Craving a delicious lasagna that doesn't compromise on flavor or nutrition? Get ready to revolutionize your dinner routine with this mouthwatering Ground Turkey Lasagna Casserole that proves healthy eating can be absolutely irresistible! Packed with lean protein, gooey cheese, and rich marinara sauce, this recipe transforms the classic Italian favorite into a lighter, more nutritious meal that will have your family begging for seconds.
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 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground turkey over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning while cooking. Drain any excess fat.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions, but reduce cooking time by 2 minutes to keep them slightly firm. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
- Begin layering the casserole: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the first layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping them.
- Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the cooked ground turkey.
- Pour 1 cup of marinara sauce over the turkey, then sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layering process with remaining noodles, ricotta mixture, turkey, sauce, and mozzarella.
- Top the final layer with remaining Parmesan cheese and mozzarella.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it doesn't touch the cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes covered, then remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the lasagna to set.
- Slice into 6 equal portions and serve hot, garnishing with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding finely chopped spinach or zucchini to the ricotta mixture for additional nutrients.
- Use no-boil lasagna noodles to save time and reduce dishes.
- Always drain excess fat from the ground turkey to keep the dish lighter.
- Let the lasagna rest after baking to help it set and make cutting easier.
- For a crispy top, broil the lasagna for 2-3 minutes after baking if you want more golden cheese.
- Make this dish ahead of time and refrigerate - it often tastes even better the next day!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 110mg
