Lasagna doesn’t have to be heavy to be satisfying, and this turkey version proves it!
Using ground turkey instead of beef keeps it lighter without losing any richness, especially when it’s simmered in a well-seasoned tomato sauce.
You’ll simmer the tomato sauce long to develop a deep richness, which is the foundation of the entire dish.
I like to use a mix of fresh garlic, onions, and a splash of red wine to give the sauce extra character.
No-boil noodles save time, but if you use traditional ones, drain them well to avoid excess water in the dish.
Let’s get to makin’ this tasty dish!
How to Make Ina Garten Turkey Lasagna
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Turkey Sausage
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Onion (chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 can Tomato Paste (6 oz.)
- 1 can Crushed Tomatoes (28 oz.)
- 1 cup Ricotta Cheese
- 3 cups Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
- 3/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- 1 Egg
- 1/2 cup Parsley (chopped)
- 1/4 cup Basil (chopped)
- 9 Lasagna Noodles
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 400°F.
This helps to achieve the perfect top layer on your lasagna.
Step 2:
Cook the onion in olive oil over medium-low heat until translucent.
This usually takes about 5 minutes.
Step 3:
Add garlic and turkey sausage to the onion.
Cook until no longer pink, breaking up the sausage with a spoon.
Step 4:
Mix in tomato paste and crushed tomatoes.
Let the ingredients simmer together for about 20 minutes.
Step 5:
Prepare the cheese mix by combining ricotta, one egg, chopped parsley, and 1/2 of the Parmesan cheese in a bowl.
Step 6:
Soak noodles in hot water for about 20-30 minutes.
This step softens them without pre-boiling.
Step 7:
Layer noodles, cheese mix, sauce, and mozzarella in a baking dish.
Repeat layers and top with remaining Parmesan.
Step 8:
Bake for 45 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
The cheese should be fully melted.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Use Quality Ingredients
Using high-quality mozzarella and parmesan really makes a difference in taste and texture.
I always notice the richness in flavor with better cheeses.
Customize the Sauce
Feel free to adjust the herbs to your liking!
Adding more basil or parsley can heighten the freshness of your lasagna.
Pre-Soak Noodles
Make sure to soak your noodles properly.
It saves you the effort of boiling and simplifies the layering process significantly.
Even Layering is Key
Try to distribute both the sauce and the cheese evenly between the layers.
Taking care with this step ensures a perfect slice every time.
Let it Rest
Allow the lasagna to sit for about 10 minutes before cutting.
This resting period helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
What to Serve with Ina Garten Turkey Lasagna
Garlic Bread
There’s nothing quite like a warm piece of garlic bread to complement your turkey lasagna.
The crunchy exterior and soft, buttery interior of garlic bread add an extra layer of texture to your meal.
You can easily prepare it at home by spreading a mix of butter and garlic on slices of French bread and then baking it until it turns golden brown.
Caesar Salad
A fresh Caesar salad is a classic choice to pair with turkey lasagna.
The crisp romaine lettuce, combined with creamy Caesar dressing, provides a nice contrast to the rich, cheesy lasagna.
Sprinkle some Parmesan and add a few croutons to complete this refreshing side dish!
Grilled Asparagus
For a unique twist, serve your lasagna with grilled asparagus.
Lightly seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper, this green vegetable enhances the meal with its distinct flavor.
The asparagus can be grilled on a stovetop or outdoor grill until it is tender yet chewy.
Caprese Salad
Caprese salad brings a fresh and vibrant option to the table with its mix of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil leaves.
Drizzle with balsamic vinegar to enhance the flavors and complement the hearty lasagna.
This simple, colorful salad adds a touch of summer to any dining experience.
Roasted Butternut Squash
Roasted butternut squash is a creative choice that complements the flavors of turkey lasagna well.
The natural sweetness and creamy texture of the squash contrast beautifully with the savory lasagna.
Roasting the squash with rosemary or sage can add an earthy and aromatic dimension to your meal.
Variations and Substitutions
Sausage Options
You might want to try swapping the turkey sausage for pork sausage if you’re aiming for a richer flavor.
Both sweet and spicy varieties work, so you can pick according to your preference.
Cheese Variations
Explore switching up the ricotta with cottage cheese or even mascarpone for a different texture.
Noodle Alternatives
Whole wheat or gluten-free noodles can be substituted to suit dietary preferences or needs.
Vegetable Additions
Feel free to add more veggies like spinach or mushrooms, as they pair well with the existing ingredients.
Herb Enhancements
If you want more herbs, throw in additional fresh basil or oregano to enhance the dish’s aroma.
Cheese Topping
Serve your lasagna with freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for that extra cheesy layer on top.
Dairy-Free Option
Use almond milk in place of regular milk in the sauce to make it dairy-free while keeping it creamy.
Low-Carb Alternative
Add a layer of zucchini slices instead of noodles for a lower-carb version.
Even with just these tweaks, you’ll have a variety that stands out with its unique flavors!
How to Store Leftover Ina Garten Turkey Lasagna
Let’s talk about storing your leftover Ina Garten turkey lasagna so it stays fresh for the next meal!
After enjoying the delicious flavors, you’ll want to chill the leftovers quickly.
Wrap each serving in a layer of plastic wrap to hold in the cheesiness and sauce.
Keeping it Fresh in the Fridge
Place the wrapped servings in an airtight container to prevent any weird fridge odors from sneaking in!
Your lasagna should be eaten within three to four days for the best taste.
Freezing for Future Feasts
If you’re thinking long-term, freezing is a great option.
Wrap the portions in aluminum foil after plastic wrapping for extra protection.
Store them in a freezer-safe bag, and you can keep them tasty for up to three months!
Perfect Portions
It’s convenient to freeze individual portions for easy defrosting.
Label each portion with the date so it’s easy to know when to enjoy another bite of your lasagna creation!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not Sautéing Onions Properly
You might be tempted to rush this step, but letting the onions gently cook until they’re translucent is crucial.
It sets the base for the sauce and enhances the overall flavor.
Don’t skip this step!
Skipping the Noodle Soak
Oh, soaking the noodles might seem optional, yet it makes assembling much easier!
Use hot water and soak them for a good 20 to 30 minutes.
They’ll soften beautifully without becoming mushy.
Overcooking the Lasagna
A common mistake is baking it for too long, leaving you with dry layers.
Stick to 45-60 minutes if it’s fresh, and keep it covered for part of that time to retain moisture.
Simply perfect every bite!

Ina Garten Turkey Lasagna Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Turkey Sausage
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Onion chopped
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 can Tomato Paste 6 oz.
- 1 can Crushed Tomatoes 28 oz.
- 1 cup Ricotta Cheese
- 3 cups Mozzarella Cheese shredded
- 3/4 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1 Egg
- 1/2 cup Parsley chopped
- 1/4 cup Basil chopped
- 9 Lasagna Noodles
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- This helps to achieve the perfect top layer on your lasagna.
- Cook the onion in olive oil over medium-low heat until translucent.
- This usually takes about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and turkey sausage to the onion.
- Cook until no longer pink, breaking up the sausage with a spoon.
- Mix in tomato paste and crushed tomatoes.
- Let the ingredients simmer together for about 20 minutes.
- Prepare the cheese mix by combining ricotta, one egg, chopped parsley, and 1/2 of the Parmesan cheese in a bowl.
- Soak noodles in hot water for about 20-30 minutes.
- This step softens them without pre-boiling.
- Layer noodles, cheese mix, sauce, and mozzarella in a baking dish.
- Repeat layers and top with remaining Parmesan.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
- The cheese should be fully melted.