Craving a hearty meal that satisfies everyone? This Three-Cheese Turkey Bolognese Lasagna is a perfect filling dinner recipe, combining rich flavors with comforting layers you’ll love. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a classic dish with a healthier twist.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Ground Turkey: Use lean ground turkey for a lighter bolognese. Ground chicken is a good alternative.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Essential for the rich sauce. Diced tomatoes work if you prefer a chunkier texture.
- Lasagna Noodles: Oven-ready noodles save time, but traditional ones are fine too.
- Ricotta Cheese: Creates creamy layers. Cottage cheese can be substituted for a similar texture.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully. Provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses also work.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, savory depth. Pecorino Romano is a great alternative.
Ingredients:
For the Turkey Bolognese:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1.5 pounds lean ground turkey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Assembly:
- 12-15 lasagna noodles (oven-ready or traditional, cooked al dente)
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: 8-10
- Calories per serving: Approximately 450-550
- Tools Needed: Large pot or Dutch oven, 9×13 inch baking dish, large mixing bowl.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Bolognese
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened, about 8-10 minutes. This foundational step builds incredible flavor for your filling dinner recipe.
2. Brown the Turkey
Add ground turkey to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, then drain any excess fat. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Simmer the Sauce
Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and water. Stir in tomato paste, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, for the best flavor. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
4. Make the Cheese Filling
In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and smooth. This creamy mixture is key to a rich lasagna.
5. Preheat Oven and Prepare Noodles
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you’re not using oven-ready lasagna noodles, cook them according to package directions until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
6. Assemble Your Lasagna
Spread a thin layer of turkey bolognese sauce at the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodles, then top with a third of the mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
7. Continue Layering
Repeat the layering process: noodles, half of the remaining bolognese, remaining ricotta, a third of the mozzarella, and more Parmesan. Finish with a final layer of noodles, the rest of the bolognese, and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
8. Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Variation Ideas:
- Vegetable Boost: Add spinach or zucchini to the ricotta mixture or bolognese for extra nutrients.
- Spicier Kick: Increase the red pepper flakes in the bolognese for more heat.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with smoked mozzarella or provolone for unique flavor.
Storage Instructions:
Leftover Three-Cheese Turkey Bolognese Lasagna stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This makes it a great make-ahead filling dinner recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Can you freeze this lasagna?
A: Yes, you can freeze it baked or unbaked for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.
Q: What if I can’t find oven-ready noodles?
A: Simply cook regular lasagna noodles according to package directions before assembling.
Q: Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?
A: Absolutely, ground beef is a classic choice for bolognese and works wonderfully in this filling dinner recipe.
Q: How do I prevent my lasagna from being watery?
A: Ensure your bolognese simmers long enough to reduce excess liquid, and drain any excess fat from the turkey.
Q: Can I prepare this lasagna ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the entire lasagna up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator before baking.
Q: What vegetables go well with this lasagna?
A: A simple green salad or roasted broccoli are excellent sides.