Growing up, spaghetti night was always special in our house. Back then, my mom would make a thick traditional beef sauce that coated every pasta strand perfectly.
But as I got older, I started experimenting with sauces to find a lighter, equally delicious alternative—and that’s when this ground turkey spaghetti sauce was born.
This recipe is my favorite twist on your classic spaghetti sauce.
It’s packed with flavor, thanks to the rich tomato paste.
But what really makes it special is the creamy coconut milk, which gives it a velvety texture without making it feel heavy.
So, if you’re craving a delicious meat sauce for ground turkey, one thing’s for sure—this is about to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey Pasta Sauce Recipe
- Light: Ground turkey keeps this sauce lean while feeling satisfying.
- Super creamy: Coconut milk adds a nice texture you wouldn’t expect in a tomato-based sauce.
- Rich and deep flavor: Frying the tomato paste in the oil gives this dish an incredible depth of taste.
- Quick & easy: You’ll have dinner on the table in about 35 minutes!
Ingredients For Ground Turkey Spaghetti Sauce
This sauce comes with simple pantry staples, but the way they work together makes it so special.
Here’s what you’ll need to make this ground turkey spaghetti sauce.
Ground Turkey: I used about 1.25lb of ground turkey for this recipe. The more, the merrier.Â
Onion & Garlic: I suggest using fresh garlic for the best flavor.
Oil: Helps sauté the onions and garlic while also frying the tomato paste for a richer flavor.
Tomato Paste: This adds richness to the dish. Don’t confuse it with tomato sauce.
Coconut Milk: I like to use canned coconut milk for convenience. But if you want to use fresh, go ahead—more power to you.
Bone Broth: You can substitute bone broth with beef or even vegetable broth.
Ginger: You can use fresh ginger. However, I prefer ground ginger for a milder gingery taste.
Seasonings: To season, I used a combination of paprika, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and brown sugar to balance out the acidity of the tomato paste.
How to Make Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Turkey
Step 1: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
Start by heating oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until they soften and turn slightly golden.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant—about 30 seconds.
Step 2: Fry the Tomato Paste
Push the onions and garlic to the side and add the tomato paste directly into the center of the pan.
Let it cook for a minute or two, stirring occasionally, until it deepens in color and develops a richer flavor.
This little step makes a huge difference!
Step 3: Brown the Ground Turkey
Now, add the ground turkey to the pan and break it apart with a spoon.
Stir everything together so the turkey gets coated in the tomato paste, onions, and garlic.
Cook until the turkey is browned and no longer pink.
Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and ground ginger.
Step 4: Simmer with Coconut Milk & Bone Broth
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, then pour in the coconut milk and bone broth.
Stir well, making sure everything is incorporated.
Add a bit of brown sugar to balance out the flavors.
Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your liking.
Step 5: Taste & Serve
Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or water.
Serve over ground turkey spaghetti sauce with your favorite pasta, and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions For Ground Turkey Spaghetti Sauce
Use in pasta: Toss it with spaghetti, penne, or even zucchini noodles for a lighter option.
Add more flavor: Garnish with fresh basil or grated Parmesan for an extra layer of deliciousness.
Complement the dish: Pair it with garlic bread or a side salad to complete the meal.
Storage & Reheating
You can store your ground turkey spaghetti sauce in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
If you prefer longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months for a quick and easy meal prep.
When reheating, warm it up on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.
Have You Tried This Pasta Sauce?
If you’re looking for a comforting yet lighter alternative to traditional meat sauce, this ground turkey spaghetti sauce is the perfect choice.
It’s rich, creamy, and flavorful, making it a great meal for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Whether you’re craving a classic pasta dish or want to switch things up, this ground turkey pasta sauce will surely become a favorite.
Let me know if you try it—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Creamy Ground Turkey Spaghetti Sauce
Ingredients
- 1.25 lb ground turkey
- 1 onion - small, diced
- 2 garlic cloves - minced
- 3 tbsp oil - olive oil or avocado oil or any neutral oil you prefer
- 6 oz tomato paste - 1 small canned tomato paste
- 13.5 fl oz coconut milk
- ½ cup bone broth - or chicken/beef/vegetable broth
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- salt - to taste
- black pepper - to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Add the tomato paste to the pan. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it deepens in color and develops a rich, caramelized flavor.
- Add the ground turkey directly into the pan, breaking it apart with a spoon. Stir everything together, ensuring the turkey is well-coated with the tomato paste. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the turkey is browned and no longer pink. Season with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, brown sugar, paprika, red pepper flakes, and ground ginger.
- Pour in the coconut milk and bone broth. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and well combined.
- Adjust the seasoning to your preference. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or water. Serve over spaghetti or any other pasta, and enjoy!
