Ina Garten’s Turkey Lasagna

The best turkey lasagna from Ina Garten! Packed with so many delicious layers. It’s rich, flavorful, and exactly what you want in a lasagna.

Pair it with Greek Chickpea Salad with Arugula and Cheese Bread for an ultimate comfort meal.

this recipe

Turkey Lasagna

I’ve been making Ina Garten’s turkey lasagna for years now. It’s the only lasagna recipe I make at home, besides our Chicken Mushroom and Spinach Lasagna. It is truly the best in my opinion and very different from what I’ve had in the past. 

The funny part is that I’m not even a huge pasta or lasagna fan but what caught my attention was the fact that this recipe called for Italian sausage and four different kinds of cheese! And who can ever say no to cheese?!

I came across the recipe in the Barefoot Contessa Family Style cookbook. I absolutely love this lasagna because it’s made with sausage instead of plain turkey meat. So all the guesswork of seasoning the meat sauce is done for you.

It’s rich, flavorful, and exactly what you want in this comfort meal. Perfect for a cozy family night dinner or even your holiday table. Your guests will love it! 

I’ve adapted the recipe over the years with only a few slight changes but otherwise, it is perfection.

Substitutions

There are a few substitutions you can make. For example, the recipe calls for mild/sweet Italian turkey sausage but you can swap it out for spicy sausage. The finished lasagna does not taste spicy at all. Between all the ricotta and cheese, it’s actually a nice balance of flavors.

For the lasagna noodles, you can use no-boil (also called oven-ready) lasagna noodles or traditional boiled noodles. With no-boil noodles, you’re saving a step of having to prep them.

But either one works. All the details of how to make the lasagna with both types of noodles are in the recipe card below.

Turkey Lasagna Q&A

Before we get to how to make the turkey lasagna, let’s answer some frequently asked questions! If you have a question that’s not included, let me know in the comments below.

Can you Make Lasagna without Boiling Noodles? 

Yes. Simply use no-boil (or oven-ready) lasagna noodles.

How Do You Keep Lasagna Noodles from Sticking Together?

After you drain the noodles, lay each noodle flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Or skip the parchment and spray the sheet with non-stick spray. It takes a little extra time, but it’s worth it.

How Long to Bake Lasagna and at What Temperature?

You’ll need to bake the lasagna at 400 degrees F for 30 minutes, uncovered. 

Does Lasagna Have to be Covered with Foil?

No. Lasagna does not have to be covered with foil. It is baked uncovered.

Should You Leave Lasagna to Rest?

Yes. Ideally, you want the lasagna to rest for about 15 minutes, uncovered, before cutting and serving. Otherwise, it will be a sloppy mess if you cut into it right away.

How Do You Tell Lasagna is Done?

When the noodles are cooked through, the sauce is bubbling around the edges, and the cheese is melted that’s when lasagna is done.

Insert a toothpick into the lasagna and if the toothpick goes in easily without a lot of resistance, the noodles are done, and your lasagna is ready.

Why is My Lasagna Soupy?

To make sure your lasagna is not a runny mess, drain the lasagna noodles thoroughly before layering. Use Italian turkey sausage and not Italian pork sausage. Pork sausage has more fat content, therefore, it tends to be more “oily” when baked.

Allow your sauce to simmer until reduced and thickened so any and all moisture can evaporate.

How to Make Turkey Sausage Lasagna 

• Step 1: Make the Meat Sauce – in a large heavy-duty skillet or sauté pan, cook the onions in olive oil until translucent.

Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in sausage, breaking up with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes.

Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, 2 tablespoons of parsley, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer until reduced and thickened, for 15-20 minutes.

• Step 2: Prepare the Lasagna Noodles – fill a large rectangular dish with hottest tap water. Add lasagna noodles and soak for 20 minutes.

Make sure to move the noodles around with a pair of tongs so they don’t stick. Drain thoroughly and transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. If using no-boil noodles, skip this step.

• Step 3: Make the Ricotta Filling – in a bowl combine the ricotta cheese, goat cheese, 1 cup of Parmesan cheese, egg, and remaining parsley. Season with salt and pepper.

• Step 4: Layer the Lasagna – you’ll need a 9X13 -inch rectangular baking dish for this lasagna. The first layer is going to be the sauce. Not only does it help keep things moist, but it also ensures that the noodles won’t stick to the pan.

First, you want to spoon 1/3 of the meat sauce into the baking dish, spreading over the bottom of the dish. Layer half of the lasagna noodles, half of the mozzarella, half of the ricotta, and 1/3 of the sauce.

Next, add the rest of the pasta, mozzarella, ricotta, and remaining sauce. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup of Parmesan. 

• Step 5: Bake the Lasagna – bake the lasagna, uncovered for 30 minutes or until the sauce is bubbling around the edges and the noodles are tender. Rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

What Side Dishes Go With Lasagna?

You really can’t go wrong with a side dish for lasagna. Some type of vegetables, such as Roasted Garlic Green Beans or your favorite green salad is always a winner.

We love creamy Greek Cucumber Salad as it pairs amazingly with this carb-loaded comfort food. Kale Caesar Salad is a great option if you’re looking for something more traditional. 

Or make this 5-minute Parmesan Arugula Kale Salad with Pine Nuts for an easy side.

More Comfort Food Recipes

• Simple Whole Roasted Chicken
• Creamy Mushroom Pasta Sauce
• Pumpkin Sausage Pasta
• Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe

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Recipe originally published February 2015.