Turkey Lasagna

Turkey Lasagna Recipe - Italian Ground Turkey Lasagna with Mozzarella and Ricotta Cheese

Region / culture: Italy | Servings: 8

Introduction

Turkey lasagna is a delicious twist on the classic Italian dish, using lean ground turkey instead of traditional beef or pork. This recipe is a great way to enjoy a comforting and hearty meal while still keeping things on the lighter side.

History

Lasagna is a traditional Italian dish that dates back to ancient Rome. The modern version of lasagna, with layers of pasta, cheese, and sauce, is believed to have originated in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. The use of turkey as a protein in lasagna is a more recent adaptation, providing a leaner and healthier option for those looking to cut back on red meat.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) lean ground turkey
2 x 26 oz (737 g) jars marinara pasta sauce
1 cup shredded, part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
15 oz (425 g) fat-free ricotta cheese
0.25 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 egg, slightly beaten
0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley
12 no-boil lasagna noodles

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350° F. Grease a 13 x 9 x 2 inches glass baking dish with cooking spray.
In a large saucepan, cook the turkey over medium-high heat until browned. Drain the fat.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the pasta sauce. Cook for 5 minutes.
In a medium bowl, combine 0.5 cup of mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, egg, and parsley.
Spread 1 cup of pasta sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
Arrange the noodles side by side on top of the sauce, overlapping slightly.
Spread 0.25 cup of the cheese mixture on top of the noodles. Repeat the layering with pasta sauce, noodles, and cheese mixture 2 more times.
Top with the remaining 3 noodles and 1 cup of sauce. Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Uncover, top with the remaining mozzarella cheese, and bake for an additional 25 minutes or until the cheese is lightly golden brown.
Serve hot and plain, but cut the cooked, poultry-based lasagna into serving pieces with a chef's knife.

Variations

Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the cheese mixture for added nutrition.
Use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain the fat from the cooked ground turkey to keep the dish from becoming too greasy.

- Using no-boil noodles saves time and makes assembly a breeze.

- Letting the lasagna rest for a few minutes after baking will make it easier to cut and serve.

Serving Suggestions

Serve turkey lasagna with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Layering the lasagna in the correct order is key to ensuring even cooking and a delicious end result.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of cheese you prefer in this recipe, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or provolone.

Make Ahead Tips

You can assemble the lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the finished lasagna with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve turkey lasagna with a glass of red wine, such as a Chianti or Merlot.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover turkey lasagna can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of turkey lasagna contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of turkey lasagna contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of turkey lasagna contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of turkey lasagna contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Turkey lasagna is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and eggs.

Summary

Turkey lasagna is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Turkey lasagna is a delicious and nutritious twist on the classic Italian dish, perfect for a cozy family dinner or special occasion. With layers of pasta, cheese, and savory turkey, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still picture the first time I came across this recipe for Turkey Lasagna. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins, who was known for her superb cooking skills. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of herbs and spices wafting through the air.

Mrs. Jenkins was bustling around the kitchen, chopping vegetables and simmering a rich tomato sauce on the stove. When I asked her what she was making, she smiled and said she was preparing her famous Turkey Lasagna. Intrigued, I eagerly offered to help her in the kitchen and learn the recipe.

As we worked side by side, Mrs. Jenkins shared with me the story behind the recipe. She had learned it from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through generations. The secret, she explained, was in the layers of flavors and the perfect balance of spices.

I watched in awe as Mrs. Jenkins expertly layered the lasagna noodles, ground turkey, ricotta cheese, and marinara sauce in a casserole dish. She sprinkled a generous amount of mozzarella cheese on top and placed it in the oven to bake to golden perfection.

As we waited for the lasagna to cook, Mrs. Jenkins regaled me with tales of her grandmother's kitchen and the delicious meals she used to prepare. She spoke with such love and reverence for her family's culinary traditions, and I was struck by the deep connection she felt to her heritage through food.

When the lasagna was finally ready, we sat down at the table and dug into the piping hot dish. The flavors were exquisite – the savory turkey, creamy cheese, and tangy tomato sauce melded together in a symphony of taste. Mrs. Jenkins beamed with pride as I took my first bite, savoring the rich flavors and textures.

From that day on, I was hooked on Mrs. Jenkins' Turkey Lasagna. I begged her for the recipe, and she graciously obliged, writing it down on a worn index card for me to take home. I made the dish for my own family, and it quickly became a favorite at our dinner table.

Over the years, I have made Mrs. Jenkins' Turkey Lasagna countless times, each batch better than the last. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the delicious tradition that has brought me so much joy and satisfaction.

As I stand in my own kitchen now, preparing the lasagna for yet another family gathering, I can't help but feel grateful for that fateful day with Mrs. Jenkins. Her recipe has become a cherished part of my own culinary repertoire, a reminder of the power of food to connect us to our past and bring us together in love and laughter.

And as I sit down at the table with my loved ones, watching them enjoy every bite of the Turkey Lasagna, I know that Mrs. Jenkins' legacy lives on in every delicious mouthful.