Imagine a lasagna that's not just delicious, but also sneaks in extra nutrition and flavor that will make your taste buds dance with joy! This Turkey and Spinach Veggie Lasagna is the perfect blend of hearty ground turkey, nutrient-packed spinach, and classic Italian comfort food that will transform your dinner from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you're looking to impress your family, sneak some veggies into a picky eater's meal, or simply indulge in a mouthwatering dinner, this recipe is your ultimate culinary solution!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 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.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, laying noodles flat to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground turkey. Break meat into small crumbles while cooking. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Once turkey is fully cooked, add fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until spinach wilts and releases moisture, about 2-3 minutes.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with additional Italian seasoning and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- 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, slightly overlapping if needed.
- Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the turkey and spinach mixture.
- Pour a layer of marinara sauce and sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layering process with remaining ingredients: noodles, ricotta, turkey-spinach mixture, sauce, and mozzarella.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it doesn't touch the cheese.
- Bake in 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 lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow layers to set.
- Slice into 6 equal portions and serve hot, garnishing with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Tips
- Make sure to drain your lasagna noodles thoroughly and lay them flat to prevent sticking and clumping.
- Season each layer generously - this builds depth of flavor throughout the dish.
- Let the lasagna rest after baking for 10-15 minutes to help it set and make cutting easier.
- For extra flavor, try using fresh herbs like basil or parsley as a garnish.
- If you want a lighter version, use low-fat ricotta and mozzarella cheese.
- Don't skip covering the lasagna with foil initially - this helps cook the pasta evenly and prevents burning.
- For meal prep, this lasagna freezes beautifully - just wrap tightly and store for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 95mg
