I confess, I was never the biggest fan of pasta or traditional lasagna, often finding it a bit too heavy or lacking in complex flavors. However, everything changed the moment I discovered this incredible turkey lasagna recipe. It’s more than just a meal; it’s become a cherished tradition, particularly as the centerpiece of our Christmas Eve dinner. This isn’t just *a* family favorite; it’s *the* family favorite – a dish that consistently receives rave reviews, disappears first from the table, and brings an unparalleled sense of warmth and contentment to every gathering. Its cozy, rich, and deeply satisfying flavors have made it an indispensable part of our culinary traditions.
Featured Comment: “This was probably the best lasagna I have ever had. Love the texture of the soaked noodles. The flavors are incredible!” – Candace
Why This Ina Garten Turkey Lasagna is a Must-Try
My culinary journey with this particular lasagna began when I first stumbled upon the recipe in the legendary Barefoot Contessa Family Style cookbook. What immediately piqued my interest was its unique approach: it calls for flavorful Italian turkey sausage instead of plain ground turkey or traditional pork sausage. This simple substitution makes a world of difference, not only in taste but also in ease of preparation.
What sets this recipe apart, making it truly exceptional and a permanent fixture in our home, is its masterful combination of ingredients. Beyond the succulent turkey sausage, it features a decadent blend of four different cheeses, creating a symphony of textures and flavors that is utterly irresistible. Even the pickiest eaters, including my own children, fall in love with it at first bite. It’s a dish that effortlessly combines sophistication with heartwarming comfort.
This Ina Garten Turkey Lasagna isn’t just comforting and delicious; it’s remarkably practical. The use of pre-seasoned Italian turkey sausage eliminates all the guesswork involved in flavoring the meat sauce, ensuring a consistently delicious result every time. This means it’s pretty much failproof, making it perfect for both seasoned home cooks and those looking for a stress-free yet impressive meal.
The richness and depth of flavor in this lasagna are exactly what you crave in a true comfort meal. It’s hearty enough for a cozy family dinner on a chilly evening, yet elegant enough to grace your holiday table. I can confidently promise that your guests will not only adore it but will likely be asking for the recipe before the night is over!
Serving Tip! For an unforgettable comfort meal experience, pair this rich turkey lasagna with a refreshing Greek Chickpea Salad with Arugula to balance the richness, and some delightful Cheese Bread for dipping into any leftover sauce.
Key Ingredients for Your Turkey Lasagna
To recreate this sensational turkey lasagna, you’ll need a selection of fresh and pantry staple ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the dish’s signature flavor and texture:
- White Onion: Forms the aromatic foundation of the meat sauce.
- Garlic: Essential for depth of flavor in Italian cooking.
- Italian Turkey Sausage: The star of the show, providing incredible flavor without the need for extensive seasoning. Opt for mild or spicy based on preference.
- Crushed Tomatoes: The base for our rich, simmered tomato sauce.
- Tomato Paste: Adds concentrated tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- Fresh Parsley: For a vibrant, herbaceous note, used in both the sauce and cheese filling.
- Fresh Basil: A classic pairing with tomato, bringing sweetness and freshness.
- Lasagna Noodles: The structure of the dish; choose between traditional or no-boil.
- Ricotta Cheese: Creates the creamy, classic Italian cheese layer.
- Goat Cheese: A delightful secret ingredient that adds a subtle tang and unparalleled creaminess.
- Parmesan Cheese: For nutty, salty depth in the cheese filling and a golden crust on top.
- Egg: Acts as a binder for the ricotta mixture, ensuring it holds together beautifully.
- Fresh Mozzarella: For that irresistible, gooey, stretchy cheese pull.
- Pantry Staples: Olive oil, salt, and pepper – the foundational seasonings.
Refer to the full recipe card below for exact quantities and detailed instructions.
Love comforting meals? Don’t miss our hearty Turkey Shepherd’s Pie for another delicious family dinner!
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Turkey Lasagna
Crafting this Ina Garten turkey lasagna is a straightforward and rewarding process. Follow these detailed steps to achieve a truly memorable dish:
- Step 1: Prepare the Flavorful Meat Sauce
Begin by heating a generous drizzle of olive oil in a large, heavy-duty skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the chopped white onions and cook gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and translucent. This forms the sweet, aromatic base of our sauce. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant – be careful not to burn it. Add the Italian turkey sausage (casings removed, if applicable) to the pan, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Continue to cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the sausage is no longer pink and is beautifully browned.
Once the sausage is cooked, incorporate the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, all the fresh basil, 1 ½ teaspoons of kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon of fresh black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow it to simmer, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and reduced slightly. This slow simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully and prevents a watery lasagna.
- Step 2: Prepare the Lasagna Noodles
For traditional lasagna noodles, fill a large rectangular dish (or your kitchen sink) with the hottest tap water you can get. Submerge the lasagna noodles and let them soak for exactly 20 minutes. It’s crucial to gently move the noodles around with a pair of tongs every few minutes to prevent them from sticking together. Once softened, drain them thoroughly and immediately transfer them to a parchment-lined baking sheet, laying them flat in a single layer. This prevents them from clumping. If you are using no-boil (oven-ready) noodles, you can happily skip this step entirely!
- Step 3: Craft the Creamy Ricotta Filling
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the entire container of ricotta cheese, the crumbled goat cheese, 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, one lightly beaten egg, the remaining 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until they are well incorporated and form a creamy, cohesive filling. The egg acts as a binder, ensuring the cheese layer stays together beautifully during baking. Set this delectable mixture aside.
- Step 4: Layer the Lasagna to Perfection
You’ll need a standard 9×13-inch rectangular baking dish for this recipe. Before you begin layering, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). The first crucial layer is a thin spread of sauce. Spoon approximately one-third of your rich meat sauce into the bottom of the baking dish, spreading it evenly. This not only adds flavor to the base but also prevents the noodles from sticking to the pan and helps keep the entire dish moist.
Next, arrange half of your prepared lasagna noodles over the sauce. Top the noodles with half of the thinly sliced fresh mozzarella, followed by half of the creamy ricotta mixture, and then another one-third of the meat sauce. Repeat this layering process: add the remaining pasta, then the rest of the mozzarella, the rest of the ricotta mixture, and finally, the remaining meat sauce. Finish by sprinkling the top generously with the reserved ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese.
- Step 5: Bake and Rest for Ultimate Flavor
Place your assembled lasagna, uncovered, into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling enticingly around the edges, the noodles are tender when pierced, and the top is golden brown and cheesy. For an extra crispy, golden-brown crust, you can optionally broil the lasagna for 1-2 minutes during the last stage of baking, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Once baked, resist the urge to cut into it immediately! It’s essential to allow the lasagna to rest, uncovered, for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the layers to set, preventing a sloppy mess and ensuring each slice holds its shape beautifully while retaining all its juicy flavor.
Pro Tips for the Best Turkey Lasagna
Achieving a truly outstanding turkey lasagna goes beyond just following the steps. Here are some expert tips to ensure your dish is nothing short of perfection every time:
- Sausage Choice Matters: While the recipe calls for mild Italian turkey sausage, don’t hesitate to experiment. Spicy Italian turkey sausage introduces a wonderful, subtle kick that beautifully complements the sweet ricotta and creamy blend of cheeses. The finished lasagna won’t taste overly spicy; instead, it offers a perfectly balanced flavor profile that many prefer. However, I strongly recommend sticking with Italian turkey sausage. Plain ground turkey meat lacks the inherent seasoning and fat content that makes this lasagna so flavorful and moist.
- Noodle Nuances: You have options when it comes to lasagna noodles – traditional boiled noodles or convenient no-boil (oven-ready) lasagna noodles. If using traditional noodles, the soaking step (Step 2) is vital to ensure they cook through and maintain a tender texture without becoming mushy. Remember to lay them flat on parchment paper after draining to prevent sticking. If you opt for no-boil noodles, you can skip the soaking step entirely, saving you time. Just be aware that no-boil noodles often cook a bit faster, so start checking for doneness around the 23-minute mark during baking.
- Preventing a Soupy Lasagna: No one wants a watery lasagna. Several factors can contribute to this, but they’re easily avoided. First, ensure your lasagna noodles are thoroughly drained after soaking. Second, allow your meat sauce to simmer, uncovered, for the recommended 15-20 minutes. This crucial step helps reduce excess moisture and thickens the sauce significantly. Finally, the choice of sausage is important: Italian turkey sausage, while flavorful, generally has a lower fat content than Italian pork sausage, which can release more oil during baking and contribute to a “soupy” texture.
- The Importance of Resting: This cannot be overstated. Resting the lasagna for at least 15 minutes after baking allows the cheese and sauce to set, making it much easier to cut into neat, beautiful slices. Cutting it too soon will result in a messy, crumbling dish.
How to Prepare Lasagna Ahead of Time & Freeze
This turkey lasagna is an excellent candidate for meal prep, making it ideal for busy weeknights or entertaining. Preparing it in advance actually allows the flavors to meld even further, resulting in an even more delicious dish!
Making Ahead (Refrigeration):
You can fully prepare and assemble the entire lasagna up to one day in advance. The key is to ensure your meat sauce has cooled completely to room temperature before layering. Assembling with hot sauce can lead to condensation and a soggier final product. Once assembled in your baking dish, tightly cover the dish with plastic wrap, then with a layer of aluminum foil to create an airtight seal. Refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come closer to room temperature, then bake as directed (you might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s still quite cold).
Freezing for Future Enjoyment:
This lasagna also freezes beautifully, making it perfect for convenient future meals. Prepare and assemble the lasagna exactly as instructed, but do not bake it. Use a freezer-safe and oven-safe pan for assembly. Once assembled, tightly wrap the pan first with a layer of plastic wrap, pressing it down to remove as much air as possible. Then, follow with a layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil. I highly recommend double-wrapping with foil to prevent any freezer burn, which can compromise flavor and texture. Label the dish with the date and cooking instructions.
- To cook frozen lasagna: Discard all plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Place the frozen lasagna, uncovered, directly into a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven. Bake for approximately 45-60 minutes, or until thoroughly heated through, bubbling around the edges, and the noodles are tender.
- To cook thawed lasagna: For a quicker bake, you can thaw the frozen lasagna overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, discard the plastic and foil and bake, uncovered, at 400°F (200°C) for about 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
Turkey Lasagna Q&A
Yes, absolutely! Simply use no-boil (also known as oven-ready) lasagna noodles. These are designed to cook directly in the oven, absorbing moisture from the sauce as they bake, eliminating the need for a separate boiling or soaking step.
If you’re using traditional noodles and soaking them, the trick is to move them around occasionally with tongs while they’re in the hot water. After draining, lay each noodle flat in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. You can also lightly spray the parchment or baking sheet with non-stick spray. While it takes a little extra time, this step is well worth it to prevent frustrating clumps.
This turkey lasagna bakes beautifully at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 30 minutes, uncovered. If cooking from frozen, the baking time will be longer, typically 45-60 minutes at the same temperature.
For this particular recipe, it is baked uncovered. Baking uncovered allows the top layer of cheese to brown beautifully and create a slightly crispy, golden crust. Covering with foil is sometimes used initially to prevent over-browning if baking for a longer duration, but for 30 minutes at 400°F, it’s generally not necessary.
Absolutely, yes! It is highly recommended to let your lasagna rest for about 15 minutes, uncovered, after it comes out of the oven. This crucial resting period allows the cheese and sauce to set, preventing a runny, sloppy mess when you cut into it. Patience is key for perfect slices!
You can tell your lasagna is done when the noodles are cooked through and tender, the sauce is visibly bubbling around the edges of the dish, and the cheese on top is melted, golden, and slightly bubbly. For an extra check, carefully insert a toothpick or a small knife into the center; if it goes in easily with little resistance, the noodles are perfectly cooked and your lasagna is ready.
Soupy lasagna is often a result of excess moisture. To avoid this, ensure your lasagna noodles are thoroughly drained after soaking. Crucially, allow your meat sauce to simmer, uncovered, until it has reduced and thickened significantly; this allows any excess moisture to evaporate. Additionally, using Italian turkey sausage instead of fattier Italian pork sausage can help, as pork sausage tends to release more oil during baking, potentially contributing to a runnier final dish.
What Side Dishes Go With Lasagna?
A hearty lasagna pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes, most notably those that offer a fresh counterpoint to its rich flavors. You truly can’t go wrong with a classic choice:
- Green Salad: A simple, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is always a winner. It provides a refreshing contrast and helps balance the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Vegetables like Roasted Garlic Green Beans or asparagus offer a healthy, flavorful accompaniment. Their slight char and tender-crisp texture complement the soft layers of lasagna.
- Cucumber Salad: For something cool and creamy, a creamy Greek Cucumber Salad is a fantastic choice. Its fresh, tangy profile cuts through the carb-loaded comfort food wonderfully.
- Caesar Salad: If you’re looking for a more traditional Italian-American pairing, a Kale Caesar Salad adds a robust, garlicky, and cheesy element that complements the lasagna’s flavors.
- Arugula Salad: A quick and easy Parmesan Arugula Kale Salad with Pine Nuts, tossed with a simple lemon dressing, provides a peppery, fresh bite that brightens the entire meal.
- Garlic Bread: And of course, no lasagna meal is complete without warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce!
WATCH: How to Make Ina Garten Turkey Lasagna
For a visual guide to making this delectable Ina Garten Turkey Lasagna, watch our step-by-step video demonstration. It walks you through each stage, from preparing the rich meat sauce to perfectly layering the cheeses and noodles, ensuring you achieve a flawless and flavorful result every time.
More Comfort Food Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoy the heartwarming embrace of this turkey lasagna, you’ll surely appreciate these other beloved comfort food recipes from our collection:
Ina Garten’s Turkey Lasagna Recipe Card
Healthy Ina Garten Lasagna Recipe (Ground Turkey Lasagna)
5 from 6 reviews
- Author: Katya
- Prep Time: 50 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 mins
- Yield: 8–10 servings
- Category: Main
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
The best turkey lasagna from Ina Garten! Packed with so many delicious layers for an ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ lbs. mild Italian turkey sausage, casings removed
- 1 (28 oz.) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, divided
- ½ cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 ¾ tsp. Kosher salt, divided
- ¾ tsp. fresh black pepper
- 8 oz. dry lasagna noodles
- 15 oz. ricotta cheese
- 4 oz. crumbled goat cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus ¼ cup for the top
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 lb. fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large heavy-duty skillet. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes over medium heat or until translucent. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until no longer pink.
- Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, 2 tablespoons of the parsley, basil, 1 ½ teaspoons of salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Simmer, uncovered, over medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes or until thickened and reduced.
- Fill a large rectangular dish with hottest tap water. Add the lasagne noodles and soak in water for 20 minutes. Move the noodles around occasionally with a pair of tongs so they don’t stick. Drain and lay flat on a parchment lined baking sheet. Don’t leave the noodles in a colander or they will stick together.
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, goat cheese, 1 cup of Parmesan cheese, egg, remaining 2 tablespoons of parsley, remaining ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200°C).
- Spoon ⅓ of the sauce into a 9×13-inch rectangular baking dish, spreading the sauce over the bottom of the dish. Next layer half the pasta, half the mozzarella, half the ricotta, and ⅓ of the sauce. Add the rest of the pasta, mozzarella, ricotta, and remaining sauce. Sprinkle with ¼ cup of Parmesan.
- Bake, uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the noodles are tender. Optional, broil the lasagna for 1-2 minutes for a golden-brown top. Rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Sausage: I’ve made this lasagna with both mild and spicy Italian turkey sausage. Both are delicious. The spicy sausage has a slight bite and compliments the sweet ricotta and creaminess of the cheeses really nicely. The finished lasagna does not taste spicy, but rather perfectly balanced. I do not recommend using plain ground turkey meat for this lasagna, as it won’t yield the same rich flavor and texture.
- Lasagna Noodles: Traditional boiled noodles or no-boil (oven-ready) lasagna noodles both work well in this recipe. If you opt for no-boil noodles, simply skip step 3 entirely. Keep in mind that no-boil noodles tend to cook a little quicker, so you might start checking the lasagna for doneness around the 23-minute mark if using them.
- To Make Ahead: Lasagna can be prepared and assembled up to 1 day in advance. Ensure the meat sauce is cooled to room temperature before assembling. Tightly cover the dish with plastic wrap and then foil, and refrigerate until you are ready to bake.
- To Freeze Lasagna: Assemble the lasagna in a freezer and oven-safe baking dish, but do not bake it. Tightly wrap the dish first with plastic wrap, then with a layer of aluminum foil (double-wrap for best results to prevent freezer burn). To bake from frozen, discard the plastic wrap and foil, then bake, uncovered, at 400°F (200°C) for 45-60 minutes. Alternatively, you can thaw the frozen lasagna in the refrigerator overnight and then bake it, uncovered, at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 to 1/10 of the recipe
- Calories: 462
- Sugar: 7.1 g
- Sodium: 1567.1 mg
- Fat: 19.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 31.9 g
- Protein: 40.5 g
- Cholesterol: 79.8 mg
If you try Ina Garten’s Turkey Lasagna, please leave a star rating and let me know how you like the recipe in the comments below. Your feedback is truly appreciated!
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Recipe originally published February 2015, and updated for enhanced content and clarity.
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