The easiest ground turkey spaghetti you’ll find, this recipe combines 6 simple ingredients like garlicky marinara sauce, a few simple spices, and ground turkey for a flavor packed meal that’s nearly effortless! So simple and full of flavor it’s a protein packed and satisfying meal and includes instructions for cooking on the stovetop in just 30-minutes, as well as for a hands-off simmer in the slow cooker or Instant Pot.
Spaghetti with meat sauce is a classic comforting dish that never goes out of style. While many recipes call for ground beef, using lean ground turkey instead can add a lighter healthier twist. The key is to season the ground turkey properly so that it’s flavorful, savory and delicious.
So what are the best seasonings to use for ground turkey spaghetti sauce? Here are some tasty options to try
1. Italian Seasoning
Italian seasoning is a spice blend that typically contains basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme and sometimes marjoram, garlic powder, coriander and red pepper flakes. It provides an instant boost of Italian flavor that pairs perfectly with tomato-based sauces.
Adding 2-3 teaspoons of Italian seasoning to ground turkey as it cooks infuses it with traditional Italian spices. The basil, oregano and marjoram amplify the flavor of the tomato sauce while the other herbs add depth and complexity.
2. Granulated Garlic and Onion Powder
Garlic and onion are staple aromatics in tomato sauces. Granulated garlic and onion powder are easy ways to incorporate these flavors into ground turkey without having to prep fresh garlic and onions.
Sprinkle the turkey with 1/2 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder as it cooks. The powders gently coat the meat, adding subtle toasted garlic and onion undertones. Increase the amounts to 1 teaspoon each for bolder flavor.
3. Dried Oregano and Basil
Oregano and basil are essential components of Italian seasoning that can also be used on their own. Their unique herbal flavors stand out beautifully with tomato sauce.
Add 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano and basil to the ground turkey as it cooks. The oregano provides a signature woodsy aroma while the basil offers a sweet licorice-like scent. Using them solo allows their individual characteristics to shine.
4. Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
A touch of crushed red pepper flakes brings a subtle heat that balances the rich sweetness of the sauce. The lingering warmth also stimulates appetite.
Add a pinch or 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the turkey depending on preferred spiciness levels. The peppery flavor enhances the meat without overpowering it. For those who don’t like heat, red pepper flakes can be omitted.
5. Fresh Garlic and Onion
For maximum flavor, nothing beats fresh garlic and onions. Sautéing minced garlic and onion with the ground turkey as the base creates tons of savory depth.
Cook 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1/2 cup diced onion in olive oil until fragrant, 2-3 minutes. Then add the ground turkey and seasonings. The garlic and onions infuse the turkey with aromatic sweetness and pungency.
6. Fresh or Dried Parsley
Fresh or dried parsley adds color and a clean, herbaceous flavor. Its mild grassy taste blends nicely with the other Italian spices.
Stir in 1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley right before serving. This last-minute addition keeps the parsley tasting bright.
7. Salt and Black Pepper
Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper! Kosher or sea salt and freshly ground black pepper are essential for bringing out the flavors of the turkey and other spices.
Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper as the turkey cooks. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. The salt enhances flavors while the pepper provides a subtle spicy bite.
Tips for Making Flavorful Ground Turkey Spaghetti
-
Cook the ground turkey in a skillet until nicely browned before adding to the sauce. Browning enhances flavor.
-
Sauté aromatics like garlic, onions and herbs in olive oil first to bloom their flavors before adding turkey.
-
Combine seasonings and let sit on the turkey for 10-15 minutes before cooking to allow flavors to penetrate.
-
For extra richness, add a tablespoon of butter to the cooked turkey right before mixing with the sauce.
-
Splash in a tablespoon or two of red or white wine when cooking the turkey to deglaze the pan for extra flavor.
-
Grate in a little parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast when finished for a savory, umami kick.
With the right combination of Italian spices and herbs, ground turkey transforms into a flavorful, meaty sauce perfect for tossing with spaghetti. Experiment with different seasonings to find your favorite spiced up turkey and tomato sauce pairing!
3 Cooking Method Options
I tested 3 different cooking methods for this spaghetti with turkey meat and am sharing them all with you in the recipe below depending on how much time you have and what you’re looking for.
The stove-top option is the quickest (comes together in 30 minutes), so it’s a perfect last-minute meal. While it comes together fast, I will say that the turkey isn’t as tender and the sauce’s flavor isn’t as developed as the other cooking methods.
The slow cooker method is probably my favorite since it’s hands-off and produces a sauce that has that rich, slow-cooked flavor with tender turkey. I also have a slow cooker spaghetti sauce if you’re looking for a spaghetti sauce with beef.
The instant pot method offers another hand-off option that results in tender meat and delicious sauce, and it comes together a bit faster than the slow cooker method. Just make sure to read the instructions carefully so as not to burn the sauce.
How to Meal Prep the Best Turkey Spaghetti Sauce
This ground turkey spaghetti sauce is a meal prep magic recipe!
It is so easy to double or triple the recipe, it freezes so well, and is just as delicious when it’s reheated.
Simple double or triple the recipe, portion the extra sauce in freezer friendly containers for a future meal (it keeps in the freezer for up to 3 months).
EASY SPAGHETTI W/HOMEMADE MEAT SAUCE | GROUND TURKEY RECIPE
FAQ
What can I add to ground turkey for flavor?
What to season your meat with when making spaghetti?
When should you season ground turkey?
How do you spice up a bland turkey?
How do you season a ground turkey with Italian seasoning?
Add your Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic & onion powder, salt and pepper with ¼ cup of water to your ground turkey. Stir to make sure the meat is fully coated with seasoning. Add tomato paste, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce and a little sugar with another ½ cup of water. Stir well.
Can you add red pepper flakes to Turkey spaghetti sauce?
Make it spicy – One easy way to boost the flavor of your turkey spaghetti sauce is to add red pepper flakes. It’s all about the timing here. Add at the very beginning for a full-on spicy sauce, or simply sprinkle some on your plate before enjoying!
What can I substitute for ground turkey in spaghetti sauce?
Ground Turkey – You can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken if you want to lighten it up a bit. Italian sausage – You can use ground Italian sausage or links and bust out the meat from the casing. For a little extra bite, use spicy sausage. If you prefer to only use turkey you can but the flavor of the spaghetti sauce will change a little.
How much ground turkey do you need for spaghetti?
Make sure to scroll to the bottom for the FULL recipe card. Ground turkey – You’ll need 1 pound of ground turkey for this spaghetti recipe. Ground Italian sausage – I highly recommend adding 1/2 pound of Italian sausage. Trust me, it will take your dish to the next level of yumminess!