Ground Turkey Lasagna
A recipe from before I became kosher. I decided to make a lasagna using only ingredients that I could find at my local Trader Joes (Trader Joes has terrific fresh, no-boil lasagna noodles for an affordable price in their refrigerator section). I reduced the fat by using ground turkey, low fat milk, and part-skim mozzarella, and leaving out the egg that is usually added to the ricotta mixture. The result is a tasty, easy to make lasagna with tender meat and just the right amount of moisture.
A recipe from before I became kosher. I decided to make a lasagna using only ingredients that I could find at my local Trader Joes (Trader Joes has terrific fresh, no-boil lasagna noodles for an affordable price in their refrigerator section). I reduced the fat by using ground turkey, low fat milk, and part-skim mozzarella, and leaving out the egg that is usually added to the ricotta mixture. The result is a tasty, easy to make lasagna with tender meat and just the right amount of moisture.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 6 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary minced
- 1 cup yellow onion diced
- 1/2 cup low-fat milk
- 1 package lean ground turkey
- 1 2/3 cups shredded parmesan cheese
- 10 ounces low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 1 package fresh ricotta
- 3 1/2 cups marinara sauce bottled
- 1 package trader joe's fresh no-boil lasagna noodles or 1
- Carbohydrate 20.1697243253726 g
- Cholesterol 14.24875 mg
- Fat 8.30360338572811 g
- Fiber 3.66885041785634 g
- Protein 8.9647127086675 g
- Saturated Fat 3.7941729948425 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving(s) (203g)
- Sodium 745.955937501317 mg
- Sugar 16.5008739075163 g
- Trans Fat 0.375182427092891 g
- Calories 191 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- If no-bake or no-boil fresh noodles are used, no preparation of noodles is required. If you use standard dry lasagna noodles, boil and drain, then rinse with cold water.
- Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add onions, saute until onions are opaque and starting to brown. Add freshly minced garlic and 1 tsp fresh minced rosemary. Also add 1/2 of each portion of herbs and spices (1/2 tsp oregano, 1/2 tsp parsley, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tbsp or ground black pepper, 1/2 tsp salt). Saute for 2 minutes.
- Add ground turkey to pan, mashing and pushing apart meat with the edge of your spatula. Cook until meat has begun to brown.
- Add 1/2 cup of milk, and simmer on medium-low heat for 5 minutes or until meat is entirely cooked. Mix in 2.5 cups of marinara sauce, reserving 1 cup. Turn off heat.
- In a medium sized bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded parmesan (reserving 2/3 cup), remainder of all herbs and spices (including salt and pepper). Mix with hands or spoon.
- In the bottom of a standard lasagna pan, spread reserved cup of marinara sauce in a thin, even layer. Place a layer of lasagna noodles lengthwise in pan, slightly overlapping.
- Spread 1/2 of ricotta mixture in a thin, even layer over noodles. Spoon 1/3 of meat sauce over ricotta mixture.
- Add another layer of lasagna noodles, and repeat previous step.
- Add 3rd layer of lasagna noodles, and spread remaining sauce over noodles evenly.
- Mix remaining mozzarella and parmesan, and spread in a thin layer, completely covering the top of the lasagna.
- Cover in tin foil, making sure the foil is not touching the cheese (you can use toothpicks to ensure that no cheese sticks to the foil, if you like).
- Bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil, and bake for another 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and is starting to brown around the edges.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing into 8 pieces.
My Lightened-Up Lasagna: A Trader Joe's Adventure
Lasagna. Just the word conjures up images of a warm, comforting, and oh-so-delicious Italian classic. Layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted cheese – it's the ultimate comfort food. But let's be honest, traditional lasagna can be a bit heavy, laden with fat and calories. That's why I decided to give this beloved dish a healthy makeover, and Trader Joe's played a surprisingly big role.
Before I embraced a kosher lifestyle, lasagna was a regular in my rotation. When I craved that familiar cheesy goodness, I knew I had to get creative. That's when I discovered the magic of Trader Joe's fresh, no-boil lasagna noodles. They're a game-changer! No pre-boiling means less fuss and faster cooking time, and the quality is surprisingly high for the price. This discovery was the foundation of my healthier lasagna recipe.
The key to lightening up this classic dish was simple substitutions. Instead of the usual ground beef, I opted for lean ground turkey, significantly reducing the fat content. I also swapped out whole milk for low-fat milk in the ricotta mixture, and chose part-skim mozzarella for a lower-fat cheese option. And you know what? The taste didn't suffer one bit! The turkey added a leaner, more delicate flavor that paired beautifully with the other ingredients.
Another small but effective change was leaving out the egg that is traditionally added to the ricotta mixture. I found that the ricotta, Parmesan, and herbs were enough to bind the mixture together, resulting in a perfectly creamy filling. It was surprisingly easy to omit this ingredient, and I never felt that the texture or flavor of the lasagna suffered.
This lasagna isn't just healthier; it's also incredibly easy to make. The no-boil noodles streamlined the process, and the simple steps made it a weeknight-friendly meal. The result was a dish that tasted just as rich and satisfying as the original, yet noticeably lighter and healthier.
Since then, this recipe has become a staple in my meal planning. It's a versatile dish that can be easily customized to your preferences. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices, add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or even use a different type of meat. The possibilities are endless!
One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Whether you’re a busy working professional, a stay-at-home mom juggling multiple tasks, or simply someone who appreciates a quick and healthy meal, this lasagna recipe fits the bill. The ease of preparation and the delicious, satisfying outcome make it a perfect choice for any weeknight dinner.
So, ditch the heavy, greasy lasagna of the past and embrace this healthier, more flavorful version. You won’t be disappointed! This recipe is a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor. In fact, with a few clever swaps, you can elevate your culinary game and create a masterpiece that is both delicious and nourishing.
Remember to adjust the spices to your liking; a little extra pepper or oregano can really make this dish your own. And don't be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese. A blend of mozzarella and provolone, perhaps? The options are truly endless. And most importantly, enjoy the process of creating this delicious and healthy meal!
