Craving a mouthwatering lasagna that doesn't compromise on health or flavor? Get ready to fall in love with this Healthy Turkey Lasagna with Vegetables - a game-changing recipe that proves nutritious eating can be absolutely delicious! Packed with lean protein, vibrant vegetables, and all the comforting layers you love, this lasagna is about to become your new go-to meal that will impress both health-conscious foodies and picky eaters alike.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 9 whole wheat lasagna noodles
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or olive oil.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground turkey, breaking it into small crumbles. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the meat is no longer pink, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Add chopped bell peppers and sliced zucchini to the skillet with the turkey. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are slightly softened but still retain some crispness.
- In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese with chopped spinach. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to the mixture and stir until well combined.
- Cook whole wheat lasagna noodles according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
- Begin layering the lasagna: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Place three lasagna noodles as the first layer.
- Top the noodles with half of the ricotta-spinach mixture, followed by half of the turkey and vegetable mixture. Sprinkle with 1 cup of marinara sauce and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layering process with the remaining noodles, ricotta mixture, turkey mixture, sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes cutting easier.
- Slice into 6 equal portions and serve hot. Optionally, garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, make sure to season your ground turkey generously and brown it thoroughly before adding vegetables.
- Don't overcook your vegetables - you want them to retain some crispness and texture in the final dish.
- Allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking. This crucial step helps the layers set and makes cutting and serving much easier.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients whenever possible. The quality of your marinara sauce and cheese can make a big difference in the final taste.
- If you want to prep ahead, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- For a lighter version, you can use part-skim mozzarella and ricotta cheese to further reduce the calorie content.
- Always check the lasagna towards the end of cooking to prevent the top from burning. If it's browning too quickly, simply cover it with foil.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 95mg
