Baked Turkey Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe

Lasagna is a beloved comfort food, but sometimes you want to switch it up while keeping that same satisfying, cheesy, saucy goodness. Enter Baked Turkey Lasagna Roll-Ups — a lighter yet equally delicious twist on classic lasagna. Instead of layering noodles, sauce, and cheese, these roll-ups feature individual lasagna noodles filled with a flavorful turkey filling, topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. It’s a great option for a family dinner, meal prep, or even for entertaining guests.

This recipe will guide you through every step of the process, including ingredient options, helpful tips, and variations to make it your own. Let’s get rolling!

Instructions:

Step 1: Boil the Lasagna Noodles

Start by boiling the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. If you’re using regular lasagna noodles (not no-boil), make sure to cook them al dente since they will continue cooking in the oven. Be sure to stir the noodles occasionally to prevent them from sticking together.

Once the noodles are done, drain them and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet or large plate to prevent them from sticking to each other. Set them aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Turkey Filling

While the noodles are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook it, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula as it browns. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure that the turkey is fully cooked and crumbled.

Once the turkey is browned, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Remove the skillet from the heat.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked turkey, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and the egg. Add the parsley, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna Roll-Ups

Now comes the fun part—assembling the roll-ups! Take a lasagna noodle and place it on a flat surface. Spread a generous amount of the turkey mixture evenly along the entire length of the noodle, leaving a small border at each end to prevent the filling from spilling out.

Carefully roll the noodle up from one end to the other, tucking in the sides as you go. Repeat this process with the remaining noodles and filling. Depending on the size of your noodles and how much filling you use in each, you should be able to make 12-14 roll-ups.

Step 4: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil.

Step 5: Layer the Roll-Ups in the Baking Dish

Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. This will prevent the roll-ups from sticking and keep them moist during baking.

Place each lasagna roll-up in the dish, seam-side down. Arrange them tightly together in a single layer. Once all the roll-ups are in the dish, cover them with the remaining marinara sauce.

Step 6: Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the roll-ups. You want a nice layer of melted cheese on top to create that delicious, bubbly, golden crust.

Step 7: Bake the Lasagna Roll-Ups

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from over-browning too early and to keep the roll-ups moist. Bake the roll-ups in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the cheese on top to become bubbly and golden.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Once the roll-ups are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This allows the filling to set a bit and makes it easier to serve.

Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving for a burst of color and extra flavor.

Tips and Variations:

1. Ground Turkey Alternatives:

If you prefer a different protein or want to adjust the flavor, you can substitute the ground turkey with ground chicken, lean ground beef, or even ground pork. For a vegetarian version, try using a plant-based ground meat alternative or additional vegetables like spinach or zucchini.

2. Homemade Marinara Sauce:

While store-bought marinara sauce is convenient, making your own sauce can elevate the dish. For a simple homemade marinara, sauté 1 onion and 2 cloves garlic in olive oil, then add 1 can crushed tomatoes, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Simmer for about 20 minutes and season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Make it Lighter:

To lighten up this dish, use low-fat ricotta cheese or cottage cheese in the filling. You can also use part-skim mozzarella for a lower-fat version. If you’re counting calories, opt for a low-sugar marinara sauce and use less cheese on top.

4. Add Veggies:

Sneak in some extra vegetables by adding spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the turkey filling. Simply sauté the veggies before adding them to the filling mixture.

5. Make-Ahead and Freezing:

This dish is perfect for meal prep! You can assemble the lasagna roll-ups a day or two in advance, cover the baking dish, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Alternatively, freeze the roll-ups before baking. Assemble them in the dish, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply bake from frozen (you may need to add 10-15 extra minutes of cooking time).

6. Gluten-Free Option:

For a gluten-free version, substitute the regular lasagna noodles with gluten-free lasagna noodles, which are widely available. Be sure to follow the package instructions for cooking times and handling.

Why You’ll Love These Turkey Lasagna Roll-Ups:

• Lightened-Up Comfort Food: With turkey as the main protein and a deliciously cheesy filling, these roll-ups maintain all the comforting flavors of classic lasagna but with a lighter twist.
• Customizable: The recipe is super versatile—you can mix up the filling, swap out the meat, and use different sauces to create your own version.
• Meal Prep Friendly: These lasagna roll-ups are perfect for make-ahead meals, leftovers, or freezing for busy nights.
• Portion Control: Unlike traditional lasagna, these roll-ups allow for easier portioning, so you can serve as much or as little as you want without worrying about cutting perfect slices.

Additional Tips for Perfect Lasagna Roll-Ups:

1. Perfecting the Noodles

If you’re using regular lasagna noodles (as opposed to no-boil), it’s crucial to make sure the noodles are cooked just right. Overcooking them can make them too soft, which can cause them to tear when you roll them up. Keep the noodles al dente, which means they should still have a slight firmness to them after draining.

Once you drain the noodles, you can place them on a flat surface, like a baking sheet, to keep them from sticking. If you’re not assembling the lasagna roll-ups immediately, you can also drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the noodles to prevent them from sticking together.

2. Cheese Variations

The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan gives these roll-ups a rich and satisfying flavor. However, you can experiment with different cheeses based on your preferences:

• Goat cheese or cream cheese in the filling adds extra creaminess and tang.
• Try fontina or asiago cheese for a more gourmet, complex flavor.
• Provolone cheese can be mixed into the filling for a mild and buttery flavor.

Feel free to mix and match cheeses to suit your tastes!

3. Layering with Vegetables

If you’re looking to pack in some extra nutrition, vegetables like spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be added to the filling. This will also bring additional texture and flavor to each bite.

• Spinach: Fresh spinach can be wilted in a pan or frozen spinach can be used. Be sure to squeeze out excess moisture from frozen spinach to avoid making the filling too watery.
• Zucchini or Mushrooms: Sautéed zucchini or mushrooms can be added directly into the turkey filling for extra depth. You can also chop them finely if you prefer a more subtle veggie flavor in your roll-ups.

4. How to Avoid Soggy Lasagna Roll-Ups

One common problem with baked lasagna roll-ups is them becoming soggy. To avoid this issue:

• Make sure you drain the noodles properly and let them cool slightly before assembling the roll-ups.
• If you are using extra saucy marinara, you can reduce the sauce slightly by simmering it before spreading it over the roll-ups.
• Another tip is to ensure the turkey filling isn’t too wet. If you’re using a lean turkey breast, the filling can become a little runny. Consider adding a tablespoon of breadcrumbs or even grated zucchini to help absorb any excess moisture.

5. Topping Ideas

Once your roll-ups are baked and bubbling with melted cheese, why not take it up a notch with some extra toppings? Here are a few ideas:

• Crushed red pepper flakes: If you enjoy a little heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes over the top adds the perfect spicy kick.
• Fresh herbs: Garnish with fresh basil, oregano, or parsley to give a burst of flavor and color. It makes your roll-ups look even more appealing!
• Parmesan crust: To create a crispy, golden crust on top, you can sprinkle an additional layer of grated Parmesan cheese just before the last 5 minutes of baking.
• Balsamic glaze: For a tangy and sweet finish, drizzle a small amount of balsamic glaze over the top of your roll-ups just before serving. This pairs wonderfully with the savory flavors of the turkey and cheese.

6. Serving Suggestions

Baked Turkey Lasagna Roll-Ups can be served on their own or paired with a variety of side dishes:

• Salads: A light green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or a Caesar salad complements the richness of the roll-ups perfectly.
• Garlic bread: The classic garlic bread is always a hit with lasagna. For a healthier twist, try making whole-grain garlic bread or serve some roasted garlic on the side.
• Roasted vegetables: Pairing the roll-ups with roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes adds some hearty nutrition and a contrasting flavor to the meal.

You can also add a bowl of soup as a starter, such as a simple tomato soup or a creamy butternut squash soup, which pairs nicely with the flavors of the turkey lasagna.

Meal Prep and Storage:

These lasagna roll-ups are perfect for meal prep and leftovers. You can store the assembled roll-ups in the fridge or freeze them for later.

Make-Ahead:

You can assemble the roll-ups up to 24 hours in advance. Once you’ve arranged the roll-ups in the baking dish, cover the dish with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes since it will be cold from the fridge.

Freezing the Roll-Ups:

If you want to make a large batch to have on hand for future meals, you can freeze the lasagna roll-ups before baking them:

1. Prepare the roll-ups and place them in a single layer in your baking dish.
2. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then place it in the freezer.
3. To bake from frozen, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), and bake the roll-ups covered for about 40-45 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to brown and become bubbly.

This is a great way to have a homemade dinner ready at a moment’s notice, and it keeps well for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Conclusion:

Baked Turkey Lasagna Roll-Ups are a fantastic dish that provides the same comforting flavors as traditional lasagna but in a fun, individual format. With the lighter turkey filling and the option to customize with different veggies, cheeses, and sauces, you can make this recipe uniquely your own.

The steps are straightforward, and the recipe is forgiving enough to allow for flexibility with ingredients. Plus, the roll-up style makes for easy portion control, whether you’re serving a crowd or enjoying leftovers.

This dish is perfect for meal prep, gatherings, or any day when you want a warm, hearty, and satisfying meal that everyone will love. And if you have any leftovers, they reheat beautifully—perfect for lunch the next day!

Baked Turkey Lasagna Roll-Ups are an excellent way to enjoy all the flavors of classic lasagna in a new, fun format. With a turkey-based filling, marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, they offer the perfect balance of hearty and light. The recipe is flexible, so you can add your favorite ingredients or make substitutions based on dietary preferences. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, preparing a special meal, or meal prepping for the week ahead, these roll-ups are sure to please.

Happy cooking, and enjoy your delicious Turkey Lasagna Roll-Ups!

Yield: 4 (about 8 roll-ups)

Baked Turkey Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe

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Lasagna is a beloved comfort food, but sometimes you want to switch it up while keeping that same satisfying, cheesy, saucy goodness. Enter Baked Turkey Lasagna Roll-Ups — a lighter yet equally delicious twist on classic lasagna. Instead of layering noodles, sauce, and cheese, these roll-ups feature individual lasagna noodles filled with a flavorful turkey filling, topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. It’s a great option for a family dinner, meal prep, or even for entertaining guests.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 8-10 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
• 1 lb ground turkey (or turkey sausage)
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Noodles: Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process, and lay them flat on a parchment-lined surface to prevent sticking.
3. Prepare the Turkey Filling: In a large skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart as it cooks. Add the garlic, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook until the turkey is browned and fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes. Stir in the marinara sauce and bring to a simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. Make the Ricotta Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and well-combined.
5. Assemble the Roll-Ups: Lay a cooked lasagna noodle flat on a clean surface. Spread a couple of tablespoons of the ricotta mixture along the length of the noodle, then top with a spoonful of the turkey marinara mixture. Carefully roll up the noodle and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat with the remaining noodles.
6. Top and Bake: Once all the roll-ups are in the dish, pour the remaining turkey marinara mixture over the top. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Garnish & Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired. Let the roll-ups cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

• Noodles:
  If using regular lasagna noodles, be sure to cook them al dente (firm but not too soft), as they will continue to cook in the oven. If using no-boil noodles, follow the instructions on the package for preparation.
  To prevent the noodles from sticking together after boiling, spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet or large plate while they cool slightly.
  
• Meat Substitutes:
  You can swap ground turkey for ground chicken, ground beef, ground pork, or a vegetarian option like crumbled tofu or vegetable-based meat substitutes. Just be sure to adjust seasonings based on your meat choice.
  For a leaner option, consider using turkey breast or a combination of turkey breast and lean turkey thigh.
  
• Cheese:
  Feel free to experiment with the types of cheese in the filling. Goat cheese or cream cheese can add extra richness. For a sharper flavor, consider adding a little asiago or fontina to the filling.
  
• Vegetable Add-ins:
  You can sneak in extra veggies like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms into the turkey filling for added flavor and nutrition. Just sauté the veggies first to remove excess moisture before adding them to the filling.
  
• Sauce:
  If you prefer homemade sauce, marinara or tomato sauce works best. You can make a quick marinara by simmering canned tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, or use a pre-made sauce if you’re short on time. Adding a little red pepper flakes or balsamic vinegar to the sauce will enhance its flavor.
  
• Make-Ahead:
  You can assemble the roll-ups ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover them tightly with foil or plastic wrap and bake them when you're ready.
  Freezing is another option: Assemble the roll-ups and freeze them before baking. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready to bake, you can cook them from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes of baking time.
  
• Serving Suggestions:
  Serve with a fresh salad or garlic bread on the side for a complete meal. A light vinaigrette or a tangy Caesar salad pairs wonderfully with the rich, cheesy roll-ups.
  
• Portion Control:
  Each roll-up is an individual serving, which makes it easier to control portions, especially if you’re serving guests or meal prepping for the week.