The Homey Barefoot Contessa Turkey Lasagna Recipe for Cozy Nights

Turkey lasagna transforms traditional Italian comfort food with a leaner protein twist that delights families and health-conscious eaters alike.

Layered pasta dishes offer incredible versatility for home cooks seeking delicious alternatives to classic recipes.

Rich cheeses, robust seasonings, and tender meat create a harmonious culinary experience that feels both familiar and innovative.

Soft noodles provide a welcoming canvas for savory ingredients that meld together beautifully.

Mediterranean-inspired cooking techniques elevate this hearty meal beyond ordinary weeknight dinners.

Balanced nutrition meets incredible flavor in every carefully constructed bite.

Hearty appetites will appreciate this satisfying and nourishing meal: prepare to be impressed.

How to Store Barefoot Contessa Turkey Lasagna

• Vacuum Seal: Lock in freshness by using a vacuum sealer to remove air completely. Vacuum-sealed lasagna maintains optimal taste and texture for up to 4 months in the freezer. Press out excess air before sealing to prevent freezer burn and preserve flavor.
• Individual Portions: Slice lasagna into single-serving portions before storage. Wrap each piece separately in freezer-safe wrap or place in small containers. This method allows quick, convenient reheating without thawing the entire dish and prevents repeated temperature changes that can degrade food quality.
• Glass Container Storage: Transfer lasagna to sturdy glass containers with tight-fitting lids. Glass prevents flavor absorption, allows easy microwave reheating, and provides a clear view of stored contents. Choose containers that are freezer, microwave, and dishwasher safe for maximum versatility.

Tasty Variations of Barefoot Contessa Turkey Lasagna

• Veggie Vigor: Replace turkey sausage with a mix of roasted zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers for a vegetarian version packed with garden-fresh flavors.
• Spicy Southwestern Spin: Add chopped jalapeños, swap basil for cilantro, and mix in some black beans and corn to give the lasagna a zesty Mexican-inspired profile.
• Mediterranean Makeover: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, and spinach into the ricotta mixture, then top with a sprinkle of za'atar for a Greek-style transformation.
• Lean Protein Pack: Use ground chicken breast instead of turkey sausage, and add a layer of cooked quinoa between the noodle layers for extra protein and texture.

Parting Thoughts on Barefoot Contessa Turkey Lasagna

Culinary masterpieces like Barefoot Contessa’s turkey lasagna showcase Mediterranean comfort at its finest.

Rich layers of herbs, cheeses, and savory turkey sausage create an irresistible harmony on each plate.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this recipe transforms classic Italian traditions with American flair.

Precise ingredients and careful technique guarantee restaurant-quality results in home kitchens.

Countless memories await around this delectable dish shared with cherished companions.

Global gastronomy celebrates such exquisite combinations that connect cultures through delicious experiences – so snap that perfect photo, share the recipe magic across social networks, and let passionate food discussions begin!

Why You’ll Enjoy Barefoot Contessa Turkey Lasagna

• Savor Hearty Flavor Fusion: This turkey lasagna combines rich, robust turkey sausage with creamy cheeses, creating a mouthwatering blend that elevates traditional lasagna with unexpected depth and complexity.
• Streamline Effortless Cooking: The recipe offers simple layering techniques and minimal prep time, making it perfect for home cooks who want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize Comfort Classic: By using turkey sausage instead of beef, this lasagna provides a lighter protein option while maintaining the ultimate comfort food experience that satisfies every taste bud.

Essential Ingredients for Barefoot Contessa Turkey Lasagna

• Turkey Sausage: Lean protein that adds rich flavor and texture to the lasagna, choose fresh and high-quality sausage for best results.

• Olive Oil: Base for sautéing vegetables and adding subtle flavor.
• Onion: Provides sweetness and aromatic base for the sauce.
• Garlic: Adds depth and robust flavor to the sauce.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Creates the primary sauce base with classic tomato taste.
• Tomato Paste: Intensifies tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and smooth cheese that adds richness to the lasagna.
• Goat Cheese: Tangy cheese that provides unique flavor and creaminess.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese that adds depth and complexity.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and creates classic cheese pull.
• Egg: Binds the cheese mixture and helps create a cohesive texture.

• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds brightness and color.
• Basil: Aromatic herb that enhances the tomato sauce.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the dish.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity.

• Lasagna Noodles: Classic base for layering, soft and tender when prepared.

Steps to Make Barefoot Contessa Turkey Lasagna

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to 400°F (200°C) with fan setting at 180°C. Get ready for some delicious cooking!

Step 2: Create Flavorful Sauce

• Chopped onion
• Minced garlic

Cook onions until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Toss in garlic and cook for another minute.

Add turkey sausage and break into small pieces while cooking until browned, around 8-10 minutes.

• Crushed tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Fresh parsley
• Basil
• Salt
• Pepper

Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes until it thickens beautifully.

Step 3: Prepare Pasta Sheets

Fill a large bowl with hot water. Submerge lasagna noodles and let them relax for 20 minutes. Drain when soft and set aside.

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Cheese Blend

• Ricotta cheese
• Goat cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Beaten egg
• Remaining parsley
• Salt
• Pepper

Mix until smooth and set aside.

Step 5: Build Your Lasagna Tower

Grab a 9×12-inch baking dish. Start layering:

First layer: Spread 1/3 of sauce across the bottom

• Half of noodles
• Half of mozzarella slices
• Half of ricotta mixture
• 1/3 of sauce

Repeat layers, finishing with remaining Parmesan on top.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the lasagna into the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes until sauce bubbles and cheese turns golden and melty. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your mouthwatering turkey lasagna!

Chef’s Tips for Barefoot Contessa Turkey Lasagna

• Herb Freshness Matters: Chopping basil and parsley right before adding them to the sauce releases their maximum flavor and aroma, giving your lasagna a vibrant, garden-fresh taste.
• Noodle Soaking Technique: Soak lasagna noodles in hot water for a few minutes instead of boiling to maintain their texture and prevent them from becoming soggy or falling apart during baking.
• Sausage Crumbling Trick: Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break turkey sausage into super fine, uniform pieces while cooking, ensuring even distribution and consistent flavor throughout the lasagna.
• Strategic Layering Approach: Create thin, even layers of noodles, sauce, and cheese to guarantee a perfect balance of ingredients in every single delicious bite of the lasagna.
• Resting Period Magic: Letting the lasagna rest for 5-10 minutes after baking allows the layers to set, making cutting and serving much easier while helping the dish maintain its structural integrity.

Barefoot Contessa Turkey Lasagna Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s turkey lasagna elevates classic Italian comfort with lean protein and rich, creamy layers. Hearty marinara, tender ground turkey, and melted cheeses create a satisfying meal perfect for family dinner nights that embrace warmth and deliciousness.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 680g sweet Italian turkey sausage, casings removed
• 425g ricotta cheese
• 85–113g creamy goat cheese, crumbled
• 450g fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced
• 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan, plus ¼ cup (25g) for sprinkling
• 1 extra-large egg, lightly beaten

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1 cup chopped yellow onion
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 15g chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• ½ cup chopped fresh basil leaves
• One 28-ounce (794g) can crushed tomatoes in tomato puree
• One 6-ounce (170g) can tomato paste

Oils, Seasonings, and Pasta:

• 30ml (2 tablespoons) olive oil
• 10g kosher salt
• 2g freshly ground black pepper
• ½ pound (227g) lasagna noodles

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or 400°F, ensuring the cooking environment is perfectly preheated for optimal baking.
2. Craft the robust sauce by gently sautéing finely chopped onions in olive oil until they become translucent. Introduce minced garlic and continue cooking briefly. Incorporate turkey sausage, meticulously breaking it into delicate crumbles and cooking until completely browned. Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, fresh parsley, basil, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer and reduce, developing deep, rich flavors for 15-20 minutes.
3. Prepare the pasta sheets by immersing them in hot water, letting them soften and become pliable for approximately 20 minutes. Carefully drain and set aside, ensuring they remain intact and ready for layering.
4. Create a luxurious cheese blend by combining ricotta, goat cheese, grated Parmesan, a beaten egg, remaining parsley, and seasonings. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well-incorporated.
5. Construct the lasagna by spreading a foundation of sauce across the 23×30 centimeter (9×12-inch) baking dish. Layer methodically: first a bed of pasta sheets, followed by mozzarella slices, then a generous spread of the cheese mixture. Repeat the stratification, concluding with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan on top.
6. Transfer the assembled dish to the preheated oven, baking for 30 minutes until the surface becomes golden and the edges bubble with intensity. Allow the lasagna to rest for 5 minutes, permitting the layers to set and flavors to harmonize before serving.

Notes

• Elevate the sauce with vibrant, chopped herbs for an explosive burst of freshness and depth.
• Gently handle noodles by soaking in hot water, preventing them from turning into a soggy mess.
• Crumble sausage meticulously, creating tiny morsels that blend seamlessly with the rich sauce.
• Craft each layer with precision, ensuring a harmonious distribution of cheese and sauce for maximum flavor impact.
• Gift yourself a brief waiting period after baking, allowing the lasagna to settle and solidify for flawless presentation.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: Approximately 615 kcal
• Sugar: 7.3g
• Sodium: 1,290mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4.2g
• Trans Fat: 0.3g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 4.2g
• Protein: 37g
• Cholesterol: 119mg