Name: Healthy Turkey Bolognese (Greek-Style)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; ½ large red onion, finely diced; ½ red bell pepper (capsicum), diced into small cubes; ½ medium zucchini, diced into small cubes; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1–2 small red chilies (optional); 500g (1.2 lbs) ground turkey (7% fat); 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; 1 can chopped tomatoes (with juice) + 2–3 tablespoons water to rinse the can; ½ teaspoon extra salt; 1 Medjool date, chopped (optional, for sweetness); ⅓ cup olives, diced or sliced; ⅓ cup feta cheese, crumbled; Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish; Sliced cherry tomatoes, for garnish; Zucchini noodles (1 small–medium zucchini per serving), spiralized or ribboned; Olive oil, salt, and pepper (for warming the zoodles)

Description

This Mediterranean-inspired turkey Bolognese is packed with veggies, herbs, and flavor. Serve over zucchini noodles, pasta, or rice for a healthy and hearty meal.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

½ large red onion, finely diced

½ red bell pepper (capsicum), diced into small cubes

½ medium zucchini, diced into small cubes

3 cloves garlic, minced

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon black pepper

1–2 small red chilies (optional)

500g (1.2 lbs) ground turkey (7% fat)

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1 can chopped tomatoes (with juice) + 2–3 tablespoons water to rinse the can

½ teaspoon extra salt

1 Medjool date, chopped (optional, for sweetness)

⅓ cup olives, diced or sliced

⅓ cup feta cheese, crumbled

Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

Sliced cherry tomatoes, for garnish

To Serve (Optional):

Zucchini noodles (1 small–medium zucchini per serving), spiralized or ribboned

Olive oil, salt, and pepper (for warming the zoodles)

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.

Add onions, bell peppers, and zucchini. Sauté for 3–4 minutes.

Add garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano. Cook for another 4–5 minutes until softened.

Stir in chili (if using), then add the ground turkey. Cook for 3–4 minutes, breaking up the meat.

Add the extra salt, chopped date, balsamic vinegar, and canned tomatoes (plus rinsing water).

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Prepare zucchini noodles by lightly heating them in a skillet with olive oil (just to warm, not cook through).

Serve Bolognese over zucchini noodles. Top with olives, feta, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs. Enjoy!

Notes

Ground turkey can be swapped for ground chicken, beef, pork, or a mix.

Omit feta or use a dairy-free version for Paleo or Whole30 compliance.

This meat sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for 3–4 days, or frozen up to 3 months.

The chopped date adds a subtle sweetness and balances the acidity from the tomatoes — feel free to skip it.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Main Course
Method: Simmering, Sautéing
Cuisine: Mediterranean