Introduction
This delicious spaghetti dish combines the lean protein of ground turkey with the rich flavor of Italian sausage, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. Paired with fire-roasted and Italian-seasoned tomatoes, this recipe is bursting with flavor and perfect for any family dinner or weeknight gathering.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 pound ground turkey
1/2 pound ground Italian sausage
1 medium onion, diced
1 can (14.5 ounces) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
1 can (14.5 ounces) Italian-seasoned diced tomatoes
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 pound spaghetti noodles
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Yield: Serves 4-6
This flavorful spaghetti dish is a delightful way to bring together family and friends around the dinner table. Enjoy the combination of ground meats, aromatic spices, and fresh herbs, topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Onion
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Meat
Add the ground turkey and Italian sausage to the pot. Cook, breaking the meat apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Step 4: Incorporate Tomatoes
Stir in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes, Italian-seasoned diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce.
Step 5: Season the Sauce
Add the dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Step 6: Simmer the Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 7: Cook the Spaghetti
While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 8: Adjust Seasoning
Once the sauce has finished simmering, taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 9: Serve
Serve the sauce over the cooked spaghetti noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
Meat Options
Feel free to substitute ground turkey with ground beef or chicken if preferred.
Spice Level
Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your desired spice level.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Storage
Leftover sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
Cook techniques
Sautéing
Sautéing is a cooking technique that involves cooking food quickly in a small amount of oil or fat over medium to high heat. In this recipe, the diced onion is sautéed until translucent, which helps to enhance its flavor and release its natural sweetness.
Simmering
Simmering is a gentle cooking method that allows flavors to meld together. After adding the tomatoes and seasonings to the browned meat, the sauce is reduced to low heat and simmered for 20-25 minutes. This process deepens the flavors of the sauce.
Cooking Pasta
Cooking pasta to an “al dente” texture means it should be firm to the bite but not hard. This is achieved by boiling the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions. Properly cooked pasta is essential for a satisfying dish.
Tasting and Adjusting Seasoning
Taste the sauce before serving to ensure it has the desired flavor. Adjusting the seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional herbs can enhance the overall taste of the dish, making it more enjoyable.
Garnishing
Garnishing adds a finishing touch to a dish. In this recipe, fresh parsley or basil and grated Parmesan cheese are used as garnishes, which not only enhance the visual appeal but also contribute additional flavors.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey and Italian sausage with other types of ground meat, such as beef, chicken, or a meat alternative for a vegetarian option.
What can I use instead of fire-roasted diced tomatoes?
If you don’t have fire-roasted diced tomatoes, you can use regular diced tomatoes. You may want to add a bit of extra seasoning, such as smoked paprika, to mimic the smoky flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage. Reheat when ready to serve.
How do I ensure my spaghetti doesn’t stick together?
To prevent spaghetti from sticking, make sure to stir occasionally while it’s cooking, and consider adding a little olive oil to the water before boiling.
Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the sauce for added nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them alongside the onion.
Conclusion
This delicious spaghetti dish combines the savory flavors of ground turkey and Italian sausage with a rich tomato sauce. The addition of fire-roasted tomatoes gives it a unique depth, while the herbs and spices enhance the overall taste. Perfect for a family dinner, this meal is not only satisfying but also packed with flavor.
Spaghetti with Pesto
Swap the tomato sauce for pesto for a fresh, herbaceous twist on the classic spaghetti. Pair with grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
One-Pot Chili Pasta
Combine the ingredients with kidney beans, corn, and chili powder to create a hearty one-pot chili pasta dish that’s perfect for chilly nights.
Turkey Meatball Spaghetti
Form meatballs with the ground turkey and Italian sausage mixture, bake or pan-fry them, and serve over spaghetti with the homemade tomato sauce.
Mediterranean Spaghetti
Add olives, capers, and feta cheese to the sauce for a Mediterranean flair. Serve with a side of garlic bread to complement the dish.
Vegetable-Loaded Spaghetti
Incorporate diced bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms into the sauce for added nutrition and a colorful presentation.
Spaghetti Carbonara with a Twist
Use the ground turkey and sausage mix in a creamy carbonara sauce with eggs and Parmesan, adding a unique twist to this traditional Italian dish.
