When it hits freezing temperatures outside, there’s nothing like a big bowl of something hearty and warm! For me, that means a whole lot of pasta, soup and stews. I love getting to curl up on the couch with a big bowl of something warm and tasty on a cold night!

Last week, I made a hearty, but still healthy turkey meat sauce that was absolutely delicious and easy to make. I threw in some baby bella mushrooms to add some more veggies and give it some yummy mushroom flavor. It simmers for about 2-3 hours in my Le Creuset dutch oven and only get better with time. I was really hoping to find bucatini pasta since they’re thick and have such great texture, but my grocer didn’t carry it, so I just used plain ole whole wheat spaghetti.

I also made a quick salad with arugula, almonds, blue cheese, honey crisp apples and red onion and drizzled it with a little bit of olive oil and balsamic vinegar that was super tasty! All I need now is some freshly shaved Parmigiano and a fork! And maybe a blanket to make my dinner on the couch extra cozy.

Turkey Meat Sauce

• 2 carrots, finely diced
• 2 stalks celery, finely diced
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 6 sprigs thyme
• 8oz. baby bella mushroom caps, sliced
• pinch of salt
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1 lb. ground turkey, I used Jennie O 83% lean 17% fat
• 2 links of hot Italian turkey sausage, again I used Jennie O
• 1 6oz. can tomato paste
• 2 28oz. can crushed tomatoes
• 1/8 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp sugar
• 3 Tbsp fresh basil, chiffonade

Method

Saute carrots, celery, onion, thyme & a pinch of salt in olive oil over medium heat for about 5-8 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook for another 3 minutes.

Add ground turkey and turkey sausage and cook until just done. I like to stir mine often so the meat breaks into small pieces.

Add tomato pasta, crushed tomatoes, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, oregano and sugar and stir to combine. Bring to a boil and then lower to a simmer. Simmer for 2-3 hours covered on low heat. Stir every so often.

Remove thyme sticks, season with s&p if necessary, stir in fresh basil just before serving and toss with hot pasta. Garnish with more fresh basil and Parmigiano.