Turkey Lasagna: A Thanksgiving Twist on a Classic
This Thanksgiving, ditch the traditional turkey and stuffing and try something new: Turkey Lasagna. This recipe combines all the flavors of Thanksgiving dinner with the comforting goodness of lasagna, creating a truly unique and delicious dish that's perfect for a holiday gathering or a cozy weeknight meal.
Why this recipe is a winner:
- Flavor Fusion: This recipe masterfully blends the savory flavors of Thanksgiving turkey with the rich, cheesy goodness of lasagna. It's a harmonious marriage of tastes that will leave you wanting more.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Lasagna is always a crowd-pleaser, and this turkey version is no exception. It's a guaranteed hit for Thanksgiving gatherings, family dinners, or potlucks.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This lasagna can be prepped ahead of time, saving you valuable time on your busy Thanksgiving day. Assemble it the day before, pop it in the fridge, and bake when you're ready.
- Leftovers are Amazing: The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making the leftovers even better than the first serving. Perfect for a Thanksgiving day sandwich!
Ingredients You'll Need:
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For the Turkey Filling:
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped (leftover turkey works perfectly!)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
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For the Cheese Filling:
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
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Other Ingredients:
- 9 lasagna noodles (oven-ready preferred, no pre-boiling needed)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Prepare the Turkey Filling: In a medium saucepan, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until softened. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and parsley (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Stir in the shredded turkey.
Prepare the Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Assemble the Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of the turkey sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with a layer of lasagna noodles, overlapping as needed to cover the bottom. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the remaining turkey sauce. Repeat layers: noodles, ricotta cheese mixture, turkey sauce. Top with the remaining lasagna noodles and the mozzarella cheese.
Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Let stand for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the turkey sauce for a little kick.
- Veggie boost: Sauté some chopped vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers with the onions and garlic.
- Different cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses, such as provolone or fontina.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance and bake when ready.
Enjoy your delicious and festive Turkey Lasagna! This recipe is sure to become a Thanksgiving tradition. Happy cooking!
