Turkey Ragu Bolognese

April 4th, 2016

Turkey Ragu 3

I am sharing another crock pot recipe with all of you.  When I have many chores to accomplish, the crock pot is my friend.  We are also trying to lighten things up a bit.  By using ground turkey and lots of vegetables this Italian sauce is light and goes well with a spinach linguine that is also lower in calories than regular pasta.Turkey Ragu BagPasta Valente is made in Charlottesville, Virginia by a Mother and Daughter team.  It is handcrafted, vegan and flavorful.  Plus it cooks in minutes. I found it at my local supermarket.
Turkey Ragu 1VThe Turkey Ragu Bolognese comes from one of my favorite slow cooker cookbooks, The Italian Slow Cooker by Michele Scicolone.  Another recipe that I shared with everyone last year was her Spicy Tuscan Sausage Ragu.  I make it often.

We traveled to Washington DC last week to attend the funeral and burial of General Earl E. Anderson in Arlington National Cemetery.  He was a part of our extended family.  His list of accomplishments in life is beyond belief, but his demeanor was always humble and kind.

General Anderson

It was a full marine battalion procession to the grave site with a 21 gun salute and a fly over.  The tribute to this amazing man was truly awe inspiring.

Turkey Ragu 2close

We are back at the cottage this week, cleaning, sweeping and freshening both the interior and the exterior of the house.  This Turkey Ragu Bolognese is the perfect slow cooker dinner to have on hand while spring cleaning.

TURKEY RAGU ALLA BOLOGNESE

Makes 10 Cups

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 medium celery ribs, finely chopped
2 medium carrots, finely chopped
2 garlic clove, finely chopped
1 1/2 pounds ground turkey
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup dry white wine
1 cup chicken broth
1 28-ounce can Italian peeled tomatoes, drained and finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup heavy cream

In a large saucepan, melt the butter with the oil over medium heat.  Add the onion, celery, carrots, and garlic and cook until tender and golden, about 20 minutes.  Stir in ground turkey and cook, stirring often, until browned, about 15 minutes.  Stir in the tomato paste, wine, and broth and bring to a simmer.

Scrape the mixture into the slow cooker and add the tomatoes, nutmeg, and salt and pepper to taste.  Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until thick.  Stir in the cream and cook for 15 more minutes.

Note:  I saved the liquid from the can of tomatoes and added it to the crock pot also.

Printable Recipe 

18 responses to “Turkey Ragu Bolognese”

  1. Monique says:

    Viva Italia 🙂
    it looks fantastic..and I am certain pork could work too..
    I feel like having some tonight.

    I am sorry for your loss..

    How moving ceremonies like these.Emotional:(But very honoring.

  2. Monique says:

    PS I answered on your post but we don’t always remember to go back..I measured:) 1/2 cup water.It holds 1/2 cup

  3. Penny at the Comforts of Home says:

    That sounds so good and I have that cookbook :-). Looking forward to our get together, you just let me know when.
    xo
    Penny

    • Penny says:

      I know you have the cookbook. I bought it because you made the poached pears from The Italian Slow Cooker. Next week is looking good. Will email you.

  4. Darla says:

    So glad you were able to be a part of The celebration of Andy’s life. It was a humbling experience for me and one I’m sure many of us will always remember. Once again, I clicked on your blog on my ” fast day” and now the hunger pangs have started. Looks delicious, though. Looking forward to seeing you soon.

    • Penny says:

      We were honored to be included in the ceremony Darla. Will see you in a couple of weeks at the kids’ house.

  5. Larry says:

    Great looking dish Penny – we’ll keep an eye out for the pasta. The general sure lived a long life and he’s from my old northern WV stomping grounds.

  6. How wonderful you were able to be a part of Andy’s celebration of life. Burials at Arlington must be something to see. Your turkey ragu looks so good. I know it must be nice after long days working inside and out to have a good homemade meal on hand.
    Sam

  7. Susan says:

    This sounds delicious and I love that it can be made in a slow cooker for a busy day of cleaning or gardening. So sorry about the loss of your extended family member, Penny. What a wonderful ceremony it must have been.

  8. Penny says:

    I have never experienced such a moving tribute. So glad the Grandchildren were there for this. A once in a lifetime experience. Thanks Susan.

  9. Barbara says:

    This looks delish, Penny! My slow cooker/crock pot is long gone….no space! Still, most of these recipes you can make stovetop.
    Sorry for your loss, Penny. But what an experience for all of you. So impressive. Thanks for posting photos.

  10. I have an Italian friend of mine who won’t eat beef or pork anymore…she says she only cooks healthy meals. I’m going to pass your recipe on to her, it sounds great.

  11. Bonnie says:

    This looks delicious! I’m trying to make better use of our crockpot because it is a timesaver.

    Best,
    Bonnie

© Penny Klett, Lake Lure Cottage Kitchen. All rights reserved.