If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful dish that’s both nutritious and a feast for the eyes, the Ricotta Ground Turkey Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful twist on classic lasagna combines creamy ricotta, tender ground turkey, and a vibrant mix of herbs and greens, rolled up neatly in tender lasagna noodles. It’s perfect for family dinners or impressing friends without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try these roll-ups, they’ll become a go-to recipe in your meal rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating a balanced flavor and texture. From the creamy ricotta that provides luscious richness to the tender kale adding a fresh green pop, every element is simple but essential to making these roll-ups irresistible.
- Ricotta (26 oz): Choose a thick, creamy ricotta such as Galbani for the best texture and rich, mild flavor.
- Large egg (1): Acts as a binder to keep the ricotta filling nice and cohesive.
- Parmesan (2.5 oz): Adds a nutty, salty kick that boosts overall depth of flavor.
- Kale (3/4 bunch): Removes stems and finely chops for a tender, slightly earthy green note.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Perfect for sautéing kale and aromatics, adding richness without heaviness.
- Onion (1/2, finely diced): Builds the savory foundation with its subtle sweetness.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Offers aromatic warmth that wakes up every bite.
- Ground turkey (1.5 lb): Use flavorful cuts like Honeysuckle White for juicy, lean protein.
- Dried oregano (3.5 tbsp): Brings an herbal brightness reminiscent of traditional Italian cooking.
- Dried basil (2 tbsp): Rounds out the herb profile with gentle sweetness.
- Marinara sauce (1.25 cups + 1.75 cups): Divided amounts ensure the roll-ups stay moist and saucy without being soggy.
- Lasagna noodles (12): Boiled al dente to hold their shape and roll up easily without tearing.
How to Make Ricotta Ground Turkey Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the filling
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Toss in the ground turkey, oregano, and basil, breaking the meat apart and cooking until it’s browned and cooked through. Stir in the chopped kale and cook just until wilted. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Meanwhile, combine the ricotta, parmesan, and egg in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Cook the noodles
Boil the lasagna noodles in salted water until al dente—this means just tender but still firm enough to roll without breaking. Drain carefully, then lay the noodles flat on a sheet of parchment or a clean kitchen towel to cool slightly.
Step 3: Assemble the roll-ups
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish. Lay a noodle on your work surface, then spread a generous spoonful of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodle. Next, spoon some of the ground turkey and kale filling down the center. Carefully roll the noodle up from the edge closest to you to form a neat roll-up.
Step 4: Bake to perfection
Place each roll-up seam side down in the baking dish over the marinara. Once all are arranged, pour the remaining 1.75 cups of marinara sauce over the top to keep everything moist and flavorful. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and heated through.
How to Serve Ricotta Ground Turkey Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley over the top to add a burst of color and freshness. A little extra grated parmesan or a drizzle of good quality olive oil can also elevate the dish’s presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some garlicky roasted vegetables to keep things vibrant but light alongside the hearty roll-ups.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve individual portions of roll-ups standing upright on a bed of sauce, garnished with microgreens or edible flowers to impress your guests with a professional touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The roll-ups hold their texture nicely and flavors often deepen overnight, making for even tastier next-day meals.
Freezing
These roll-ups freeze wonderfully—place them in a freezer-safe dish or wrap individually in plastic wrap and foil. They keep well for up to 2 months, making them perfect for meal prepping or quick dinners later on.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or frozen roll-ups in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to prevent drying out, for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. Microwaving works in a pinch but the oven method helps retain that fresh-baked texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in the Ricotta Ground Turkey Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe?
Absolutely! While ricotta is key for that creamy texture, you can experiment by adding cottage cheese or mascarpone mixed with parmesan for a twist. Just keep the consistency creamy enough to spread easily.
Is ground turkey a good substitute for ground beef in this recipe?
Yes, ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works wonderfully here. It absorbs the herbs and seasonings well, keeping the roll-ups flavorful without extra heaviness.
Can I prepare the Ricotta Ground Turkey Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the roll-ups a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate them before baking. This makes for a stress-free dinner with all the deliciousness ready to pop into the oven.
What if I don’t have fresh kale?
Frozen kale, well-drained and chopped, can be used as a substitute. Just be sure to cook off any extra moisture to avoid soggy roll-ups.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the regular lasagna noodles with gluten-free varieties that hold together well. You might want to handle them gently to prevent cracking while rolling.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Ricotta Ground Turkey Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe enough to anyone looking for a cozy, satisfying meal that’s both wholesome and bursting with flavor. It’s a dish that feels special but is surprisingly easy to make. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to these delicious roll-ups—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Ricotta Ground Turkey Lasagna Roll Ups offer a delicious and lighter twist on traditional lasagna by using ground turkey and kale for added nutrition. Creamy ricotta mixed with parmesan cheese and herbs is spread over perfectly cooked lasagna noodles, then rolled up with a savory turkey and kale filling, topped with marinara sauce, and baked to bubbly perfection. This recipe is perfect for a comforting yet wholesome weeknight dinner that serves four.
Ingredients
Cheese Mixture
- 26 oz ricotta cheese (preferably Galbani for its thick and creamy texture)
- 1 large egg
- 2.5 oz parmesan cheese
Vegetables
- 3/4 bunch kale, stems removed and leaves finely chopped into 1/4-inch pieces
- 1/2 onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Meat and Seasonings
- 1.5 lb ground turkey (Honeysuckle White recommended for best flavor)
- 3.5 tbsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp dried basil
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 lasagna noodles, boiled al dente
- 1.25 cups marinara sauce (for filling)
- 1.75 cups marinara sauce (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the lasagna noodles: Boil 12 lasagna noodles until they are al dente so they hold their shape without tearing. Drain and set aside on a flat surface.
- Cook the turkey mixture: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add 1.5 pounds of ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Stir in 3.5 tablespoons dried oregano and 2 tablespoons dried basil, seasoning to taste. Add chopped kale and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Mix the cheese filling: In a bowl, combine 26 ounces of ricotta cheese, 1 large egg, and 2.5 ounces parmesan cheese. Mix until creamy and smooth. Set aside.
- Assemble the roll ups: Spread a thin layer of the ricotta mixture evenly over each lasagna noodle. Spoon the turkey and kale mixture evenly over the ricotta layer. Carefully roll each noodle lengthwise to enclose the filling.
- Prepare to bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1.25 cups of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the roll ups seam side down in the dish in a single layer.
- Top and bake: Pour the remaining 1.75 cups of marinara sauce over the roll ups. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to let the sauce thicken and the tops become slightly golden.
- Serve: Allow lasagna roll ups to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Boiling lasagna noodles al dente is essential to prevent tearing when rolling.
- You can substitute kale with spinach if preferred.
- If you want a lower-fat option, use part-skim ricotta instead of whole milk ricotta.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking, just increase baking time slightly.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and freeze well for up to 2 months.
