Ground Turkey with Marinara Sauce and Veggies: A Simple, Healthy Meal (Free Recipe Download)

Happy Belated New Year!

Can you believe it’s already 2020? Sometimes, it feels like the year 2000 was just yesterday! As we roll through January, doesn’t it always seem to drag on a little bit? The start of a new year is the perfect time to hit the reset button, and with that comes an opportunity to set new goals. If you made any resolutions, I hope you’re feeling motivated and seeing some early progress.

A New Focus After Pregnancy

This year, I didn’t follow the traditional resolution path, but I did set a very personal goal. Pregnancy is an incredible journey, but it also brings changes, and weight gain is a natural part of the process. After giving birth, I was surprised by the amount of weight I had gained, but I also understood that my body had done a lot of incredible work.

I’ve been giving myself the time and space to adjust, and now that months have passed, I’m focused on nourishing my body with nutrient-dense foods that are high in protein (and still delicious). Slowly but surely, I’m feeling stronger and healthier, one meal at a time.

Getting Started with Healthier Eating

Cooking has always been a joy for me, so when I decided to take a healthier approach to eating, I was eager to experiment with new dishes. A friend posted a mouthwatering photo of a ground turkey recipe on Facebook, which sparked my creativity in the kitchen.

Ground turkey is a lean, flavorful alternative to red meat and is incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Some people might think turkey lacks flavor, but with the right seasonings and ingredients, it can become the star of a dish. This recipe is packed with veggies, making it both nutritious and filling.

To help you get the most out of this dish, let’s start with some common questions people have when preparing it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different meat besides ground turkey?
Yes! Ground chicken or lean ground beef would work just as well. You can even try plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version.

Can I substitute the marinara sauce?
Of course! If you’re looking for a different flavor, you could use a tomato-based pasta sauce, or try a roasted red pepper sauce for a little more kick.

How do I make this dish spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes, or stir in some cayenne pepper for extra heat. A dash of hot sauce or fresh jalapeños could also add some spice.

What veggies can I add to this recipe?
Feel free to get creative! Mushrooms, carrots, or even kale would work great in this dish. You can adjust it based on your preferences or what you have in your fridge.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep! You can make it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for a quick meal later.

With those questions covered, let’s jump into the steps to make this dish come to life!

Serving Size:
Makes 4 servings (1 serving is approximately 1/4 of the recipe).

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1.5 cup marinara sauce
• 1 zucchini
• 1 white onion
• 1 red pepper
• 1 cup baby spinach 
• 1 teaspoon basil 
• Salt and pepper (optional)

Directions: 

1. Cut up all vegetables and set aside.
2. Apply cooking spray to a pan and cook the ground turkey.
3. When the ground turkey is about halfway cooked, add all the vegetables.
4. Allow it to cook for 3-5 minutes.
5. Stir in the marinara sauce.
6. Mix well on high heat until it bubbles.
7. Turn down the heat to let it cool and enjoy.

Don’t forget to download this recipe for easy access whenever you need a quick, healthy meal option!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 32g
• Carbs: 20g
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 750mg
• Cholesterol: 80mg

This dish is delicious on its own or served with pasta or rice for a more filling meal. It’s a great way to sneak in lots of veggies while still satisfying your hunger! If you’re on a health journey or simply looking for easy, tasty meal ideas, I hope this recipe sparks some creativity in your kitchen.

Have you tried making this dish?

I’d love to hear how your version turned out! What other spices or veggie combos do you like to use in ground turkey dishes? Feel free to share your ideas in the comments below, or tag me if you try the recipe! Let’s keep the conversation going and inspire each other to cook more delicious meals.