Healthy Spaghetti Sauce

Spaghetti sauce with ground turkey means low fat dinner in one pot. I love a Dutch Oven on the stove but any large pot will do. With crushed canned tomatoes you can adjust the heat to make this spicy or traditional Italian style.

What vegetables go well in spaghetti sauce?

Onions, carrots and celery are a must. If I have mushrooms those go in too! Many times I will make this with the leftovers from our Air Fryer Turkey Meatloaf. I hate to waste food so it is nice to have a meal I know we love with what we enjoyed the night before. Just dice up precooked meat and it will take even less time to make!

You can use this as your base for Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs, which I do with the leftovers I tend to have next day too. Saves really well in the fridge in a sealed container if you don’t finish it all and has a ton of possibilities. Of course you can top with your favorite pasta noodles but it also thickens soups too.

Tomato based sauces are heart healthy. Use fresh produce to add texture and nutrition. Cook on the stove, in slow cooker or make quick as Instant Pot Spaghetti Sauce. Pesto made fresh is great for you too with healthy fats inside and packed with flavor.

What kind of meat can you add?

Better flavor = 80/20 ground beef because some fat means more flavor. If you are looking for the healthiest option with lower fat then go with ground turkey or chicken. The latter just won’t give you the depth of flavor to your sauce.

For a lower carb option this is Spaghetti Squash Pasta, then add those for just 2-3 minutes bubbling until tender to your liking.

Made with Fresh Tomatoes

You could use about 2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes to replace a 14.5-ounce can of tomatoes so in this case you would need 4 cups diced. This is about 10-12 medium tomatoes for this recipe. Roma or plum tomatoes are best. This may result in a thinner result but can be thickened with tomato paste.

How Long to Cook Spaghetti Sauce on the Stove

You will need half an hour or so to deepen the flavors, longer is even better if you can over a low simmer. In a large, deep skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.

While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Or use to make something like our One Pot Lasagna soup.

How to Boil Noodles in Spaghetti Sauce

If you wanted to add the noodles into the sauce itself I would submerge them 15 minutes before you want to serve it, that is it!! Cook Time for Spaghetti doesn’t change the timing much either way. I will say pasta cooked in sauce are so much better. If you choose to serve the Bolognese sauce over the noodles, garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley and grated Parmesan cheese to add flavor.

What can you add to spaghetti sauce to make it taste better?

Ground beef, ground pork, ground turkey, or Italian sausage can be browned and added for a meaty sauce of course. We did this here. Sautéed onions, garlic, bell peppers, carrots, celery, mushrooms, or zucchini can add flavor and texture to the pasta sauce.

For a hint of spicy like our Sausage Spaghetti, add red pepper flakes or chili powder. Anchovy fillets or anchovy paste can provide a savory, umami boost to the sauce. Balsamic Vinegar: A splash of balsamic vinegar can add a sweet and tangy note to the sauce.

Remember to taste the sauce as you go and adjust the seasonings and ingredients to suit your preferences. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavors until you find your perfect sauce like we did with our pumpkin spaghetti.

How to freeze leftovers

Cool completely for at least 30 minutes. Use freezer-safe containers or resealable plastic bags to prevent freezer burn. Glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids work well. Mark with the date and freeze for 3-4 months. Then make one of our Leftover Spaghetti recipes.