Hearty & Healthy: The Ultimate Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Ground Turkey Bolognese

Hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, this easy ground turkey bolognese recipe reimagines a classic comfort food, making it accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Paired perfectly with short pasta, it’s a dish that truly warms the soul. Best of all, it’s entirely gluten-free and dairy-free, proving that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor!

Bolognese – A Timeless Hearty Comfort Food

Bolognese sauce holds a special place in the hearts of many, revered as the ultimate comfort food. Its rich, slow-simmered flavors evoke warmth and nostalgia, often associated with family gatherings and cozy evenings. For me, the memory of bolognese is deeply intertwined with my early days in Buenos Aires. When I first moved there, staying with Juan’s family, his mother Susana would almost religiously prepare pasta every Sunday. This was a cherished tradition in their Italian-Spanish household, a ritual that filled their home with an irresistible, rich aroma, drawing the entire family to the kitchen table.

Susana’s ingredients for her delicious meat sauce would often vary, depending on the freshest cuts available at the local butcher’s that morning. However, more often than not, she’d craft a generous pot of classic beef bolognese, topping each serving with a liberal sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The depth of flavor she achieved was incredible, a testament to the magic of simple, quality ingredients cooked with love. This experience instilled in me a deep appreciation for the art of a perfectly made bolognese, a dish that truly nourishes both body and soul.

Easy and Healthy Ground Turkey Bolognese for Modern Diets

Today, I’m excited to share my adaptation of that beloved classic bolognese sauce, infused with a mindful twist that caters to modern dietary preferences without compromising on taste. Instead of the traditional beef, I’ve opted for the leaner, healthier choice of ground turkey. This not only lightens the dish but also introduces a slightly different flavor profile that’s equally delicious.

Furthermore, to ensure everyone can enjoy this hearty meal, I’ve paired this incredible turkey bolognese with gluten-free short pasta, moving away from conventional wheat spaghetti. While Susana often made her rich tomato sauce from scratch, a labor of love, I’ve chosen to streamline the process for busy weeknights by utilizing a high-quality jarred pasta sauce. This simple swap saves a significant amount of time in the kitchen, allowing you to enjoy a flavorful, homemade-tasting meal with minimal effort, proving that convenience doesn’t have to mean sacrificing deliciousness.

Why This Ground Turkey Bolognese Recipe is a Must-Try:

• Simple, Accessible Ingredients: One of the best aspects of this ground turkey bolognese is that it calls for straightforward ingredients, all of which are readily available at your local grocery store. You won’t need to hunt for any obscure or gourmet items, making this a practical and stress-free meal to prepare.
• Effortlessly Easy to Make: Designed with convenience in mind, this recipe utilizes store-bought pasta sauce to drastically cut down on cooking time. This ingenious shortcut allows you to achieve a deeply flavored, rich bolognese without the hours of simmering often associated with traditional recipes. It’s the perfect solution for a delicious and easy weeknight dinner that comes together with minimal fuss.
• Completely Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free: Perhaps the most outstanding feature of this healthy bolognese sauce is its 100% gluten-free and dairy-free composition. This makes it an ideal option for individuals with Celiac disease, gluten sensitivities, lactose intolerance, or those simply choosing to reduce their dairy intake. Now, everyone can enjoy a luscious pasta night without any dietary concerns or digestive issues!
• Nutritious and Lean: Swapping ground beef for lean ground turkey significantly reduces the fat content, offering a healthier protein-packed meal that still feels indulgent. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy classic comfort food while adhering to a more health-conscious lifestyle.
• Versatile and Customizable: This turkey bolognese recipe serves as a perfect base for countless variations. Feel free to add extra vegetables like carrots or celery, adjust the spice level, or experiment with different herbs to make it uniquely yours. It’s a flexible recipe that encourages culinary creativity.

Essential Ingredients & Key Notes for Your Perfect Bolognese:

Here’s a detailed overview of the ingredients required for this delicious ground turkey bolognese recipe, along with helpful notes and substitution ideas to make it work for you.

(For exact measurements, please scroll down to the comprehensive printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.)

• Ground Turkey: As the star of this dish, ground turkey is a crucial ingredient. Opting for lean ground turkey makes this a healthier choice without sacrificing flavor. However, its versatility allows for easy substitution: feel free to use other types of ground meat such as ground beef, ground pork, or ground chicken if you prefer or have them on hand. Each will lend a slightly different but equally delicious character to the bolognese.
• Thyme: I recommend using fresh thyme leaves for their bright, earthy aroma that beautifully complements the turkey. If fresh thyme isn’t available, you can easily substitute with 1/3 teaspoon of dried thyme. Remember that dried herbs are more concentrated, so a little goes a long way.
• Olive Oil: I personally love the flavor of extra virgin olive oil for sautéing the aromatics. Its fruity notes add to the richness of the sauce. However, you are welcome to use any cooking oil you prefer, such as canola oil, sunflower oil, coconut oil, or avocado oil.
• Onion: A diced yellow onion forms the aromatic foundation of this sauce. Its sweetness develops as it sautés, adding depth. If you don’t have yellow, a white onion or even a red onion will work perfectly fine, offering a slightly sharper flavor.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is absolutely essential for maximum flavor. I’m a big fan of garlic, so I tend to use two large cloves, but you can adjust the amount to your liking. For a more subtle garlic presence, reduce the quantity; for a bolder flavor, feel free to add an extra clove.
• Pasta Sauce: To save time without sacrificing taste, I recommend using a good quality jarred store-bought pasta sauce. There are many excellent options available that provide a robust tomato base. Alternatively, if you have more time and prefer to, you can absolutely use a homemade sauce for an even fresher taste.
• Bay Leaves: These fragrant leaves are a secret weapon in slow-simmered sauces, adding a subtle, savory depth that enhances the overall flavor of the bolognese. Remember to remove them before serving.
• Pasta: To keep this recipe entirely gluten-free, I’ve used gluten-free short pasta. Fusilli, penne, or rotini are all excellent choices as their nooks and crannies beautifully hold the rich sauce. You can also use gluten-free spaghetti if you prefer a longer noodle. If you don’t have Celiac disease or gluten intolerance, feel free to use your favorite regular pasta instead. Fresh pasta would also be a wonderful, indulgent option.
• Basil: Fresh basil leaves, torn just before serving, provide a burst of aromatic freshness that perfectly complements the rich bolognese. If fresh basil is not available, fresh parsley can be used as an alternative garnish.
• Parmesan Cheese: To maintain the dairy-free nature of this recipe, I’ve opted for dairy-free parmesan cheese. The texture and savory notes are remarkably similar to traditional Parmesan. However, if you are not lactose-intolerant, a generous sprinkle of regular grated parmesan cheese will add that classic, salty finish.

Gathering these simple yet impactful ingredients is the first step towards creating a truly memorable and healthy ground turkey bolognese that everyone at your table will adore.

How to Make the Best Ground Turkey Bolognese (Step by Step Guide):

Creating this delicious ground turkey bolognese is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps for a truly comforting meal:

1. Prepare the Ground Turkey with Thyme

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the lean ground turkey with the fresh thyme leaves. Gently mix them together with your hands or a spoon to ensure the thyme is evenly distributed throughout the meat. Set this mixture aside, allowing the flavors to meld slightly while you prepare the other ingredients.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet, a heavy-bottomed pot, or a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the diced onions. Sauté them, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until they become translucent and softened, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial for building the flavor base of your bolognese. Next, add the minced garlic and continue to stir for another 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can make it bitter.

3. Brown the Turkey

Add the seasoned ground turkey-thyme mixture to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Break up the turkey with your wooden spoon as it cooks. Stir frequently until the turkey is completely browned and fully cooked through, with no pink remaining. This browning process is important for developing deep, savory flavors.

4. Introduce the Pasta Sauce and Simmer to Perfection

Pour in the entire jar of pasta sauce, along with the bay leaves. Stir everything together well to combine all the ingredients. Reduce the heat to low, allowing the sauce to gently simmer. Add salt to taste, remembering that you can always add more later. Let the ground turkey bolognese sauce cook and simmer for at least 30 to 45 minutes. This slow simmering period is key to allowing the flavors to fully meld and deepen, creating a rich and complex sauce.

5. Prepare the Pasta

As your bolognese sauce nears the end of its simmering time, begin cooking your gluten-free pasta. Use a large pot of generously salted water on a separate burner, following the package directions for al dente. Gluten-free pasta can sometimes become gummy if overcooked, so pay close attention to the cooking time. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it thoroughly in a strainer. To prevent it from cooking further and sticking, immediately run cold tap water over the pasta. This is a particularly useful tip for gluten-free varieties.

6. Combine Pasta with Bolognese Sauce

Once the ground turkey bolognese sauce has finished simmering and the pasta is cooked and drained, add the cooked pasta directly into the pot with the sauce. Mix everything together thoroughly, ensuring that every strand of pasta is coated in the rich, flavorful bolognese. This method helps the pasta absorb the sauce’s flavors, rather than just having sauce poured on top.

7. Garnish and Serve Your Comforting Meal

Divide the pasta evenly among four plates. For a vibrant finish and an extra layer of freshness, garnish each serving generously with torn fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated dairy-free parmesan cheese (or regular Parmesan if not dairy-free). Serve immediately and savor this hearty, healthy, and incredibly satisfying ground turkey bolognese. It’s truly a balm to the soul!

Dish by Dish Tips & Tricks for Ground Turkey Bolognese:

• Experiment with Other Proteins: While ground turkey is fantastic, don’t hesitate to substitute it with other minced meats like ground beef for a richer flavor, ground pork for a more traditional texture, or ground chicken for an even lighter option. Each will offer a unique twist to your bolognese.
• Make It Vegetarian or Vegan: This hearty sauce can easily be adapted for plant-based diets. Simply substitute the ground meat with finely chopped portobello mushrooms, crumbled firm tofu, or even a mix of lentils and finely diced vegetables for a delicious vegetarian or vegan bolognese. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
• Low Carb Alternative: For those seeking a lighter or low-carb option, replace the pasta with zucchini noodles (zoodles), spaghetti squash, or konjac noodles. These alternatives beautifully absorb the sauce and make for a wonderfully satisfying meal without the carbs.
• Serve with Meatballs: To elevate the protein content and create an even heartier meal, serve this rich bolognese sauce with homemade or store-bought turkey meatballs instead of, or in addition to, pasta. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy more savory goodness.
• Add Extra Vegetables: Boost the nutritional value and texture by incorporating finely diced carrots, celery, bell peppers, or even spinach into the sauce while sautéing the onions. This adds an extra layer of flavor and nutrients.
• Freeze for Later: Bolognese sauce freezes exceptionally well! Prepare a double batch and freeze half in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop for a quick and easy future meal.
• Adjust Spiciness: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a subtle kick that complements the rich tomato flavors.

Ground Turkey Bolognese Recipe FAQs:

More Delicious Gluten-Free Pasta Recipes You’ll Love:

Wholesome Gluten-Free Main Dishes to Enjoy:

P.S. If you try this recipe, I’d love for you to leave a star rating below, and/or a review in the comment section further down the page. I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to check out my entire Recipe Index for all the recipes on the blog. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram! Sign up for my Email List to get fresh recipes in your inbox each week!

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Turkey Bolognese with Gluten-free Fusilli

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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 3 reviews

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  Author: felicia | Dish by Dish
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  Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
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  Yield: 4 servings
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  Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Hearty, flavorful and delicious, this easy ground turkey bolognese is combined with short pasta for a big plate of comfort food that is a balm to the soul. Totally gluten-free and dairy-free too!

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Ingredients

Units

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• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz) of pasta sauce
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt to taste
• 12 oz uncooked gluten-free short pasta
• 1/4 cup torn basil leaves for garnishing
• 1/2 cup grated dairy-free parmesan cheese, for garnishing

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Instructions

1. Combine Ground Turkey with Thyme: In a bowl, mix ground turkey with fresh thyme leaves and set aside.
2. Sauté Veggies: Sauté diced onions in a large saucepan over medium heat, until onions turn translucent (a few minutes) Add in garlic and stir well until fragrant (30 seconds).
3. Cook Turkey Until Browned: Add in ground turkey-thyme mixture and mix until turkey is browned and cooked.
4. Add Pasta Sauce: Pour in pasta sauce and bring heat down to low.
5. Let Simmer: Add salt to taste then let turkey bolognese simmer for the next 30 to 45 minutes.
6. Cook Pasta: As bolognese sauce is almost finished simmering, cook gluten-free pasta according to package instructions. When the pasta is cooked, pour pasta into a strainer and run cold tap water over to prevent it from cooking further.
7. Add Cooked Pasta to Bolognese Sauce: Once bolognese sauce is done, add in the cooked pasta and mix well.
8. Garnish and Serve: Divide pasta evenly into 4 plates and garnish with torn basil leaves and grated dairy-free parmesan cheese.

Notes

Ground Turkey: Since this is a recipe for ground turkey bolognese, ground turkey is a key ingredient. However, you can always substitute minced turkey for other types of meat such as ground beef, ground pork or ground chicken if you prefer.

Thyme: I used fresh thyme leaves, but you can also use 1/3 teaspoon of dried thyme if that’s what you have.

Olive Oil: I like using extra virgin olive oil, but feel free to use any vegetable oil you like (such as canola oil, sunflower oil, coconut oil, or avocado oil).

Onion: I used a yellow onion, but you can always use a white onion or red onion too.

Garlic: Make sure to use fresh minced garlic for maximum flavor. I really enjoy the taste of garlic, so I used 2 large cloves, but if you want a more subtle flavor, feel free to reduce the amount of garlic.

Pasta Sauce: You can either make your own pasta sauce or buy storebought sauce for convenience (either is fine).

Pasta: I used gluten-free short pasta to keep this recipe gluten-free, but you can go ahead and use gluten-free spaghetti as well. If you are not Celiac or gluten-intolerant, feel free to use regular pasta instead.

Basil: Fresh basil is a lovely complement to this ground turkey bolognese pasta. Alternatively, you may also use fresh parsley if you prefer.

Parmesan Cheese: I used dairy-free parmesan cheese to keep this recipe dairy-free. However, if you are not lactose-intolerant, go ahead and use regular grated parmesan cheese instead.

Storing: To store, place this ground turkey bolognese pasta in an airtight container and store for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Note: Recipe inspired by Juan’s mum, Susana. This recipe was originally posted in 2015, but has since been republished to included clearer step-by-step instructions, notes and substitutions, as well as nutritional information.

• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian