Baked Lasagna with Ground Turkey, Ricotta, and Spinach

This Baked Lasagna with Ground Turkey, Ricotta, and Spinach combines rich tomato sauce, savoury ground turkey, and a creamy spinach-ricotta filling for a comforting, satisfying meal. Perfect for a family dinner or to share with guests, this lasagna features layers of flavour and texture that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients

Meat Sauce

• 450g ground turkey (lean or regular)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 700ml tomato passata (or crushed tomatoes)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for richer flavour)

Ricotta and Spinach Mixture

• 400g ricotta cheese (about 1 standard tub)
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 cup thawed, squeezed frozen spinach)
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional, for warmth)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Lasagna Assembly

• 250g lasagna sheets (no-boil or pre-cooked according to package instructions)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or a blend of mozzarella and cheddar)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions

1. Make the Meat Sauce

1. Warm the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, or until lightly browned.
3. Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion turns translucent, about 3–4 more minutes.
4. Season with dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
5. Pour in the tomato passata and add tomato paste if using. Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 10–15 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld.

2. Prepare the Ricotta and Spinach Filling

1. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, and the lightly beaten egg.
2. Season with a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir until well-blended.

3. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease or spray a 23x33cm (9x13-inch) baking dish to prevent sticking.

4. Assemble the Lasagna

1. Spread a thin layer of the turkey sauce at the bottom of the baking dish.
2. Place a layer of lasagna sheets over the sauce (trim or overlap if needed).
3. Spoon half of the ricotta-spinach mixture over the pasta, spreading it evenly.
4. Top with a layer of the turkey sauce.
5. Repeat the layers: lasagna sheets, the remaining ricotta-spinach mixture, then more sauce.
6. Finish with one final layer of pasta sheets and cover with the remaining sauce.
7. Sprinkle the top with the shredded mozzarella and, if desired, some grated Parmesan.

5. Bake the Lasagna

1. Cover the dish loosely with aluminium foil, ensuring the foil doesn’t touch the cheese to avoid sticking.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
3. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on the edges.
4. Check for doneness by inserting a knife in the centre; the pasta should be tender, and the lasagna should be piping hot throughout.

6. Let It Rest and Serve

1. Take the lasagna out of the oven and allow it to rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This step helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
2. Slice into portions and plate. If you like, sprinkle extra grated Parmesan or fresh herbs on top.

Tips for a Delicious Lasagna

• Use no-boil lasagna sheets to save time. Just ensure there’s enough sauce to help them soften.
• For a thinner sauce, add a splash of water or broth during the simmering step if your passata is quite thick.
• Sauté extra vegetables such as diced peppers, grated carrots, or mushrooms with the ground turkey for additional nutritional value.
• If you prefer a lighter cheese option, substitute part of the ricotta with cottage cheese.

Baked Lasagna with Ground Turkey, Ricotta, and Spinach makes a hearty, comforting dish that’s brimming with satisfying layers of flavour. From the rich tomato sauce to the creamy spinach-ricotta centre, this lasagna is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Enjoy it with a crisp salad or garlic bread for a complete and indulgent dinner.