Turkey or Lean Beef Meat Sauce Optional Crock Pot
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this hearty and versatile Turkey or Lean Beef Meat Sauce, perfect for crock pot or stovetop cooking! Packed with lean ground turkey or beef, aromatic garlic and onions, and slow-simmered crushed tomatoes, this sauce is a masterstroke of rich flavors and wholesome ingredients. Featuring classic Italian seasonings like basil and oregano, plus a touch of optional red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, it’s a perfect partner for pasta, zucchini noodles, or enjoyed as a standalone dish. With the convenience of crock pot cooking, this recipe delivers hands-off simplicity and deep, savory taste, making it ideal for meal prep or family dinners. Top with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a restaurant-worthy finish!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound Lean ground turkey or lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 medium Yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
- 28 ounces Crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 1 cup Low-sodium chicken or beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Dried basil
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 0.25 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
- Cooked pasta (optional, for serving)
Instructions
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add the ground turkey or lean ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat into small pieces, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess fat if necessary.
Transfer the cooked meat to the crock pot, or leave it in the skillet if you're making the sauce on the stovetop.
In the same skillet (or directly into the crock pot), add the diced onion and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
If using a stovetop, transfer the onion and garlic mixture to the crock pot. If cooking on the stovetop, leave in the skillet.
Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken or beef broth, dried basil, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper to the crock pot or skillet. Stir to combine well.
If using the crock pot, cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
If cooking on the stovetop, reduce heat to low, cover partially, and let the sauce simmer gently for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Once the sauce is cooked, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Stir in chopped fresh parsley, if desired, just before serving.
Serve the meat sauce over cooked pasta, zucchini noodles, or use it as a base for other dishes. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
226 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 9.1 g | 12% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.4 g | 12% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 54 mg | 18% | |
| Sodium | 428 mg | 19% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 19.1 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.7 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.0 g | ||
| Protein | 19.4 g | 39% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 57 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 2.1 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 679 mg | 14% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
