Ina Garten Turkey Lasagna Recipe is warm, cheesy and very comforting. This dish is lighter than beef lasagna but still full of flavor. The Ina Garten Turkey Lasagna Recipe is perfect for family dinners, potlucks and holidays.
It looks fancy but is easy to make. Layers of tender noodles, creamy cheese and savory turkey sauce make it irresistible.
In this post, I will show you how to make Ina Garten Turkey Lasagna. You will also learn the Ingredients for Ina Garten Turkey Lasagna and helpful tips for success.
My Experience With This Recipe
The first time I made this recipe, my kitchen smelled amazing. The turkey sauce was rich and the cheese melted perfectly. My family loved the lasagna immediately. Even picky eaters finished their plates.
The layers held well, and the dish looked beautiful on the table. I also enjoyed the leftovers the next day. It reheats perfectly without losing flavor.
This recipe feels comforting and makes any meal special. I now make it regularly for family dinners and gatherings.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Turkey Lasagna Recipe
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 60 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 mins
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian American
- Calories: 420 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large pot
- Skillet or frying pan
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Aluminum foil
- Oven
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Turkey Lasagna Recipe
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1.5 pounds ground turkey
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Step-by-Step Guide
- Boil the noodles
Cook noodles in salted water until soft but firm. Drain and set aside on a plate to cool. - Cook the turkey
Heat olive oil in a skillet, add turkey and cook until browned. Break up lumps while stirring gently. - Add onion and garlic
Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until onion is soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. - Add sauce and spices
Pour in marinara sauce, basil, oregano, salt and pepper. Simmer gently to blend all flavors together. - Prepare cheese mixture
In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, parmesan, some mozzarella, salt and pepper until smooth and creamy. - Layer the lasagna
Spread sauce in the baking dish, add noodles, then cheese mixture and turkey sauce. Repeat layers evenly. - Top with cheese
Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and parmesan on top for a golden, bubbly, cheesy crust. - Bake the lasagna
Cover with foil and bake 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 20 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles. - Rest and serve
Let lasagna rest 10 minutes before cutting. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Turkey Lasagna Recipe
- Use fresh cheese for best melting
- Don’t overcook noodles before layering
- Taste sauce and adjust seasoning
- Let lasagna rest before cutting
- Use high-quality marinara for richer flavor
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Cutting too soon after baking
- Overcooking noodles until mushy
- Skipping seasoning in turkey sauce
- Using watery cheese mixture
- Baking uncovered, causing dryness
Serving Suggestions
Serve Ina Garten Turkey Lasagna Recipe with garlic bread or soft dinner rolls. A simple green salad adds freshness. Sprinkle fresh basil on top for color.
It pairs well with roasted vegetables or a light soup. This dish works for family dinners, potlucks or holidays. Everyone will enjoy the cheesy, savory layers of pasta, turkey and sauce.
Variations You Can Try
- Add fresh spinach to the cheese mixture
- Include sliced mushrooms in the turkey sauce
- Use part-skim cheese for a lighter version
- Add bell peppers or zucchini for color
- Try spicy marinara for a slightly hot flavor
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge
- Keep for up to three days
- Reheat slices in the oven or microwave until warm
- Freeze unbaked lasagna for future meals
- Thaw frozen lasagna in fridge overnight before baking
Nutrition Information
| Item | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 640 mg |
Health Benefits
Turkey is leaner than beef, making this lasagna lighter but still filling. It provides protein for energy and strong muscles. Cheese adds calcium for bones, while tomatoes in marinara sauce give antioxidants and vitamins.
Adding vegetables like spinach or peppers increases fiber and nutrients. This recipe balances comfort food with healthy ingredients. It is a satisfying meal for both kids and adults.
Ina Garten Turkey Lasagna Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1.5 pounds ground turkey
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 onion chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
Boil the noodles
- Cook noodles in salted water until soft but firm. Drain and set aside on a plate to cool.
Cook the turkey
- Heat olive oil in a skillet, add turkey and cook until browned. Break up lumps while stirring gently.
Add onion and garlic
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until onion is soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Add sauce and spices
- Pour in marinara sauce, basil, oregano, salt and pepper. Simmer gently to blend all flavors together.
Prepare cheese mixture
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, parmesan, some mozzarella, salt and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Layer the lasagna
- Spread sauce in the baking dish, add noodles, then cheese mixture and turkey sauce. Repeat layers evenly.
Top with cheese
- Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and parmesan on top for a golden, bubbly, cheesy crust.
Bake the lasagna
- Cover with foil and bake 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 20 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.
Rest and serve
- Let lasagna rest 10 minutes before cutting. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
Notes
- Use fresh cheese for best melting
- Don’t overcook noodles before layering
- Taste sauce and adjust seasoning
- Let lasagna rest before cutting
- Use high-quality marinara for richer flavor
FAQs about Ina Garten Turkey Lasagna Recipe
1. Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day before baking. Cover it and store in the fridge. Bake just before serving for fresh flavor and bubbly cheese.
2. Can I use whole wheat noodles?
Yes, whole wheat noodles add fiber and nutrients. Cook them as usual and layer with the same sauce and cheese.
3. Can I replace ricotta cheese?
Yes, cottage cheese works if you prefer lighter texture. Blend it smooth for creamy filling similar to ricotta.
4. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, kids love the cheesy layers and soft noodles. You can reduce spices if needed for a milder taste.
5. Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes, add spinach, zucchini or bell peppers in layers for extra color, nutrition, and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Ina Garten Turkey Lasagna Recipe is comforting, cheesy and delicious. It is perfect for family dinners or special occasions. The Ingredients for Ina Garten Turkey Lasagna are simple and easy to find.
Following these steps makes layering and baking easy. Enjoy warm, cheesy and flavorful slices. This dish will become a family favorite and is perfect for meal prep or entertaining. Try it once and you will want to make it again and again.
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!