Ina Garten Turkey Lasagna – Hearty, Homemade, and Comforting

Ina Garten’s Turkey Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food with a lighter twist. Made with lean ground turkey, layers of creamy ricotta, tomato sauce, and melty mozzarella, this lasagna is just as satisfying as the traditional version—but a bit lighter and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, casual gathering, or make-ahead freezer meal, this dish is a reliable favorite.

With robust flavor, rich texture, and beautifully baked layers, it’s a lasagna recipe that always gets rave reviews.

What Is Ina Garten’s Turkey Lasagna?

Ina Garten’s turkey lasagna replaces ground beef with lean ground turkey, making it a bit lighter while still rich and flavorful. It includes layers of herbed ricotta cheese, homemade tomato sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan, all baked between sheets of lasagna noodles. It’s a complete one-pan meal that combines creamy, cheesy, meaty, and saucy elements into one satisfying dish.

Other Ina Garten Recipes

• Ina Garten Turkey Stuffing
• Ina Garten Scallops Provençal

Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Turkey Lasagna

• Lighter than traditional beef lasagna – But just as filling
• Make-ahead friendly – Prep it early and bake when ready
• Great for freezing – Holds up well in the freezer
• Full of classic Italian flavor – Tomato, garlic, herbs, and cheese
• Feeds a crowd – Generous portions for family meals
• Balanced texture – Creamy ricotta, stretchy mozzarella, and savory meat sauce
• Versatile – Can be made with no-boil noodles or gluten-free options

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten’s Turkey Lasagna

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ pounds ground turkey (dark meat preferred for flavor)
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can tomato sauce or diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil or parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Other Ingredients:

• 12 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Extra Parmesan for topping
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Turkey Lasagna

Step 1: Cook the sauce

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.

Step 2: Brown the turkey

Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes.

Step 3: Add tomatoes and simmer

Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Stir in parsley and remove from heat.

Step 4: Mix the cheese filling

In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, egg, basil (or parsley), salt, and pepper. Stir until fully blended.

Step 5: Cook the noodles (if using regular)

If using traditional lasagna noodles, boil them in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside on parchment paper or a lightly oiled surface.

Step 6: Assemble the lasagna

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a layer of sauce on the bottom. Add a layer of noodles, followed by a layer of the ricotta mixture, some mozzarella, and more sauce. Repeat layers until ingredients are used up, ending with sauce and a final layer of mozzarella and Parmesan.

Step 7: Bake the lasagna

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 8: Rest and serve

Let the lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Turkey Lasagna

• Garlic bread or focaccia – Classic side to soak up the sauce
• Caesar or arugula salad – Adds freshness and crunch
• Roasted vegetables – Such as zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers
• Grilled asparagus or green beans – Light green sides that pair well
• Red wine like Chianti or Merlot – Complements the tomato base
• Sparkling water with lemon – Keeps the meal refreshing
• Simple antipasto platter – If serving for a gathering

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten’s Turkey Lasagna

• Use dark meat turkey – It’s more flavorful and stays moist
• Let the sauce simmer long enough – It should be thick, not watery
• Salt the pasta water well – Especially for traditional noodles
• Cool before slicing – Helps the layers hold together
• Add extra mozzarella on top – For a melty, golden crust
• Use no-boil noodles to save time – Just make sure the sauce is moist
• Make a day ahead – Flavors deepen after chilling overnight

Creative Variations of Ina Garten’s Turkey Lasagna

• Add spinach to the ricotta – For a boost of greens
• Swap ricotta for cottage cheese – A lighter alternative
• Include mushrooms in the sauce – Adds umami depth
• Use gluten-free noodles – To suit dietary needs
• Add a béchamel layer – For extra creaminess
• Try provolone or fontina cheese – For added melt and flavor
• Use fire-roasted tomatoes – To enhance the sauce flavor

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten’s Turkey Lasagna

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container – Lasts up to 4 days
• Freeze individual portions – Wrap tightly in foil and store in freezer bags
• Label and date frozen lasagna – Best within 2 months
• Avoid storing with fresh herbs – Add them after reheating
• Let cool completely before storing – Prevents condensation in containers

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Turkey Lasagna

• Oven: Reheat covered at 350°F for 20–25 minutes – Add foil to prevent drying
• Microwave individual slices – Heat in 1-minute intervals until hot
• Add a spoon of water or sauce before reheating – Keeps it moist
• Avoid repeated reheating – Only reheat what you plan to eat
• Let stand before serving – Helps distribute heat evenly

Nutritional Value (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 460
• Protein: 33g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 680mg

A hearty, balanced meal packed with lean protein and rich, comforting flavors.

FAQs

Can I make Ina Garten’s turkey lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, turkey lasagna can be fully assembled a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate it unbaked, then bake it when ready to serve. Add 10–15 extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

Can you freeze turkey lasagna?

Absolutely. You can freeze it baked or unbaked. Wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap, label, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or baking.

How do I prevent watery lasagna?

To avoid watery lasagna, simmer the sauce until thick and let the lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes after baking. This allows the layers to set and prevents excess moisture.

What’s the best cheese blend for turkey lasagna?

A combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan works best. Ricotta provides creaminess, mozzarella adds melt and stretch, and Parmesan gives a salty, umami flavor.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Turkey Lasagna is everything you want in a cozy pasta bake—rich, satisfying, and layered with flavor. It’s a lighter take on the classic that doesn’t sacrifice taste, and it’s easy to make ahead, serve a crowd, or freeze for later. From weeknight dinners to special gatherings, it’s a dish that always delivers.

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