This Slow Cooker Turkey Bolognese with Zucchini Noodles offers a healthy and satisfying twist on traditional pasta. The rich, flavorful bolognese sauce pairs perfectly with the light, tender zucchini noodles, creating a balanced, guilt-free meal.
Whether you’re sticking to a low-carb, gluten-free, or paleo lifestyle, this dish is an ideal choice for a quick and delicious dinner. The slow-cooked turkey bolognese sauce is infused with aromatic herbs and spices, and the zucchini noodles add the perfect crunch and freshness. This is a great option for meal prepping or feeding a crowd with minimal effort.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
- In a large skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Once the turkey is browned, transfer it to the slow cooker.
- Add the chopped onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir everything together.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, until the sauce is thick and flavorful.
- When ready to serve, spiralize the zucchinis and sauté them in a pan over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Serve the turkey bolognese sauce over the zucchini noodles and garnish with fresh parsley.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours on low (or 3 hours on high) | Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes (or 3 hours 10 minutes)
Kcal: 290 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Slow Cooker Turkey Bolognese with Zucchini Noodles is the ultimate comfort food made healthier! The traditional Italian bolognese sauce is made lighter by using lean ground turkey instead of beef, and it’s served over fresh zucchini noodles, offering a low-carb and gluten-free option. Plus, this recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Simply prepare the sauce in your slow cooker and have a hearty meal ready for the week!
Perfect for Various Diets
Whether you follow a low-carb, paleo, gluten-free, or keto diet, this dish fits right into your meal plan. The zucchini noodles not only add texture but also provide a boost of nutrients, making this meal a healthy, guilt-free alternative to pasta. If you’re looking to add extra veggies to your diet, zucchini is a great source of fiber, vitamin A, and antioxidants, making this dish both satisfying and nourishing.
How to Customize the Recipe
Feel free to adjust this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs. For example:
- Add more vegetables: You can add additional vegetables to the bolognese sauce, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. This will enhance the flavor and boost the nutritional value.
- Make it spicier: If you enjoy a bit of heat, increase the red pepper flakes or even add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Use different noodles: While zucchini noodles are low-carb, you can use any type of noodles you prefer, such as spaghetti squash, gluten-free pasta, or even whole wheat pasta.
- Make it vegetarian: If you want to skip the turkey, substitute it with a plant-based protein like lentils or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Slow Cooker Convenience
One of the best parts of this recipe is how easy it is to prepare. The slow cooker does all the hard work for you, infusing the turkey with all the rich, aromatic flavors of the tomatoes and herbs as it simmers. This allows you to enjoy a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Simply toss everything in, set the timer, and you’ll have a flavorful and hearty dinner waiting for you when you get home!
How to Serve
Once the turkey bolognese sauce is ready, serve it over the sautéed zucchini noodles for a complete, satisfying meal. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and a touch of fresh flavor. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or a side of roasted vegetables to round out your meal.
Meal Prep and Leftovers
This recipe makes excellent leftovers! Store any remaining turkey bolognese sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, and sauté fresh zucchini noodles to serve on the side. It’s a great option for busy weeknights when you need a quick and healthy dinner.
A Healthier Take on Traditional Bolognese
Traditional bolognese sauces are often rich and hearty, but they can also be high in calories and fat. This slow-cooked turkey version offers all the classic flavors of a traditional bolognese but with a leaner protein and fewer calories. Ground turkey is a great alternative to beef or pork, providing a rich, savory taste without the added fat content. By swapping in zucchini noodles, you’re cutting down on carbs while still enjoying a satisfying, comforting meal.
Slow Cooker Magic
One of the best things about this recipe is the ease of using a slow cooker. The slow cooker does the work for you by simmering the turkey with tomatoes, garlic, and herbs for hours, which deepens the flavors and makes the sauce incredibly rich and tender. If you’ve got a busy day ahead, you can set it and forget it, knowing that a delicious meal will be waiting for you when you get home. Plus, slow cooking helps retain the nutrients from the vegetables and herbs, making this meal not only flavorful but also packed with nutrients.
Low-Carb Zucchini Noodles
Zucchini noodles are the perfect pasta alternative, especially for those who want to lower their carb intake. Zucchini is naturally low in calories and high in water content, which makes it a great option for staying hydrated and feeling full. By spiralizing the zucchini into noodles, you get the same satisfying texture as pasta, but without the heavy feeling that often comes with traditional pasta. It’s a great option for anyone on a low-carb, keto, or gluten-free diet.
Why Zucchini Noodles Are the Perfect Base for Bolognese
Zucchini noodles (also known as “zoodles”) pair wonderfully with bolognese sauce because they soak up all the delicious flavors of the rich, tomato-based sauce. The mild taste of zucchini allows the bolognese sauce to really shine, and the soft, yet slightly crisp texture of the zucchini noodles provides a nice contrast to the hearty meat sauce. Plus, zucchini is full of antioxidants like vitamin C, which help support your immune system and keep your skin healthy.
Flavorful and Aromatic
The combination of onions, garlic, oregano, and basil brings a wonderful fragrance to the slow-cooked turkey bolognese sauce. Tomatoes, both crushed and in the form of paste, offer a rich depth of flavor and acidity that balances the richness of the turkey. The red pepper flakes add just a hint of heat, but this can be adjusted based on your preference. For those who like a bit more zest, try adding a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to the sauce for even more complexity.
A Meal You Can Feel Good About
This slow cooker turkey bolognese is a great option if you’re looking to incorporate more lean protein and vegetables into your diet without sacrificing flavor. It’s filling, but it won’t leave you feeling sluggish. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner with the family, a meal prep option for the week, or even as a healthier alternative when you’re hosting friends for a casual dinner. The balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats helps keep you satisfied and energized.
Freezer-Friendly
In case you want to make this dish in advance, it’s freezer-friendly! After the bolognese sauce has been cooked, you can transfer it to an airtight container and freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw the sauce in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the stove. You can prepare the zucchini noodles fresh when you serve the dish, or use pre-spiralized zucchini noodles from the store for even quicker prep.
Ideal for Meal Prep
This recipe is not only simple to make but also great for meal prep. Prepare a large batch of turkey bolognese in your slow cooker, divide it into individual portions, and store them in airtight containers for a grab-and-go meal throughout the week. The turkey bolognese can be paired with the zucchini noodles as needed, making it an easy and healthy lunch or dinner option throughout your busy week.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Turkey Bolognese with Zucchini Noodles is the perfect meal for anyone looking to enjoy the rich flavors of traditional bolognese while keeping things healthy and light. The slow cooker makes it incredibly easy to prepare, and the zucchini noodles provide a nutritious, low-carb base that pairs beautifully with the savory turkey sauce. Whether you’re following a specific diet or simply looking for a delicious and satisfying meal, this recipe delivers on flavor, convenience, and nutrition. With options to customize the dish to your liking, it’s a versatile meal that the whole family will love. Make it for dinner tonight, and enjoy the comfort of a hearty, guilt-free meal that’s as delicious as it is healthy!