Family-Style Turkey Lasagna Bake
a no fail recipe
On the first Friday of every month, I send out a FREE recipe! This month, I'm sharing one that’s close to my heart: a family-style turkey lasagna bake. I used to make this weekly when I was a private chef for NBA athletes, and it was always a hit. The hearty layers kept the players full, and they practically wiped the dish clean every time.
Recently, our friends tragically lost their home in Helene. With five kids, they were suddenly displaced, so I reached out to offer a hot meal. When they said yes, this lasagna came to mind immediately. It’s comforting, kid-friendly, and big enough to feed everyone!
I hope you’ll find this recipe as versatile as I have—perfect for meal prep, Sunday dinners, family gatherings, or just a cozy meal anytime you're in the mood. Enjoy!
I am SOOO happy you’re here!
xx Jazzy
What’s going on..
Before we dive into the recipe, I just have to share my favorite picture from the week. Olive (18 months) is totally obsessed with Minnie Mouse, so we decided to match her energy and dressed up as Minnie for Halloween! We’re skipping trick-or-treating this year, but we still got to enjoy a big Halloween fest in the city, and Olive loved every second of it. 🎃
What did you or your little ones dress up as for Halloween this year? I'd love to hear about your creative costumes!
Ok, let’s get to the new recipe!👇🏼
Family-Style Turkey Lasagna Bake
This Family-Style Turkey Lasagna Bake is just the thing when you need something cozy and crowd-friendly. It's loaded with layers of creamy meat sauce, no-boil noodles, and plenty of melty cheese—basically everything you want in a lasagna without all the fuss. Perfect for feeding a big group or just making a regular family dinner feel a little special. Easy to prep, super satisfying, and guaranteed to be a hit!
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6-8
INGREDIENTS
Meat Sauce:
2 tablespoons avocado oil
1 yellow onion, chopped
4 stalks celery, chopped
1 lb ground turkey
2 tablespoons tomato paste
11 oz cream of mushroom soup
1 jar (15 oz) marinara sauce
2 tablespoons dried oregano
2 tablespoons dried basil
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons pepper
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
Lasagna:
1 box (12 oz) no-boil lasagna noodles
1 container (16 oz) cottage cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
DIRECTIONS
Prepare the Meat Sauce:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add avocado oil and heat until hot.
Add the chopped onion, and cook for about 5 minutes until translucent. Add the celery and sauté for another 5 minutes.
Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks until browned, about 10 minutes.
Add all the spices (oregano, basil, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and nutmeg) and stir.
Make a space in the center of the skillet, add the tomato paste, and mix it in.
Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, followed by the marinara sauce, and mix until combined.
Cover and let the sauce simmer for 15 minutes.
Assemble the Lasagna:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
In a lasagna dish, spread 1/2 cup of meat sauce on the bottom.
Layer with lasagna noodles, then add another layer of meat sauce, a layer of cottage cheese, and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella.
Repeat layers, starting with lasagna noodles, until all ingredients are used.
Finish with the remaining mozzarella and sprinkle the top with parmesan.
Bake:
Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil, ensuring there’s an air pocket on top to prevent the cheese from sticking.
Bake for 45 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Serve:
Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
SUBSTITUTIONS
Ground Turkey: Swap with ground beef, chicken, or even Italian sausage for a different flavor.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: Substitute with cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, or a cup of heavy cream for a richer texture.
Marinara Sauce: Use tomato basil sauce, garlic tomato sauce, or your favorite pasta sauce.
Cottage Cheese: Replace with ricotta cheese for a classic lasagna taste, or try a layer of mascarpone for extra creaminess.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded Italian blend or provolone works well if you want a more flavorful cheese layer.
Avocado Oil: Olive oil or any neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil can be used for sautéing.
FAQs
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just cover it tightly with foil. When you’re ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold from the fridge.Can I freeze this lasagna?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled lasagna before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To bake from frozen, add about 30-40 minutes to the cooking time.What if I don’t have no-boil noodles?
You can use regular lasagna noodles, but you’ll need to cook them according to the package instructions before assembling the lasagna.Can I add veggies to this recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to add sautéed vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the layers for extra nutrition and flavor.How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm up the entire dish in the oven.Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! You can substitute the mozzarella with other cheeses like provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses. For a creamier texture, you can even mix in some ricotta cheese.How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and make sure your marinara sauce and cream of mushroom soup are also gluten-free.What should I serve with the lasagna?
A simple green salad and some garlic bread make great sides for lasagna. You can also serve it with roasted veggies for a well-rounded meal.
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Until next time fam! xo Jazzy
xoxo