Can I freeze turkey bolognese?

Yes, absolutely. Let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to freezer bags or airtight containers. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to bulk up a bolognese?

The best way to bulk up a bolognese is by adding finely diced vegetables like carrots, celery, zucchini, spinach, or even mushrooms. This increases the volume and fiber content without significantly adding calories.

Is bolognese good for bodybuilding?

Yes, when made with lean protein like turkey breast mince, bolognese is excellent for bodybuilding. It provides high-quality protein for muscle repair and, when paired with pasta or rice, provides the necessary carbohydrates for glycogen replenishment.

What to serve with turkey bolognese?

Serve it with wide pasta noodles like tagliatelle, pappardelle, or fettuccine. For low-carb options, serve over zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or roasted vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower.

Easy High Protein Turkey Bolognese Recipe (30g+ Protein)

Description

This High Protein Turkey Bolognese is a healthy slow cooker meat sauce packed with lean turkey and hidden veggies. It’s thick, rich, and perfect for weight loss or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs (900g) Lean Ground Turkey (93% or 99%)
1 large Onion, finely diced
3 cloves Garlic, minced
2 large Carrots, finely minced or grated
2 stalks Celery, finely minced
1 medium Zucchini, grated (optional for volume)
2 cans (28oz each) Crushed Tomatoes
1 small can (6oz) Tomato Paste
1/2 cup Beef Broth (low sodium)
2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
1 tbsp Dried Basil
1 tbsp Dried Oregano
1 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 tsp Black Pepper
1/2 cup Milk (Dairy or Unsweetened Almond) – added at the end
Fresh Basil for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Veggies: Wash and peel carrots and onions. Finely mince the onion, carrots, celery, and zucchini. For a hidden veggie sauce, pulse them in a food processor until very fine.
Combine in Slow Cooker: Add the ground turkey, prepared vegetables, garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and spices to the slow cooker bowl.
Break up the Meat: Use a meat masher or sturdy spoon to thoroughly break up the turkey and mix it with the sauce ingredients. Ensure no large clumps of meat remain.
Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
Finish the Sauce: 30 minutes before serving, stir in the milk. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed.
Serve: Ladle the hot sauce over your favorite pasta, zucchini noodles, or spaghetti squash. Garnish with fresh basil and parmesan cheese.

Notes

Volume Hack: Adding the zucchini adds bulk without changing the flavor, making your portion size huge!
Freezing: Let cool completely, then freeze flat in freezer bags for up to 3 months.
Spiciness: Add 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes for a kick.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hours
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup sauce
Calories: 245
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 65mg