Turkey Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe
If you’re searching for a family-friendly comfort meal with a fresh twist, Turkey Lasagna Roll-Ups are about to become your new go-to. These individual lasagna bundles pack all the cheesy, saucy goodness you love, but with lean ground turkey for a lighter bite and easy portioning. Imagine tender noodles rolled around a creamy ricotta and turkey filling, bubbling under a layer of marinara and golden mozzarella. It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels both special and weeknight-friendly, with all the Italian-American flavor you crave in every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for Turkey Lasagna Roll-Ups is refreshingly straightforward, but each one plays an important role in delivering flavor, texture, and that mouthwatering, melty finish. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why they matter in every bite.
- Lasagna noodles: The sturdy base for rolling up all that delicious filling—cook them just until tender for best results.
- Olive oil: Adds depth and helps brown the turkey, bringing out savory notes.
- Ground turkey: Lean and mild, it absorbs all the Italian spices and keeps things on the lighter side.
- Onion: Sweetens as it cooks and builds the aromatic foundation of the filling.
- Garlic: For that essential Italian flavor punch—don’t skip it!
- Dried Italian seasoning: A one-stop blend for herby complexity; it ties the whole dish together.
- Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer; taste as you go.
- Ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, it binds the filling and keeps it luxuriously soft.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts to a stretchy, golden finish on top and adds gooeyness inside.
- Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, salty depth and that unmistakable Italian tang.
- Egg: Helps hold the filling together and gives structure to the roll-ups.
- Marinara sauce: The saucy, tomato-rich layer that keeps everything juicy and flavorful.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A pop of color and freshness for garnish—totally optional, but highly recommended.
How to Make Turkey Lasagna Roll-Ups
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until just al dente. Drain them and lay the noodles flat on a clean kitchen towel so they don’t stick together—this makes them much easier to roll later.
Step 2: Brown the Turkey and Veggies
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s no longer pink. Toss in the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, giving it all a good mix for another minute to bloom those spices. Take the skillet off the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Filling
In a big mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, half of the mozzarella, all the Parmesan, and the egg. Add in the cooled turkey mixture and stir until everything is evenly incorporated. This filling is the heart of your Turkey Lasagna Roll-Ups—creamy, savory, and just the right amount of cheesy.
Step 4: Assemble the Roll-Ups
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish; this keeps the roll-ups from sticking and adds a saucy base. Lay out the cooked noodles and spread about 1/3 cup of the filling evenly over each one. Starting at one end, roll each noodle up tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the roll-ups, making sure each noodle is generously covered. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella over the top. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly—your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your Turkey Lasagna Roll-Ups cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness just before serving. Get ready for big smiles around the table!
How to Serve Turkey Lasagna Roll-Ups
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is the classic finishing touch, but you could also try a dusting of extra Parmesan or even a little lemon zest for a bright twist. The idea is to add a touch of freshness and color to these cheesy bundles.
Side Dishes
Pair your Turkey Lasagna Roll-Ups with a crisp Caesar salad, some roasted vegetables, or classic garlic bread. These sides balance out the richness of the roll-ups and turn dinner into a feast everyone will remember.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun dinner party, arrange the roll-ups in individual ramekins for personal servings. Or try slicing each roll in half and standing them up in a round baking dish for a “lasagna flower” presentation—guaranteed to wow your guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Turkey Lasagna Roll-Ups are a lifesaver for busy days. Store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making leftovers just as crave-worthy.
Freezing
If you want to freeze them, assemble the roll-ups as directed but hold off on baking. Wrap the dish tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as usual.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the roll-ups loosely with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through—about 20 minutes. For single servings, a quick zap in the microwave works perfectly. Add a splash of marinara if things look a bit dry.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Ground chicken or lean ground beef both work well and can be swapped in at a 1:1 ratio. The flavors will change slightly, but the method stays the same.
Are Turkey Lasagna Roll-Ups suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, they’re ideal for meal prep! Assemble the roll-ups ahead of time and refrigerate them unbaked for up to 24 hours, or freeze for longer storage. Bake fresh when you’re ready for dinner.
Can I use whole wheat noodles for a healthier version?
Definitely. Whole wheat lasagna noodles add a bit more fiber and a nutty flavor that pairs nicely with the turkey and cheese filling. Just be sure not to overcook them so they hold up during rolling.
How do I keep the noodles from tearing when rolling?
Make sure to cook the noodles just until al dente and lay them flat on a towel right after draining. If they cool and start to stick, a quick rinse with warm water can help them separate easily.
What’s the best way to serve Turkey Lasagna Roll-Ups for a dinner party?
For special occasions, present each Turkey Lasagna Roll-Up in an individual serving dish or arrange them standing up in a circular pattern for visual flair. Top with extra cheese and fresh herbs for a show-stopping finish.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to shake up your lasagna routine, Turkey Lasagna Roll-Ups are pure comfort in an easy-to-serve package. Treat your friends and family to this hearty, wholesome favorite—they’ll be asking for your secret in no time!
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Turkey Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Turkey Lasagna Roll-Ups are a delicious and healthier twist on classic lasagna, featuring lean ground turkey, creamy ricotta filling, and a zesty marinara sauce baked to bubbly perfection. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, they offer a satisfying Italian-American main course that’s low in fat yet rich in flavor.
Ingredients
Lasagna Roll-Ups
- 9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Filling
- 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
Sauce and Garnish
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the roll-ups.
- Cook Turkey Mixture: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Add finely chopped onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 more minute, then remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, and the cooked turkey mixture. Mix thoroughly to create a creamy filling.
- Assemble Roll-Ups: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Lay the cooked lasagna noodles flat and spread about 1/3 cup of the ricotta-turkey filling evenly onto each noodle. Roll each noodle tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the assembled roll-ups, then sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and optionally garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving warm.
Notes
- Ground turkey can be substituted with ground chicken or lean ground beef for different protein options.
- Use whole wheat lasagna noodles to increase fiber and nutritional value for a healthier version.
- This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking, ideal for meal prepping.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 roll-ups
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
