Fast Turkey Bolognese

I love spaghetti Bolognese from my years living in England where it is a very popular dish, but wanted to be healthier. I think ground turkey Bolognese is better than the beef version! Feel free to add vegetables; this is an easy way to get my husband to eat more of them, and I use red lentils to increase the fiber content. This is a fast Bolognese, no 4 hours of simmering on a low stove. Who has the time? Top with cheese, if you like.

• Preparation Time: 25 mins
• Cooking Time: 1 hr 3 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 28 mins
• Calories: 614 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 cup white wine
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• ½ red bell pepper, chopped
• ½ cup red lentils
• 1 cup water, or as needed
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 medium onion, minced
• 3 dashes Worcestershire sauce
• cooking spray
• ½ (16 ounce) package spaghetti
• 1 (16 ounce) package ground turkey
• 3 carrots, minced

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Place lentils in a saucepan with water to cover and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook until lentils are tender, adding more water if necessary, about 30 minutes

Step 2

Spray a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and place over medium heat. Add carrots, onion, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring often, until softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Push vegetables to the sides of the pan. Cook turkey in the center of the pan, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and dry, about 5 minutes. Mix turkey in with the vegetables.

Step 3

Stir red bell pepper and garlic into the skillet; cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce; mix to combine. Stir in the cooked lentils. Add wine; if necessary, thin sauce with water. Add Italian seasoning and Worcestershire sauce; season sauce with salt and pepper.

Step 4

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain. Combine cooked pasta and sauce.