Savory Turkey Marinara Sauce
This Savory Turkey Marinara Sauce is a versatile and hearty base for an array of delicious dishes. Made with lean ground turkey, vibrant tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, this sauce not only boasts rich flavors but also offers a healthier alternative to traditional meat sauces. Perfect for pairing with pasta, layering in lasagna, or serving as a filling for tacos and sloppy joes, this recipe yields 10 cups, ensuring you'll have plenty on hand for meal prep or family gatherings. Once you try this sauce, you’ll find it becomes a staple in your kitchen for a variety of comforting meals.
N/A
Servings
138
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive Oil
1 (tablespoon)
Onion
1 (cup, chopped)
Garlic
1.5 (tablespoons (about 4-5 cloves, minced))
Lean Ground Turkey
3 (lbs)
Dried Basil
1 (tablespoon)
Dried Oregano
1 (tablespoon)
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
0.5 (teaspoon)
Diced Tomatoes
3 (28-ounce cans)
Tomato Sauce
1 (14-ounce can)
Instructions
1
In a large stock pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
2
Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes, or until translucent.
3
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
4
Add the ground turkey to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks, stirring frequently. Sauté until no longer pink, approximately 5-7 minutes.
5
Crush the dried basil and oregano between your palms to release their oils, then add them along with the crushed red pepper flakes to the turkey mixture.
6
Pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
7
Reduce the heat to low and allow the sauce to simmer for about 15 minutes, helping the flavors meld together. Stir occasionally.
Nutrition Information
6
Fat
16
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Turkey Marinara Sauce?
It is a versatile and hearty sauce made with lean ground turkey, vibrant tomatoes, and aromatic herbs.
How many cups of sauce does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields approximately 10 cups of sauce.
What is the main protein source in this recipe?
The main protein source is 3 lbs of lean ground turkey.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 138 calories per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 16 grams of protein.
How much fat is in a serving of this sauce?
There are 6 grams of fat per serving.
What type of tomatoes are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for three 28-ounce cans of diced tomatoes and one 14-ounce can of tomato sauce.
Which herbs provide the flavor for this marinara?
The sauce is seasoned with dried basil and dried oregano.
Why should the dried herbs be crushed before adding them?
Crushing dried basil and oregano between your palms helps release their natural oils for better flavor.
Does this sauce have any spice or heat?
Yes, it includes 0.5 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
How much garlic is required?
You will need 1.5 tablespoons of minced garlic, which is approximately 4 to 5 cloves.
What type of onion should I use?
The recipe requires 1 cup of chopped onion.
What is the recommended cooking oil?
One tablespoon of olive oil is used to sauté the aromatics.
How long should the onion be sautéed?
Sauté the onion for about 3 minutes until it becomes translucent.
How long does it take to cook the turkey?
The turkey should be sautéed for approximately 5 to 7 minutes until no longer pink.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes.
Is this sauce good for meal planning?
Yes, it is specifically noted as a great option for meal prep or family gatherings.
Can I use this sauce in lasagna?
Yes, this sauce is ideal for layering in lasagna.
What are some other serving suggestions for this sauce?
In addition to pasta, it can be used as a filling for tacos and sloppy joes.
What kind of cookware is best for this recipe?
A large stock pot is recommended for preparing this recipe.
When do I add the garlic during the cooking process?
Stir in the minced garlic after the onions have sautéed for 3 minutes and cook for one additional minute.
What is the first step of the recipe?
Heat olive oil in a large stock pot over medium heat until shimmering.
Is this sauce considered a healthy alternative?
Yes, it is described as a healthier alternative to traditional meat sauces because it uses lean ground turkey.
Does the recipe specify the amount of sodium?
No, the sodium content is not listed in the nutritional information.
What is the carbohydrate count?
Carbohydrate information is not provided for this recipe.
To what cuisine does this recipe belong?
This recipe is categorized under Italian cuisine.
How frequently should I stir the sauce while it simmers?
The instructions recommend stirring the sauce occasionally while it simmers.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 9 ingredients in this recipe.
What heat level should I use to brown the turkey?
The turkey should be cooked over medium heat.
How should I break up the turkey while cooking?
Use a wooden spoon to break the turkey apart as it cooks to ensure it browns evenly.