Turkey Lasagna Recipe
Turkey Lasagna Recipe
Table of Contents
Turkey Lasagna Recipe
This turkey lasagna recipe is a healthier, leaner twist on the classic Italian comfort food. Packed with layers of flavorful lean ground turkey, savory marinara sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and perfectly melted mozzarella, this dish is perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or even a special occasion. The turkey provides a light yet satisfying base while still offering all the rich, cheesy goodness lasagna lovers crave. With a prep time of just 20 minutes, this turkey lasagna recipe is easy to make, quick to cook, and sure to become a family favorite!
Description:
If you’re looking for a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional beef lasagna, this turkey lasagna recipe is your answer. Ground turkey is a lean protein that adds a wonderful depth of flavor to this Italian inspired dish without the extra fat. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight meal, a cozy weekend gathering, or even a holiday dinner, turkey lasagna recipe offers the same hearty satisfaction as its beef counterpart, but with fewer calories and a lighter feel.
The key to making this turkey lasagna recipe so tasty lies in the combination of perfectly seasoned ground turkey, a rich marinara sauce, and the comforting layers of mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan cheeses. The turkey is sautéed with onions and garlic to create a flavorful filling, then simmered with tomato sauce, herbs, and spices to make a savory, aromatic base for the lasagna. The noodles are layered with this filling, a generous dollop of creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, then baked to golden perfection.
This turkey lasagna recipe is easy to customize to suit your taste. You can add extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to increase the nutritional value. You can also use whole wheat lasagna noodles for a more fiber rich option, or swap out the mozzarella for a lower fat variety if you’re looking to reduce calories. Whether you’re serving a large crowd or just your family, this dish will satisfy everyone with its hearty flavor and wholesome ingredients.
Not only is thisturkey lasagna recipe a great dinner option, but it also makes for an excellent meal prep. You can prepare it ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and bake it when ready. Leftovers also freeze well, so you can always have a homemade, healthy meal ready to go.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey (lean)
- 9 lasagna noodles (regular or whole wheat)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store bought or homemade)
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg (optional, for binding ricotta)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the turkey filling: While the noodles cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Season with oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook until the turkey is browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the ricotta mixture: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg (if using), and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until well mixed and smooth. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Assemble the lasagna: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the turkey mixture on the bottom. Place 3 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce. Spread one third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by one third of the turkey sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layering process two more times: noodles, ricotta, turkey sauce, mozzarella. Top the final layer with the remaining Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake the lasagna: Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let it rest: Once baked, let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the layers to set. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
- Serve and enjoy: Cut into squares and serve hot. Pair with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Notes:
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate until ready to bake. If you do this, you may need to add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to account for the cold ingredients.
- Freezing: This turkey lasagna can be frozen either before baking or after baking. To freeze before baking, cover the assembled lasagna with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, remove the plastic wrap and foil, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 1 hour, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes.
- Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground turkey with cooked lentils or plant based meat alternatives.
- Cheese Options: For a lighter version, use part skim mozzarella and ricotta cheese. You can also use dairy free cheese substitutes if needed.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the turkey sauce for extra nutrients.
Turkey Lasagna Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey lean
- 9 lasagna noodles regular or whole wheat
- 2 cups marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg optional, for binding ricotta
- 1 onion diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional, for a kick
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the turkey filling: While the noodles cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Season with oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook until the turkey is browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the ricotta mixture: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg (if using), and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until well mixed and smooth. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Assemble the lasagna: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the turkey mixture on the bottom. Place 3 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce. Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by one-third of the turkey sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layering process two more times: noodles, ricotta, turkey sauce, mozzarella. Top the final layer with the remaining Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake the lasagna: Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let it rest: Once baked, let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the layers to set. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
- Serve and enjoy: Cut into squares and serve hot. Pair with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate until ready to bake. If you do this, you may need to add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to account for the cold ingredients.
- Freezing: This turkey lasagna can be frozen either before baking or after baking. To freeze before baking, cover the assembled lasagna with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, remove the plastic wrap and foil, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 1 hour, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes.
- Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground turkey with cooked lentils or plant-based meat alternatives.
- Cheese Options: For a lighter version, use part-skim mozzarella and ricotta cheese. You can also use dairy-free cheese substitutes if needed.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the turkey sauce for extra nutrients.
