Hello friends, Chef André here!
Some recipes just stick with you-and this Irresistible Ground Turkey Lasagna is one of those dishes I can’t stop making.It has everything we love about classic lasagna: rich tomato sauce, creamy layers, and gooey melted cheese-but with lean ground turkey instead of heavier meats. The result is a lasagna that feels indulgent and cozy, yet lighter and perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.
What I love most about this Ground Turkey Lasagna is how it brings everyone to the table. It’s familiar, comforting, and just different enough to feel special every single time.
Why This Ground Turkey Lasagna Is So Popular
This recipe works beautifully because it’s:
- Lighter than traditional lasagna
- Packed with flavor and comfort
- Perfect for family dinners
- Great for leftovers and meal prep
- Easy to make ahead
Classic comfort—made smarter.
Ingredients for Irresistible Ground Turkey Lasagna
For the Turkey Sauce
- 1½ lbs lean ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Layer
- 1½ cups ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese, blended)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Black pepper, to taste
For Assembly
- 9 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
- 2½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Smart Substitutions by Chef André
- Whole wheat lasagna noodles for extra fiber
- Blended cottage cheese for more protein
- Add spinach or zucchini for extra veggies
- Dairy-free cheeses if needed
Step-by-Step Preparation – Chef André Guides You
1. Cook the Turkey Sauce
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until soft.
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Add ground turkey and cook until browned.
Stir in marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for 10–15 minutes.
2. Prepare the Creamy Layer
In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, garlic powder, and pepper until smooth.
Set aside.
3. Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread a thin layer of sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
Layer noodles, turkey sauce, creamy mixture, and mozzarella.
Repeat layers, finishing with sauce and mozzarella on top.
4. Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Creative Variations by Chef André
Make this Ground Turkey Lasagna your own:
🥬 Veggie-Loaded
Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
🧄 Extra Flavor
Add roasted garlic to the ricotta layer.
🧀 Extra Cheesy
Mix mozzarella into the ricotta layer.
🌶 Mild Heat
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Chef’s Tips for Perfect Lasagna
- Let it rest before slicing for clean layers
- Season turkey well—it’s naturally mild
- Don’t overfill layers
- Use good-quality marinara
These details make all the difference.
What to Serve with Ground Turkey Lasagna
This lasagna pairs beautifully with:
- Simple green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread or rolls
- Steamed broccoli
A complete and satisfying meal.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months
- Reheat: Oven or microwave
Tastes even better the next day.
FAQ – Irresistible Ground Turkey Lasagna
Does turkey taste dry in lasagna?
Not at all—the sauce keeps it juicy and tender.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes—assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours.
Is this kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Mild, cheesy, and comforting.
Can I use oven-ready noodles?
Yes—just ensure enough sauce.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~420 kcal
- Protein: 34 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
(Values vary by cheese and noodles.)
Conclusion – Chef André’s Lighter Lasagna Love 🍝🦃
This Irresistible Ground Turkey Lasagna proves you don’t have to sacrifice comfort to eat lighter. It’s cozy, flavorful, and perfect for bringing people together around the table.
If you try it, leave a comment, rate the recipe, and tell me what twist you added!
For safe handling and storage of poultry, I always recommend USDA Food Safety:
👉 https://www.usda.gov/food-safety
Happy cooking,
Chef André 👨🍳