Mason Jar Turkey Lasagna
Try this Mason Jar Turkey Lasagna recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Mason Jar Turkey Lasagna recipe, or contribute your own.
- pepper
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp ground oregano
- 2 tsp salt (divided)
- 1/2 cup onion (diced)
- 1/2 tbsp italian seasoning
- 2 large zucchinis
- 1/2 lb 99% lean ground turkey
- 1/2 tbsp garlic (minced)
- 6 tbsp canned tomato sauce
- 6 tbsp crushed tomatoes
- 8 oz low-fat ricotta cheese ((1 cup))
- 1/4 cup parsley (minced)
- 1 cup grated part-skim mozzarella cheese, (lightly pack
- 4 tsp grated parmesan cheese ((i use the very fine kind
- Carbohydrate 105.220174199304 g
- Cholesterol 344.765000247113 mg
- Fat 78.3613689189529 g
- Fiber 1.05217238760215 g
- Protein 70.2202542765432 g
- Saturated Fat 46.8378337058584 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Jar (1173g)
- Sodium 1221.25135494728 mg
- Sugar 104.168001811702 g
- Trans Fat 4.03175591997964 g
- Calories 1389 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
- Using a mandolin, slice the zucchinis 1/8 inch thick and lay them flat onto a large baking sheet (it's okay if they overlap a little bit). Sprinkle them evenly with 1 1/2 tsp of the salt (reserving the rest for later) and bake until the water is released and the edges begin to crisp up a little bit, about 15-25 minutes.
- Once done, lay the zucchini slices out in one layer on paper towel. Use another paper towel to press out as much excess moisture as you can. Repeat, using a different paper towel on top (you can leave them laying on the same paper towel for both times).
- Reduce your oven temperature to 325 degrees.
- Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium/high heat. Add in the turkey, onion, and garlic and cook until the turkey is lightly browned and no longer pink. Add in the Italian seasoning, oregano, remaining 1/2 tsp of salt and a generous pinch of pepper and cook for a few more minutes. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, egg and a pinch of salt and pepper until well combined.
- Layer half of the sauce between the 4 mason jars (about 1 heaping Tbsp each) and spread it out. Then, layer half of the turkey between all 4 jars, spreading out evenly (about 2 heaping Tbsp) Then, layer half of the zucchini noodles* (about 2 noodles per jar) between all 4 jars. I find it easiest to cut them in half and layer them that way. Then, it's time for half of the ricotta mixture (about 2 Tbsp per jar). Then, half of the parsley between all 4 jars (about 1/2 Tbsp each). Finally, sprinkle on half of the Mozzarella between all 4 jars (about 2 Tbsp each). After you sprinkle on the cheese, make sure to press the lasagna to pack it in, so you can fit everything in.
- Repeat the same layers, sprinkling the tops of each jar with 1 tsp of Parmesan.
- Fill a large pan (I used a 9x13) with water and place the jars into it. DO NOT skip this step, or you'll heat the jars too fast and they might explode! Cover the tops with tinfoil and bake until the edges are lightly golden, about 30 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10-15 minutes.
- Turn your broiler to high and broil for 2-3 minutes, until the top is golden brown.
- Remove the pan from the oven and let stand in the water for 10 minutes, so you don't shock the glass. Then DEVOUR!
Mason Jar Turkey Lasagna: A Weeknight Wonder
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between early morning school runs, demanding deadlines at the office, and the never-ending cycle of laundry and meal prep, finding time for anything beyond the bare minimum feels like a Herculean task. Yet, the desire for delicious, homemade meals persists. That's where recipes like this Mason Jar Turkey Lasagna come in – a lifesaver, a time-saver, and a flavor-bomb all rolled into one.
This recipe isn’t just about convenience; it’s about reclaiming control in a hectic schedule. Instead of spending hours slaving over a hot stove on a weeknight, I can prep this lasagna in the morning or even the night before. The individual mason jars make portioning easy, perfect for lunchboxes or quick dinners. The best part? It tastes as good, if not better, than traditional lasagna, and cleanup is a breeze!
The magic of individual portions: The individual servings are a game-changer. No more wrestling with a giant pan of lasagna, trying to get perfectly sized portions for everyone. Plus, leftovers are already portioned and ready to go! This method is fantastic for meal prepping, packing lunches, or even feeding a crowd without the stress of serving a large casserole dish.
Zucchini noodles – a healthy twist: I love how this recipe incorporates zucchini noodles. They add a wonderful freshness and texture, creating a lighter and healthier lasagna without sacrificing flavor. And honestly, the slight crispiness of the baked zucchini noodles adds a delightful contrast to the rich, creamy ricotta and savory turkey.
A taste of tradition, a modern approach: This recipe takes the comforting flavors of classic lasagna and reimagines them in a fun, modern way. The layers of rich ricotta, savory turkey, and tangy tomato sauce are all there, delivering that nostalgic satisfaction we all crave. But the ease of preparation and the individual servings make this a true weeknight wonder. It's the kind of recipe that makes busy weeknights a little brighter and a whole lot tastier.
Beyond the recipe: This isn’t just about a meal; it’s about finding moments of calm amidst the chaos. It’s about creating a delicious and healthy meal for your family without feeling overwhelmed. It’s about feeling empowered in the kitchen, even when time is short. The satisfying process of layering the ingredients, knowing that a delicious, homemade meal awaits, is almost as rewarding as the meal itself.
Tips for success: To ensure your lasagna jars don’t explode in the oven, it is absolutely crucial to follow the directions and submerge them in a water bath. The water bath helps distribute heat evenly, preventing thermal shock which could cause the jars to crack. Also, make sure to pack the layers tightly into the jars to maximize space and ensure even cooking.
Variations to explore: This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, cheeses, or meat. Add spinach, mushrooms, or peppers for extra flavor and nutrients. Swap the turkey for ground beef or Italian sausage. Use different types of cheese to create your own unique flavor combinations. The possibilities are truly endless!
This Mason Jar Turkey Lasagna isn't just a recipe; it’s a testament to the power of smart meal prepping and the joy of creating delicious, homemade meals, even when life gets hectic. So, the next time you’re facing a busy week, remember this recipe – your taste buds and your sanity will thank you!
