Ina Garten Turkey Bolognese

This easy Ina Garten Turkey Bolognese is made using dark turkey meat, whole milk, dry white wine, tomato paste, and aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery, and takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to prepare and cook. You can pair your Turkey Bolognese with delicious sides such Waldorf Salad, Potato Salad or Risotto Cakes.

Just like Ina, the recipe starts by creating a flavorful base of sautéed onions, carrots, and celery in a blend of butter and olive oil. The turkey meat is then added and browned to perfection. A sauce made from white wine, milk, and tomato paste is prepared, capturing all the rich flavors. The dish is then slow-cooked in the oven, allowing all the ingredients to meld together into a sauce that’s both complex and comforting.

Ina Garten Turkey Bolognese Ingredients

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, plus a bit more for later
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 small carrots or 2 large, coarsely chopped
• 3 stalks celery, coarsely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 lbs dark turkey meat
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 can (6-ounce) tomato paste
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 Parmesan rind
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lb fusilli pasta
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

How To Make Ina Garten Turkey Bolognese

1. Preheat and Sauté: Preheat your oven to 300°F. In a skillet, melt the butter with olive oil and sauté the onions until they’re soft.
2. Chop and Mix Veggies: Use a mini processor to finely chop carrots and celery. Add them to the skillet along with garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
3. Cook Turkey: Add turkey meat to the skillet and cook until it starts to brown. This should take about 5 minutes.
4. Add Liquids and Season: Pour in the white wine, tomato paste, milk, bay leaves, and Parmesan rind. Season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes.
5. Oven Time: Cover the skillet and place it in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Stir halfway if you like. After cooking, remove the bay leaves and Parmesan rind.
6. Prepare Pasta: Cook the fusilli pasta as per package instructions. Drain and return to the pot. Add a bit of the pasta water, extra butter, and grated Parmesan. Mix well.
7. Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the turkey sauce. Stir to coat the pasta evenly. Serve in bowls, sprinkled with extra Parmesan.

What To Serve With Turkey Bolognese

You have a variety of options for side dishes to serve with Turkey Bolognese including butternut squash noodles for a low-carb alternative, baked potatoes for a hearty side, or Spaghetti Squash for a lighter option. Each brings a unique texture and flavor that complements the rich Bolognese sauce.

How To Store Turkey Bolognese

In The Fridge:

To store Turkey Bolognese in the fridge, place it in an airtight container and keep it refrigerated for up to 4 days. Ensure the sauce has cooled to room temperature before sealing the container.

In The Freezer:

For longer storage, place the cooled sauce in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How To Reheat Turkey Bolognese

To reheat Turkey Bolognese, place the sauce in a pan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If using a microwave, place the sauce in a microwave-safe container and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot.

Check out More Recipes From Ina Garten:

• Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Piccata
• Ina Garten Chicken Divan
• Ina Garten Chicken And Rice Casserole