Savory Secret Veggie Spaghetti Sauce
This Savory Secret Veggie Spaghetti Sauce is a delightful and nutritious way to sneak essential vegetables into your family's meals. Perfect for even the pickiest eaters, this rich and flavorful sauce is packed with ground turkey and an array of finely chopped veggies. It’s a delicious way to boost your children's vegetable intake without them realizing it. Not only can you refrigerate it for up to three days or freeze it for up to three months, but it also makes for an excellent option for those watching their carb intake! Trust me, your family will love this sauce, and you’ll love knowing that you’re serving them something healthy.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground turkey
1 lb (crumbled)
Chopped onion
3/4 cup (fresh)
Grated carrot
1/2 cup (fresh)
Chopped celery
1/4 cup (fresh)
Grated zucchini
3/4 cup (fresh)
Minced garlic
2 cloves (fresh)
Dried oregano
1/2 tablespoon (dried)
Basil
1 teaspoon (dried)
Thyme
1 teaspoon (dried)
Salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Hot pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
No-sugar-added tomatoes in puree
28 ounces (canned)
No-salt-added diced tomatoes
14 1/2 ounces (canned with juice)
Water
1/2 cup (as needed)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, crumble the ground turkey and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is fully cooked and no longer pink.
2
Drain any excess fat from the pan.
3
Add the chopped onions, grated carrot, chopped celery, grated zucchini, and minced garlic to the pan. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized.
4
Stir in the dried oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and hot pepper flakes, mixing well to incorporate the spices with the vegetables.
5
Add the no-sugar-added tomatoes in puree and the no-salt-added diced tomatoes along with their juice. Use a spoon to break up any whole tomatoes in the mixture.
6
Pour in the water and stir everything together to combine.
7
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then partially cover the saucepan. Allow it to simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking.
8
Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded, serve it hot over your favorite cooked pasta.
Nutrition Information
17g
Fat
8g
Carbs
25g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Secret Veggie Spaghetti Sauce?
It is a nutritious and flavorful spaghetti sauce packed with ground turkey and finely chopped vegetables, designed to boost vegetable intake for the whole family.
What meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses one pound of crumbled ground turkey.
Which vegetables are hidden in this sauce?
The sauce includes chopped onions, grated carrots, chopped celery, and grated zucchini.
Is this sauce good for picky eaters?
Yes, it is specifically designed for picky eaters by using finely chopped and grated vegetables that blend into the sauce.
How long can I store this sauce in the refrigerator?
You can safely refrigerate this sauce for up to three days.
Can I freeze the Savory Secret Veggie Spaghetti Sauce?
Yes, this sauce can be frozen for up to three months.
Is this recipe suitable for a low carb diet?
Yes, with only 8g of carbohydrates per serving, it is an excellent option for those watching their carb intake.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 300 calories per serving of this sauce.
What is the protein content of this sauce?
Each serving contains 25 grams of protein.
How much fat is in each serving?
The sauce contains 17 grams of fat per serving.
Is this recipe diabetic friendly?
Yes, it is tagged as a diabetic-friendly and healthy recipe.
What kind of tomatoes are used?
The recipe calls for 28 ounces of no-sugar-added tomatoes in puree and 14.5 ounces of no-salt-added diced tomatoes.
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
The sauce should be simmered for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What dried herbs are used for seasoning?
The sauce is seasoned with dried oregano, dried basil, and dried thyme.
Should I drain the fat from the turkey?
Yes, the instructions recommend draining any excess fat from the pan after the turkey is fully cooked.
How should the carrots and zucchini be prepared?
The carrots and zucchini should be grated fresh before being added to the sauce.
Is the sauce spicy?
It contains 1/4 teaspoon of hot pepper flakes, which adds a mild heat that can be adjusted to your preference.
How much fiber is in a serving?
There are 2.5 grams of fiber per serving.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, it is highly family-friendly and ideal for children's meals.
How much garlic is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses two cloves of fresh minced garlic.
What is the first step in making this sauce?
The first step is to crumble and cook the ground turkey in a large saucepan over medium-low heat.
What is the total carbohydrate count?
The sauce contains 8 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much water is added to the recipe?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of water to be stirred in before simmering.
How do I know when the vegetables are ready?
The vegetables are ready when they have softened and become slightly caramelized.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
The recipe specifies dried oregano, basil, and thyme, but you can substitute fresh herbs if you adjust the quantities.
Is there any added sugar in this recipe?
No, the recipe uses no-sugar-added tomato products to keep it healthy.
How many ingredients are in the recipe?
There are 14 ingredients used to make this spaghetti sauce.
What is the best way to serve this sauce?
It should be served hot over your favorite cooked pasta.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The sauce ingredients are naturally gluten-free; just ensure you serve it with gluten-free pasta.
Should I cover the pan while simmering?
The instructions recommend partially covering the saucepan while the sauce simmers.