If you’re searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that feels both familiar and fresh, Turkey Lasagna Roll-Ups are your answer. Imagine all the classic flavors of lasagna—creamy ricotta, hearty marinara, and gooey mozzarella—but rolled into tidy, individual parcels with lean ground turkey for a lighter twist. This dish is a weeknight hero and a weekend showstopper, equally at home on a cozy family table or at a festive potluck. Plus, with their make-ahead potential and easy serving style, Turkey Lasagna Roll-Ups just might become your new go-to recipe for any occasion!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays a starring role in creating the irresistible taste and melt-in-your-mouth texture of Turkey Lasagna Roll-Ups. From the tender noodles to the creamy cheese filling, every element brings its own magic to this dish.
- Lasagna noodles (12): The foundation of your roll-ups—cook until just al dente for perfect texture.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps brown the turkey and onions beautifully.
- Ground turkey (1 pound): A lean, protein-packed alternative to beef that keeps things lighter without sacrificing flavor.
- Small onion, diced (1): Gives a sweet, aromatic base to the filling.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Brings that irresistible Italian depth—don’t skimp here!
- Marinara sauce (24 ounces): Use your favorite jarred version for ease, or homemade for extra love.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): The classic blend of herbs that ties everything together.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors into sharp, savory focus.
- Ricotta cheese (15 ounces): Creamy and rich, it’s the heart of the filling—sub with cottage cheese if you prefer.
- Large egg (1): Binds the cheese mixture so every bite stays cohesive.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Melty, stretchy, and utterly crave-worthy—save some for topping!
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds bold, salty-savory notes to the finish.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tablespoons, optional): A sprinkle of green for fresh flavor and beautiful presentation.
How to Make Turkey Lasagna Roll-Ups
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook them according to the package instructions until just al dente—they’ll continue to cook in the oven, so you don’t want them too soft. Drain the noodles, then lay them flat on a parchment-lined surface to prevent sticking and tearing as they cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
While the noodles cool, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and diced onion, breaking the meat up with a spoon as it cooks. Sauté until the turkey is no longer pink and the onions are soft, about 6–8 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just a minute, letting that wonderful aroma bloom. Next, pour in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, then season with salt and pepper. Let this savory mixture simmer for 5–10 minutes to marry the flavors.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, large egg, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Stir until smooth and creamy. This luscious mixture will spread easily and provide that signature lasagna richness in every roll-up.
Step 4: Assemble the Roll-Ups
Now for the fun part! Spread about 2 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture evenly over each lasagna noodle. Top with 2 tablespoons of the turkey marinara filling. Starting at one end, gently roll up each noodle—don’t worry if things get a little messy, that’s part of the charm. Place the roll-ups seam-side down in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, nestling them close together.
Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the tops of your roll-ups, making sure every piece gets a generous coating. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and all of the Parmesan cheese over everything. This will create that golden, bubbly, irresistible crust everyone loves.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Patience is key—let the Turkey Lasagna Roll-Ups rest for about 10 minutes before serving so all the layers can set. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy!
How to Serve Turkey Lasagna Roll-Ups
Garnishes
A finishing sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds color and a pop of freshness. If you’re a cheese lover, a little extra grated Parmesan on top never hurts. For a touch of heat, try a pinch of red pepper flakes—it’s a simple way to elevate your Turkey Lasagna Roll-Ups even more.
Side Dishes
These roll-ups pair beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a zippy vinaigrette or a side of steamed green beans. For a more indulgent meal, serve with garlic bread or a warm, crusty baguette to soak up every bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables or a tangy cucumber salad also bring a nice balance to the richness of the lasagna.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your Turkey Lasagna Roll-Ups in individual ramekins for a personalized touch at dinner parties. If you’re feeding a crowd, fan the roll-ups out in a spiral or circle in the baking dish for an eye-catching presentation. For a family-style meal, simply serve them straight from the oven in the baking dish—let everyone scoop up their own roll-up!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Turkey Lasagna Roll-Ups keep wonderfully in the refrigerator. Transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors meld even more as they rest, making leftovers a real treat for lunch or dinner.
Freezing
If you’d like to prep ahead, you can freeze assembled, unbaked roll-ups. Place them in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. You can also freeze baked leftovers—just be sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating
To reheat, place roll-ups in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20–25 minutes. For individual portions, the microwave works well—just heat in 1-minute intervals until hot, being careful not to overcook the pasta.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground chicken or beef for the turkey?
Absolutely! While ground turkey keeps these roll-ups lighter, ground chicken or lean beef can be used without any major changes to the recipe. Just be sure to drain any excess fat if you use beef to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Is it possible to make Turkey Lasagna Roll-Ups gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap in your favorite gluten-free lasagna noodles. Check the package instructions, as gluten-free noodles can have slightly different cooking times, but the rest of the recipe remains the same. You’ll still enjoy all the classic flavors!
What vegetables can I add to the filling?
Spinach and zucchini are both fantastic additions—just chop the spinach or grate the zucchini, then stir them into the ricotta mixture. Mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or even finely diced bell peppers also work well and add extra nutrition and color.
Can I assemble Turkey Lasagna Roll-Ups ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the roll-ups and refrigerate them (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re going straight from the fridge to the oven.
How do I keep the noodles from sticking together after boiling?
Lay the cooked noodles flat on a parchment-lined surface or lightly oiled baking sheet as soon as they’re drained. Avoid stacking them, as this helps prevent sticking and tearing when you’re ready to assemble your Turkey Lasagna Roll-Ups.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to taste just how comforting and satisfying Turkey Lasagna Roll-Ups can be! They’re easy to make, adaptable to your tastes, and always a hit at the table. Give them a try and let them become a new favorite in your kitchen—you’ll be glad you did!
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Turkey Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Turkey Lasagna Roll-Ups are a delicious twist on traditional lasagna, featuring tender ground turkey, creamy ricotta, and rich marinara sauce, all rolled inside perfectly cooked lasagna noodles. This easy-to-make baked pasta dish is a healthier, flavorful Italian-American recipe ideal for family dinners.
Ingredients
For the Noodles and Sauce
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese Filling and Toppings
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the roll-ups.
- Cook Noodles: Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay them flat on a parchment-lined surface to cool, preventing sticking.
- Prepare Turkey Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and diced onion, cooking until the turkey is no longer pink and the onion is soft, about 6–8 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 5–10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Make Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
- Assemble Roll-Ups: Spread about 2 tablespoons of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly onto each lasagna noodle. Top with 2 tablespoons of the turkey marinara mixture. Carefully roll up each noodle and place it seam-side down in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add Toppings and Bake: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the rolled noodles. Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese. Cover the dish with foil.
- Bake Covered: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes with the foil on to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to heat through.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- Rest and Garnish: Allow the roll-ups to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- You can substitute cottage cheese for ricotta if preferred for a different texture.
- To make ahead, assemble the roll-ups and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- For extra vegetables, stir chopped spinach or grated zucchini into the cheese filling.
- Ensure the noodles are fully cooled before assembling to prevent tearing.
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, add red pepper flakes to the sauce while simmering.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 roll-ups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
