Turkey Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe

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These Turkey Lasagna Roll-Ups are a delicious, healthier twist on classic lasagna. Made with lean ground turkey, creamy ricotta, and rich marinara sauce, these rolled-up pasta bundles are packed with flavor and perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or special occasions. Unlike traditional lasagna, these roll-ups are easy to serve in individual portions, making them great for kids and guests. With layers of cheese, hearty turkey filling, and a savory tomato sauce, every bite delivers a satisfying combination of flavors and textures. Whether you bake them fresh or freeze them for later, this recipe is guaranteed to be a new family favorite!
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Serving Size: 2 roll-ups
  • Servings: 6-8

Ingredients

For the Turkey Filling:

  • 1 lb lean ground turkey
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

For the Ricotta Mixture:

  • 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

For the Roll-Ups:

  • 12 lasagna noodles
  • 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preparing the Turkey Filling:

  1. Heat the oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté the diced onion until softened (about 3 minutes).
  2. Cook the turkey: Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned.
  3. Add seasoning: Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 2 minutes.
  4. Mix with sauce: Stir in 1 cup of marinara sauce, reduce heat, and let simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Making the Ricotta Mixture:

  1. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, basil, and garlic powder.
  2. Mix until well combined and smooth. Set aside.

Cooking the Lasagna Noodles:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
  2. Drain and lay the noodles on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking.

Assembling the Roll-Ups:

  1. Preheat oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Prepare baking dish: Spread ½ cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  3. Fill the noodles: Spread 2 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture evenly over each noodle.
  4. Add turkey filling: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the turkey mixture on top of the ricotta.
  5. Roll up: Carefully roll each lasagna noodle and place seam-side down in the baking dish.

Baking:

  1. Top with sauce: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the roll-ups.
  2. Sprinkle cheese: Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
  3. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  4. Broil: Remove the foil and broil for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Serving:

  1. Let the roll-ups rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  2. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.

Tips for the Best Turkey Lasagna Roll-Ups

  • Use Lean Turkey: It keeps the dish lighter while still being packed with flavor.
  • Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Keep them al dente so they hold their shape when rolling.
  • Make It Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
  • For Extra Creaminess: Add a little heavy cream to the ricotta mixture.

Creative Variations

  • Spinach & Ricotta Roll-Ups: Add sautéed spinach to the ricotta mixture for an extra veggie boost.
  • Mushroom & Turkey Roll-Ups: Mix sautéed mushrooms into the turkey filling.
  • Pesto Roll-Ups: Spread a thin layer of pesto on the noodles before adding the ricotta.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles.

FAQs

Can I freeze turkey lasagna roll-ups? Yes! Assemble the roll-ups, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 45-50 minutes. How do I store leftovers? Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes. Can I use ground chicken instead? Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great substitute for turkey. These Turkey Lasagna Roll-Ups are the perfect balance of hearty, cheesy, and comforting. Whether for meal prep or a family dinner, this dish is a delicious way to enjoy lasagna in a fun, easy-to-serve format. Try them today and enjoy a lighter take on a classic Italian favorite!

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