An easy and delicious Ground Turkey Spaghetti dish can be made with simple ingredients from your fridge or pantry in just 30 minutes. This recipe is one of my favorite homemade meals, blending ground meat in a garlicky marinara sauce with Italian seasonings, garlic, onion, carrot, tomato, and a touch of parmesan cheese.
It’s a healthier and lighter version than traditional sausage or beef, yet still flavorful and packed with protein. From start to finish, it takes around 25 minutes, perfect for dinner at the table for 4 to 6 people, with leftovers to store for 2 or 3 days. Whether on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or in an Instant Pot, the instructions are quick, nearly effortless, and always satisfying —a meal everyone will love, just like a Classic Spaghetti Salad Recipe.
What Makes This Recipe So Good
For me, this spaghetti stands out because it is an easy recipe that turns simple supplies on hand into comforting meals with very low effort, perfect for busy evenings. The rich meat sauce made with ground turkey is a lighter option than beef, sausage, or pork, yet still full of protein, with less fat but more vitamins and nutrients.
It also works well as a meal prep idea, almost like kitchen magic since you can double or even triple the batch. It freezes beautifully, stays delicious when reheated, and each portion can be stored in extra freezer-friendly containers for a future dinner. This dish even keeps up to 3 months, making it one of the most practical and tasty recipes I’ve ever used.
Ingredients you need to make Homemade Spaghetti Sauce:
Here is the list of simple and easily available ingredients that you’ll need to make Spaghetti Sauce:
Ground Turkey
- 1 pound of ground turkey
- Choose a 90/10 fat ratio, or 85/15 as another option
- Can also swap with beef or Italian sausage depending on preference
Tomato Sauce
- Use tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- Canned options work well — either multiple smaller cans or one large 28-ounce size
Onion
- Pick from yellow, white, or red onion
Garlic & Carrot
- Add garlic for depth and fresh flavor
- Use about half a ¼ cup of grated carrot for sweetness and a hearty touch
Seasonings
- Sprinkle with salt and black pepper
- Include dried herbs: oregano, basil, and parsley
Pasta
- Traditional spaghetti works great — regular, thin, or angel hair
- A short cut pasta is another option
Extra Flavor
- Add a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or a splash of wine for depth
- Finish with parmesan cheese, either freshly grated or pre-shredded for convenience
Cooking Oils
- Start with olive oil
- You can also try avocado oil or even butterGround Turkey
How to make the best Turkey Spaghetti ( Step-by-Step guide):
Here is the step by step guide to make Turkey Spaghetti:
Step 1: Cook Spaghetti
- Cook the spaghetti by following the package instructions, then drain and set it aside.
Step 2: Heat the Pan
- Heat some oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Step 3: Soften the Veggies
- Add carrot and onion to the pan, give a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, then cover and let the veggies cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally until tender.
Step 4: Cook the Meat
- Mix in the garlic and ground turkey, cooking until the meat is fully cooked, about 10 minutes.
Step 5: Add the Sauce and Seasonings
- Stir in the tomato sauce, add the seasonings, and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
Step 6: Simmer the Sauce
- Let everything simmer gently for about 15 minutes.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve hot over pasta and simply enjoy.
3 Cooking Method Options
Stove-top method:
The first way is the stove-top method, which is the quickest and perfect when short on time. This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for a last-minute meal, though the sauce might be less tender and the flavor not as fully developed.
Slow cooker:
Another option is the slow cooker, which is my favorite because it is mostly hands-off and gives a rich slow-cooked taste. This method keeps the turkey meat soft and allows the spaghetti sauce to blend beautifully over several hours.
Instant pot:
The third method is the instant pot, which is slightly faster than the cooker and also works well with beef. It’s a flexible option, but you must follow the instructions carefully to avoid letting the sauce burn.
Watch full video how to make Ground Turkey Spaghetti:
Here is the visual tutorial for making this delicious dinner recipe:
Easy Variations & Substitutions:
For a low carb dinner, I sometimes serve the spaghetti sauce over zucchini or squash noodles, and a gluten-free swap works well too with any noodle. You can also turn the turkey marinara into a sandwich or hearty sub with melted mozzarella. Adding extra veggies helps with picky eaters—think riced cauliflower, diced or shredded carrots, and even mushrooms to boost the recipe. Another favorite is using this sauce in stuffed shells instead of beef, making it a lighter option with ground meat or even chicken. For seasoning, I keep it simple with fresh or granulated garlic, plus Italian seasoning or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and parsley.
Serving suggestions (Side Dishes to serve with spaghetti):
Caesar Salad
- A quick and easy option with homemade dressing, crunchy romaine, croutons, and freshly shaved parmesan cheese.
Rustic French Bread
- Bake french bread in a dutch oven for the warm comfort of home.
- The smell of freshly baked bread is unbeatable, especially when sliced, served warm with butter, or made into a sandwich.
Garlic Bread
- An easy homemade favorite, this classic bread includes a secret ingredient that sets it apart from the rest.
- Perfect alongside pastas, salads, or soups.
Chef’s Tips:
- Ground turkey is very lean, so it can overcook and become dry quickly.
- Always cook it just until browned, then add the other ingredients to keep it hydrated.
- Do not completely drain the spaghetti noodles water; that flavor enhances the dish.
- Adding a splash of the starchy pasta water to the sauce makes it more flavorful, helps keep it tender, and improves the consistency with natural starches.
Notes:
- Use spaghetti with gluten-free noodles, or try spinach and cauliflower options to fit different dietary needs.
- The recipe still tastes great with small changes.
- Adding sugar is optional, but it helps reduce the acidity in the sauce, especially if the marinara is not sweetened.
- Check the blog post for more ingredient substitutions, creative variations, and practical storage tips.
More Favorite Pasta Recipes You’ll Love:
- Easy Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta
- Easy Creamy Instant Pot Fettuccine Alfredo
- Easy Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta
- Creamy Chicken Sausage Pasta
- Creamy Instant Pot Taco Pasta
- Easy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe
FAQs about Ground Turkey Spaghetti:
Does ground turkey taste good in spaghetti?
Yes, ground turkey in spaghetti has a mild flavor that absorbs herbs, spices, and tomato sauce, making it flavorful and a lighter option than beef. With the right seasoning, its taste and finer, less fatty texture work well when chopped during cooking, making it a popular, healthy substitute in a variety of recipes.
Is turkey spaghetti healthy?
Yes, turkey spaghetti can be a healthy meal because it is a good source of protein, feels like a comforting dish, and using leaner meat with added vegetables makes it even better for everyday eating.
Is ground chicken or ground turkey better for spaghetti?
I find ground turkey gives a slightly meatier consistency in dishes like pasta, but it also works in a stir fry, a meaty salad, or even poultry-based recipes such as Laotian larb.
Is ground turkey better for you than ground beef?
Both ground turkey and beef can be healthier meats depending on the lean ratio and leanness percentage; for example, a 93% option shows fewer calories, less saturated fat, and lower cholesterol while still giving good protein. The nutritional differences are often similar, so the key is to choose the leanest option for better heart health and a lighter choice.
Can a diabetic eat turkey spaghetti?
Yes, because protein digests slower than carbohydrates, making pasta more satisfying and helping prevent overloading the plate with too many carbs. Choosing a lean source like skinless grilled chicken, ground turkey, or tofu can make it a healthier option.
