Turkey Bolognese with Lentil Pasta
6 servings · 20 min prep · 35 min cook
Macros per serving
↓ 28% fewer calories · 145 kcal saved
Smart swaps
- White spaghetti→Red lentil pasta
Doubles protein (25g vs 13g per serving) and triples fiber while being naturally gluten-friendly.
- Ground beef (85/15)→93% lean ground turkey
Reduces saturated fat by over half while keeping the meaty Bolognese texture.
- Added sugar→Carrots and celery soffritto
Natural sweetness from carrots balances tomato acidity without any added sugar.
- Dried herbs only→Fresh basil finish
Fresh basil adds brighter flavor and more essential oils with anti-inflammatory properties.
Original
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (85/15)
- 1 can (28 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan for serving
Healthy version
- •10 oz red lentil penne or spaghetti
- •93% lean ground turkey
- •1 can (28 oz) canned San Marzano crushed tomatoes
- •2 tbsp tomato paste
- •1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- •2 medium carrots, finely diced
- •2 stalks celery stalks, finely diced
- •4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- •1 tbsp olive oil
- •1 tsp dried oregano
- •0.25 cup fresh basil leaves
- •0.25 cup red wine (optional)
- •salt and black pepper
Method
- 1
Cook lentil pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions (usually 7-9 minutes). Drain and set aside.
7–9 minutes - 2
Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- 3
Add ground turkey and cook, breaking into crumbles, until browned, about 6 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
6 minutes - 4
In the same pan, add onion, carrots, and celery (soffritto). Cook 6-7 minutes until softened and lightly golden.
6–7 minutes - 5
Add garlic and oregano; cook 30 seconds. Deglaze with red wine if using, scraping up any browned bits. Cook 1 minute.
30 seconds1 minute - 6
Return turkey to the pan. Add crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir well, bring to a simmer.
- 7
Cover and simmer on low for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce is thick and flavors meld. Season with salt and pepper.
20–25 minutes - 8
Toss with lentil pasta and serve garnished with torn fresh basil.