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Turkey Or Lean Beef Meat Sauce Optional Crock Pot Recipe

Craving a hearty, flavorful meat sauce without the guilt? This recipe delivers! Made with lean turkey or beef, and loaded with fresh vegetables, this chunky sauce is bursting with flavor and surprisingly low in fat. The secret? Diced carrots and onions balance the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a naturally sweet and savory sauce. Perfect for pasta, lasagna, pizza topping, or even baked ziti! Make a big batch – it freezes beautifully for future meals.

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 135 mins
Calories 56.7 kcal
Protein 8g
Rating 4.8 (5 Reviews)
Turkey Or Lean Beef Meat Sauce Optional Crock Pot 26

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Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Turkey Or Lean Beef Meat Sauce Optional Crock Pot

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How to Make Turkey Or Lean Beef Meat Sauce Optional Crock Pot

  1. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown 1 lb of ground turkey or lean beef. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Add 1 medium onion (chopped), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 medium carrot (diced), and 2 stalks celery (diced). Cook until the meat is lightly browned, stirring frequently.
  3. Stir in 28 oz can crushed tomatoes, 15 oz can tomato sauce, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 cup water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed (add sugar to taste if tomatoes are tart).
  4. **Crock-Pot Option:** Transfer the sauce to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Serve over your favorite pasta, topped with cheese. Alternatively, use as a base for lasagna, baked ziti, or as a pizza topping!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

9 g

Sugar

15g

Fat

2g

Carbs

2g

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Cuisine Preparation Occasion North American For Large Groups Healthy Sauces Main Dish Condiments Etc Beef Poultry Vegetables American European Dinner Party Low Fat Italian Crock Pot Slow Cooker Stove Top Dietary Low Cholesterol Low Saturated Fat Low Calorie Comfort Food Low Carb Savory Sauces Healthy 2 Low In Something Meat Tomatoes Taste Mood Savory To Go Equipment Number Of Servings Presentation Served Hot 4 Hours Or Less