Description
Creamy comfort flows through this hearty Turkey Lasagna, blending Mediterranean flavors with classic Italian warmth. Layers of tender pasta, seasoned ground turkey, and rich cheese create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 500 g (1 lb) minced/ground turkey
- 250 g ricotta cheese
- 50 g grated Cheddar cheese
- 50 g grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 carrot, grated
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 tin chopped tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken stock/broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- 30 g (2 tablespoons) butter
- 1 tablespoon plain flour
- 250 ml (1 cup) milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 8 lasagna sheets
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatic base by sautéing finely chopped onions, carrots, and garlic in a skillet until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Introduce ground turkey to the pan, browning thoroughly and breaking into small pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Enhance the meat mixture with chopped tomatoes, chicken stock, and seasonings. Allow the sauce to simmer and develop rich flavors for 15-20 minutes, creating a robust foundation.
- Craft a velvety cheese sauce by creating a roux with butter and flour, then gradually incorporating milk and mustard until achieving a smooth consistency.
- Fold cheddar cheese into the white sauce, creating a luxurious and creamy texture.
- Combine ricotta cheese with thawed spinach, seasoning with salt and pepper to create a verdant filling.
- Layer the lasagna methodically: spread a base of meat sauce, arrange lasagna sheets, distribute ricotta-spinach mixture, and drizzle cheese sauce.
- Repeat layering process, ensuring the final layer is covered with cheese sauce for a golden finish.
- Garnish the top with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley for added depth and visual appeal.
- Bake at 375F (190C) for 35-40 minutes until the surface turns golden and bubbling.
- Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes before serving, enabling the layers to set and flavors to meld.
Notes
- Swap ground turkey for ground chicken or plant-based meat alternatives to suit different dietary preferences and create versatile meal options.
- Drain excess liquid from spinach thoroughly to prevent watery lasagna layers and maintain a rich, dense texture.
- Use low-fat cheese and milk versions to reduce overall calorie content without compromising flavor and creamy consistency.
- Prepare lasagna components ahead of time and assemble just before baking to streamline cooking process and save valuable kitchen time.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg