Imagine sinking your fork into a mouthwatering lasagna that's not only incredibly delicious but also guilt-free and packed with nutrition. This Turkey Zucchini Noodle Lasagna is the game-changing recipe that will revolutionize your meal prep routine, offering a perfect blend of protein-rich ground turkey, vibrant zucchini noodles, and layers of creamy, melted cheese. Say goodbye to heavy, carb-loaded traditional lasagna and hello to a lighter, healthier alternative that doesn't compromise on flavor or satisfaction!
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6-8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 medium zucchini, spiralized
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Using a spiralizer, transform the medium zucchini into thin noodle-like strands. Place zucchini noodles on paper towels and sprinkle with salt to draw out excess moisture. Let sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry with additional paper towels.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground turkey. Break the meat into small crumbles and season with salt and pepper. Cook until no pink remains, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Add marinara sauce to the cooked turkey and stir to combine. Simmer the mixture for 3-4 minutes to meld flavors.
- In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese with half of the Parmesan cheese. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Begin layering the lasagna in the prepared baking dish: Start with a thin layer of meat sauce, followed by zucchini noodles, ricotta mixture, and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layering process 2-3 times, ensuring the top layer is covered with mozzarella and remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the lasagna to set and makes portioning easier.
- For meal prep, divide into individual portions and store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Tips
- Moisture Management: The key to preventing a watery lasagna is thoroughly removing excess moisture from zucchini noodles. After spiralizing, sprinkle with salt and let sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry with paper towels.
- Seasoning is Essential: Don't be shy with seasonings. The salt and pepper in the turkey and ricotta mixture will elevate the overall flavor profile of the dish.
- Layering Technique: Create even layers for consistent flavor and texture. Start with a thin sauce layer to prevent sticking and ensure each bite is perfectly balanced.
- Meal Prep Magic: This recipe is ideal for batch cooking. It stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be easily portioned into individual containers.
- Cheese Tip: For a golden, bubbly top, uncover the lasagna for the last 10 minutes of baking. This allows the cheese to develop a beautiful color and slightly crispy texture.
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to add herbs like basil or oregano to the ricotta mixture, or experiment with different types of ground meat for variety.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 209kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 54mg
