Light & Hearty Bolognese Sauce – Classic Comfort, Slimmed Down

This Bolognese Sauce is a lighter take on the classic Italian favorite—rich, savory, and deeply satisfying, but made with wholesome, everyday ingredients. It’s the perfect sauce for pasta night, offering the full-bodied taste of a slow-simmered meat sauce without excess fat or calories. Whether served over whole wheat pasta, zoodles, or spaghetti squash, this dish brings cozy comfort to the table without compromise.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich Flavor, Light Feel – All the hearty taste of traditional Bolognese with a healthier twist.
Versatile – Pairs perfectly with pasta, zucchini noodles, or polenta.
Protein-Packed – Lean meat makes it filling and satisfying.
Great for Meal Prep – Makes a big batch that stores beautifully.

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground turkey or extra-lean ground beef (93% lean or higher)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, finely grated or chopped
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes (no sugar added)
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp olive oil (optional)
• Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil (if using) over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.

2. Cook the Meat
Add ground turkey or beef to the pan. Break it up with a spoon and cook until no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.

3. Add Tomatoes & Simmer
Stir in tomato paste and crushed tomatoes. Add the broth and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer.

4. Simmer Low & Slow
Reduce heat to low and let sauce simmer gently for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and deepen in flavor.

5. Serve
Spoon over your choice of pasta, spiralized vegetables, or grains. Garnish with chopped herbs or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan (optional).

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

Calories: 220
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fat: 9g
Protein: 25g
Fiber: 2g

Tips for Success

• Choose Lean Meat: 93% lean turkey or beef offers great flavor with less fat.
• Boost Flavor with Tomato Paste: Just a tablespoon adds depth and richness.
• Add a Splash of Milk (Optional): Traditional Bolognese sometimes includes a bit of milk for silkiness—add 2 tbsp for a subtle touch.
• Freeze the Leftovers: This sauce freezes well—double the batch and save for busy nights.

Why This Recipe Works

By using lean protein, extra veggies, and minimal oil, this version of Bolognese delivers all the savory satisfaction of the original without the heaviness. The longer simmer time allows the flavors to build, making every bite warm, rich, and rewarding.

This lighter Bolognese Sauce is the ultimate comfort food with a health-conscious twist. Full of bold, slow-cooked flavor and made from ingredients you can feel good about, it’s a go-to recipe that makes weeknight dinners both easy and enjoyable. Whether you serve it over pasta or veggies, it’s bound to become a household favorite.