Let’s be honest, spaghetti night is a sacred tradition in many homes.
But this isn’t your average, jarred-sauce kind of spaghetti—this is the recipe my mom handed down to me, and it’s a total game-changer.
Why This Recipe Feels Special
The magic here is all in the homemade sauce, you see.
By skipping the pre-made stuff and building flavor from the ground up, you create something that truly tastes like a labor of love, without actually laboring for hours.
It’s warm, deeply savory, and just feels good to eat.
And of course, serving it with some buttery, homemade garlic bread on the side is pretty much a required ritual.
Ingredients Needed for the Recipe
Gathering your ingredients first makes the whole process a breeze.
Here’s what you’ll need to create this cozy masterpiece:
- Spaghetti Pasta: The classic foundation that holds all that glorious sauce.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing and building that initial layer of flavor.
- Onion & Garlic: The essential aromatic duo that makes your kitchen smell incredible.
- Ground Turkey: I recommend 85% or 93% lean for the best flavor and texture.
- Italian Seasoning, Paprika, Garlic & Onion Powder: This combo creates a perfect, homemade spaghetti seasoning.
- Salt & Black Pepper: To season everything perfectly.
- Tomato Paste: It adds a rich, concentrated tomato depth and helps thicken the sauce.
- Canned Diced Tomatoes & Tomato Sauce: They form the saucy, juicy body of the dish.
- Sugar: A little secret to balance the tomatoes’ acidity, trust me on this one.
- Reserved Pasta Water: The starchy gold that helps the sauce cling to every noodle.
How to make Ground Turkey Spaghetti?
Don’t worry, it’s simpler than it sounds, and the results are absolutely worth it.
Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a fantastic dinner ready in no time.
Step 1- Boil the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil.
Cook your spaghetti according to the package directions, then reserve a half-cup of that precious pasta water before draining.
Step 2- Sauté the Aromatics & Turkey
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Toss in your diced onion, let it soften for a few minutes, then add the minced garlic for a quick, fragrant 30-second sizzle.
Step 3- Brown the Meat
Now, add your ground turkey to the skillet.
Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks, letting it brown all over until there’s no pink left.
Step 4- Season and Build the Sauce
This is where the flavor really wakes up. Sprinkle all those dried spices and seasonings right over the turkey.
Give it a good stir, then add the tomato paste and about a quarter-cup of the reserved pasta water, stirring until it all comes together.
Step 5- Simmer to Perfection
Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, that key tablespoon of sugar, and the rest of the pasta water.
Stir it all, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let the sauce simmer gently for about five minutes.
Step 6- Bring It All Together
Finally, combine your cooked spaghetti and the finished sauce in your big pot.
Toss it all until every strand is perfectly coated, and get ready to serve up something truly delicious.
My Go-To Variations
The beauty of this recipe is how easily you can make it your own.
A few simple swaps or additions can keep it exciting week after week.
- Try Ground Beef: If turkey isn’t your thing, an equal amount of ground beef works wonderfully.
- Go Gluten-Free: The sauce is already gluten-free, so just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta.
- Add Mushrooms: For an earthy twist, sauté some sliced baby bella mushrooms with the onions and garlic.
- Make it Extra Saucy: Prefer a saucier spaghetti? Simply use a 15-ounce can of tomato sauce instead of the 8-ounce one.
Tips
A couple of little pointers from my kitchen to yours can make all the difference.
They’re simple but truly effective.
- Do not, I repeat, do not skip the sugar. It’s not for sweetness, but to perfectly balance the tomatoes.
- For efficiency, mix all your dry spices in a small bowl before you start cooking. It’s a tiny step that saves time.
- When choosing ground turkey, opt for 85% or 93% lean. The leaner turkey breast just doesn’t have enough fat for great flavor here.
Perfect Pairings for Your Meal
This spaghetti is wonderfully satisfying all on its own.
But if you want to round out the table, here are a few of my favorite sides.
A crisp, simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully.
Steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus are also fantastic, easy vegetable options that everyone loves.
Ground Turkey Spaghetti Recipe
Description
This comforting Ground Turkey Spaghetti features a rich, homemade tomato sauce seasoned with pantry-friendly spices, sautéed onions, garlic, and lean ground turkey. Inspired by a family recipe passed down from mom, it skips bottled pasta sauce in favor of a fresher, more flavorful alternative. Served with spaghetti and topped with parmesan or fresh parsley, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or cozy weekend meal.
ingredients
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the spaghetti pasta and boil according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
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In a large skillet or deep casserole pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add ground turkey to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned and no pink remains (about 5–7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
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Add all spaghetti seasoning ingredients (Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper) to the skillet. Stir to evenly coat the turkey. Then add tomato paste and ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water. Mix well.
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Stir in diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, sugar, and remaining ¼ cup pasta water. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Let sauce simmer uncovered for 4–5 minutes to meld flavors.
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Combine the cooked spaghetti with the sauce directly in the pot used for boiling pasta or in the skillet. Toss gently to coat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
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Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese. Pair with homemade garlic bread or a simple side salad.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 420kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 15g24%
- Saturated Fat 3.5g18%
- Cholesterol 65mg22%
- Sodium 680mg29%
- Potassium 620mg18%
- Total Carbohydrate 48g16%
- Dietary Fiber 5g20%
- Sugars 9g
- Protein 26g52%
- Calcium 60 mg
- Iron 3.5 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Pro Tip: Mix the spaghetti seasoning in advance for faster prep!
- Gluten-Free? Use your favorite gluten-free spaghetti—it works perfectly!
- Extra Flavor: Add sliced baby bella mushrooms when sautéing onions for depth.
- Substitution: Ground beef can be used instead of turkey if preferred.
- Sugar Note: Don’t skip it—it neutralizes tomato acidity and balances flavor.
