopping vegetables with minimal effort.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for preparing vegetables and handling ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp blade for precise vegetable and ingredient chopping.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring and breaking up ground turkey while cooking.
• Measuring Cups: Ensures accurate liquid and ingredient measurements.
• Oven-Safe Skillet: Allows seamless transition from stovetop to oven for slow cooking.
• Pasta Pot: Large pot for boiling fusilli pasta to al dente perfection.
• Colander: Essential for draining pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Serving Bowls: Warm dishes to present the final turkey pasta creation.
• Cheese Grater: Tool for creating fresh, fluffy Parmesan cheese topping.

Step-by-Step Turkey Bolognese Instructions

• Kick Off the Culinary Adventure

Fire up your oven to a cozy 300°F while preparing a large skillet with a butter and olive oil dance. This sets the stage for a mouthwatering turkey sauce.

• Build Flavor Foundations

Chop onions, carrots, and celery into tiny pieces using a food processor. Toss these veggie heroes into the sizzling skillet with minced garlic, letting them soften and release their aromatic magic for a quick 1-2 minutes.

• Transform the Meat

Introduce ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it into delicate pieces. Watch it brown and develop a gorgeous caramel color, infusing deep richness into the sauce.

• Craft a Luxurious Sauce

Splash in white wine, tomato paste, and milk. Tuck in bay leaves and a Parmesan rind for extra depth. Season with salt and pepper, then let everything simmer and mingle for 3-4 minutes.

• Slow Roast to Perfection

Cover the skillet and slide it into the warm oven. Let it bake for 45 minutes, allowing flavors to intertwine and develop complexity. Remove bay leaves and Parmesan rind before serving.

• Marry Pasta and Sauce

Cook fusilli until perfectly al dente. Drain and return to the pot, adding a touch of pasta water, butter, and grated Parmesan. Toss until the pasta becomes gloriously creamy.

• Serve with Celebration

Combine the pasta with your luscious turkey sauce. Stir until every strand is lovingly coated. Plate in warm bowls and crown with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Tasty Variations for Ina’s Turkey Bolognese

• Boost Your Cooking Skills: Pro Tips for Perfect Turkey Pasta
• Meat Moisture Magic: Select ground turkey with a slightly higher fat content (around 85/15) to ensure your sauce stays juicy and flavorful without becoming dry.
• Wine Wisdom: Choose a crisp, dry white wine like pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc that complements the turkey's delicate flavor and adds depth to the sauce.
• Pasta Water Prowess: Reserve a cup of starchy pasta water before draining; this liquid gold helps create a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to fusilli.
• Cheese Upgrade: Experiment with different hard cheeses like pecorino romano or aged asiago instead of traditional Parmesan for a unique flavor twist.

How to Plate Turkey Bolognese Beautifully

• Pair Perfectly with Fresh Salad: Toss a crisp green salad with mixed herbs, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to complement the rich turkey sauce and add freshness to the meal.
• Enhance with Crusty Bread: Serve warm, crusty Italian bread or garlic toast on the side to soak up the delicious sauce and add a delightful textural contrast.
• Wine Pairing Pleasure: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to balance the robust flavors of the turkey and enhance the overall dining experience.
• Garnish with Herb Freshness: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top to brighten the dish, add a pop of color, and bring a vibrant herbal note to the meal.

Meal Planning & Storage for Turkey Bolognese

• Maximize Meal Prep: Strategic Storage Solutions
• Cook larger batches and portion the turkey sauce and pasta into individual containers. Refrigerated meals stay fresh for 3-4 days, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
• Freeze Like a Pro: Long-Term Preservation
• Separate sauce and pasta before freezing to maintain optimal texture. Store in airtight containers for up to 2 months, ensuring quick and delicious meals are always within reach.
• Revive Leftovers: Reheating Techniques
• Gently reheat refrigerated pasta with a splash of pasta water or broth to restore moisture. Microwave in short intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying.
• Smart Ingredient Management
• Keep Parmesan rind and fresh herbs in sealed containers in the refrigerator. Use within a week to maintain peak flavor and prevent waste, maximizing your culinary investment.

Hearty Ina Garten Turkey Bolognese Recipe

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4.5 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s turkey bolognese delivers rich, hearty flavors from classic Italian cuisine. Simmered with aromatic herbs and tender ground turkey, this comforting sauce invites you to savor a delicious meal that feels like a warm culinary embrace.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) dark turkey meat
• 1 lb (454 g) fusilli pasta
• 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter, plus a bit more for later
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 cup (240 ml) dry white wine
• 1 can (6 oz/170 g) tomato paste
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 small carrots or 2 large, coarsely chopped
• 3 stalks celery, coarsely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 Parmesan rind
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 0.5 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and gather all ingredients for a seamless cooking experience.
2. Aromatic Foundation: In a large skillet, gently melt butter and olive oil, then introduce finely chopped onions, allowing them to become translucent and fragrant.
3. Vegetable Medley: Pulse carrots and celery in a food processor, then add to the skillet with minced garlic, sautéing briefly to release their essential flavors.
4. Protein Integration: Fold ground turkey into the vegetable mixture, browning thoroughly and creating a rich, caramelized texture that develops depth of flavor.
5. Flavor Layering: Deglaze the skillet with white wine, then incorporate tomato paste, milk, bay leaves, and Parmesan rind. Season with salt and pepper, allowing the ingredients to meld and simmer for several minutes.
6. Slow-Cooking Process: Cover the skillet and transfer to the preheated oven, letting the sauce develop its complex flavors for 45 minutes. Remove bay leaves and Parmesan rind upon completion.
7. Pasta Preparation: Cook fusilli in salted water until al dente, reserving a small amount of pasta water before draining.
8. Final Assembly: Return pasta to the pot, introducing a splash of reserved water, a touch of butter, and freshly grated Parmesan. Combine with the turkey sauce, ensuring each strand is luxuriously coated.
9. Serving Finale: Plate the dish in warmed bowls, garnishing with an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to elevate the visual and flavor profile.

Notes

• Slow-Cook for Depth: Oven braising transforms the sauce, intensifying flavors and tenderizing meat through gentle, consistent heat.
• Vegetable Precision: Finely chopping carrots and celery ensures even cooking and seamless integration into the sauce’s texture.
• Wine Enhancement: Adding white wine creates complexity, deglazing the pan and introducing subtle acidic undertones that elevate the overall taste.
• Pasta Water Magic: Reserved pasta water acts as a secret weapon, helping to bind sauce to pasta and creating a silky, cohesive final dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing, Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 605
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 66 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 109 mg