Are you craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this lasagna recipe with ground turkey! This recipe delivers all the cheesy, saucy goodness of classic lasagna but with a leaner, healthier twist thanks to the ground turkey. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or even a cozy night in. Forget takeout; this homemade lasagna is quick, delicious, and will impress everyone at your table. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
This recipe makes a generous 9x13 inch lasagna. Adjust quantities as needed.
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For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
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For the Lasagna:
- 9 lasagna noodles (oven-ready preferred for ease)
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Crumble the ground turkey into the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will be!
Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Top with a layer of lasagna noodles, slightly overlapping if necessary.
Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of meat sauce and half of the mozzarella cheese.
Repeat the layers: noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, mozzarella cheese.
Top with the remaining lasagna noodles and the remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.
Step 4: Bake the Lasagna
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the lasagna to set and makes it easier to serve.
Cooking Tips for the Best Lasagna:
- For even cooking, use oven-ready lasagna noodles. No pre-boiling required!
- Don't overcook the ground turkey. Slightly browned is perfect.
- If you prefer a spicier lasagna, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of cheeses like provolone or fontina alongside the mozzarella and Parmesan.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Lasagna: Omit the ground turkey and add sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers to the sauce.
- Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna: Add a cup of fresh spinach to the ricotta mixture.
- Meat Lovers Lasagna: Add Italian sausage or ground beef along with the ground turkey for a heartier lasagna.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 (depending on ingredients and serving size)
This is a delicious and relatively healthy meal option, packed with protein and vegetables. Adjust ingredients to further customize it to your dietary needs.
Enjoy your homemade lasagna! This easy recipe is perfect for any occasion and will quickly become a family favorite. Let us know in the comments how yours turned out!