Turkey Spinach Lasagna Rollups
Highlighted under: Balanced Meal Recipes
I absolutely love making Turkey Spinach Lasagna Rollups as a comforting twist on traditional lasagna. The combination of tender turkey, vibrant spinach, and creamy ricotta is not only delicious but also a wholesome meal option. As someone who enjoys experimenting with flavors, I find that the herbs and spices elevate each bite. Plus, this dish is easy to assemble and perfect for meal prep, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights or a crowd-pleasing family dinner.
When I first made these Turkey Spinach Lasagna Rollups, I was amazed at how easy it was to create something so flavorful. I’ve always enjoyed lasagna, but rolling the noodles adds a unique touch that makes it visually appealing. By using lean turkey and fresh spinach, I found that I could make a lighter version without sacrificing taste. It’s become a family favorite!
I also discovered that adding a sprinkle of nutmeg to the ricotta mixture gives these rollups an extra layer of depth. Not only does it enhance the flavor profile, but it also complements the spinach beautifully. Each bite is a delightful surprise!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- A lighter twist on traditional lasagna that's just as hearty
- Cheesy stuffing makes every rollup irresistibly delicious
- Great for making ahead and freezing for later enjoyment
Flavorful Filling Tips
The filling for the Turkey Spinach Lasagna Rollups is the star of the dish, so choose quality ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh spinach adds vibrant color and essential nutrients, while the ground turkey provides a lean protein source that keeps the dish lighter than traditional options. For a richer taste, consider sautéing a diced onion and minced garlic along with the turkey, enhancing the savory depth of flavor in the filling.
Don’t be afraid to customize the filling either! Adding a dash of red pepper flakes can introduce a nice heat, or try substituting half of the ricotta with cottage cheese for a lower-fat option. If you're looking for more veggies, finely chopped zucchini or mushrooms can be mixed in seamlessly without overpowering the dish.
Perfect Assembly Techniques
As you assemble the rollups, ensure each noodle is sufficiently cooked but still firm; al dente noodles will hold together better when rolling. Spread your filling evenly across each noodle, leaving a small margin on the edges to prevent spills during baking. Tightly rolling the noodles helps keep the ingredients from leaking out, giving you neat, uniform portions that look as great as they taste.
Also, using a spatula to carefully lift the filled noodles into the baking dish can reduce breakage. If you find a noodle tears, don't worry; simply place it seam side down, and it will still cook up deliciously without anyone noticing the difference.
Storage and Reheating
This dish is not only great for immediate mealtime but also shines as a make-ahead option. You can assemble the rollups in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours covered with plastic wrap, adding the sauce and cheese just before baking. For longer storage, consider freezing them before or after baking, ensuring they are well-sealed to prevent freezer burn. When frozen, they can last up to three months.
When it’s time to enjoy your rollups, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge if frozen, then bake as directed, adjusting the cooking time as needed. A good rule of thumb is to add about 10-15 minutes if baking from frozen. You want the center to be heated through and the cheese to bubble up nicely, creating that irresistible cheesy top.
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Lasagna Rollups
- 8 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients combine to create a flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion!
Instructions
Instructions
Cook the Noodles
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and lay them flat on a clean towel.
Prepare the Filling
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey until browned. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted. In a bowl, mix the turkey and spinach with ricotta cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Assemble the Rollups
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Take a lasagna noodle, place a portion of the filling at one end, and roll it up tightly. Place seam side down in the baking dish. Repeat with remaining noodles.
Add Sauce and Cheese
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the rollups and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let the rollups cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your meal!
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. You can also substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or beef.
Serving Suggestions
These Turkey Spinach Lasagna Rollups pair beautifully with a simple side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the greens complements the rich, cheesy flavor of the rollups, providing a well-rounded meal. You can also serve them alongside garlic bread for an extra dose of flavor and texture, perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce on your plate.
If you’re looking to elevate this dish further, consider topping each rollup with a dollop of pesto or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving. This addition not only enhances the visual appeal but also brings in an additional layer of freshness that balances the richness of the ricotta and mozzarella.
Variations to Try
Feel free to get creative with your ingredients! Instead of ground turkey, you can swap in shredded rotisserie chicken or even a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian version. Simply adjust cooking times as necessary; with pre-cooked options, your cooking time may decrease substantially since you're primarily heating the fillings through.
For those who love bold flavors, consider adding Italian sausage to the filling for a spicier kick. You can also substitute the spinach with other greens such as kale or Swiss chard, which can offer a different texture and taste. Just make sure to cook any tough greens longer until they are tender before mixing them into the filling.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the rollups and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.
→ Can I freeze lasagna rollups?
Yes, these rollups freeze well. Just assemble them, cover tightly, and freeze before baking. You can bake them straight from frozen; just add about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
→ What can I serve with lasagna rollups?
A simple side salad and garlic bread pair perfectly with these rollups for a complete meal.
→ Can I use whole wheat noodles?
Definitely! Whole wheat lasagna noodles work great and add extra fiber to your dish.
Turkey Spinach Lasagna Rollups
I absolutely love making Turkey Spinach Lasagna Rollups as a comforting twist on traditional lasagna. The combination of tender turkey, vibrant spinach, and creamy ricotta is not only delicious but also a wholesome meal option. As someone who enjoys experimenting with flavors, I find that the herbs and spices elevate each bite. Plus, this dish is easy to assemble and perfect for meal prep, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights or a crowd-pleasing family dinner.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Balanced Meal Recipes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Lasagna Rollups
- 8 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and lay them flat on a clean towel.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey until browned. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted. In a bowl, mix the turkey and spinach with ricotta cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Take a lasagna noodle, place a portion of the filling at one end, and roll it up tightly. Place seam side down in the baking dish. Repeat with remaining noodles.
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the rollups and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. You can also substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or beef.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 30g