Savory Turkey Lasagna with Butternut Squash and Spinach

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Savory Turkey Lasagna with Butternut Squash and Spinach.

1. Step 1

   Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and chopped garlic, cooking them until they become fragrant and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. Next, crumble the ground turkey into the skillet, stirring it until it's completely browned, which should take around 7 to 10 minutes.

2. Step 2

   Once the turkey is browned, stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and water. Add the dried basil, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, and half a teaspoon of black pepper, along with a quarter cup of chopped fresh parsley. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 60 to 90 minutes until it thickens to your liking.

3. Step 3

   While the sauce is simmering, take the cubed butternut squash and place it in a large microwave-safe bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap and microwave on high for about 5 minutes, or until tender. Set it aside to cool.

4. Step 4

   In another skillet, cook the fresh spinach over medium heat until it wilts, which should take about 5 minutes. Once wilted, set it aside as well.

5. Step 5

   In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, 2 tablespoons of parsley, and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper. Mix in about two-thirds of the shredded mozzarella cheese and set this mixture aside.

6. Step 6

   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

7. Step 7

   To assemble the lasagna, pour 1.5 cups of the turkey sauce into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Lay down 3 of the no-boil lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread 1 cup of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then sprinkle half of the cooked butternut squash on top. Layer half of the wilted spinach over the squash, followed by half of the zucchini slices. Repeat this layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with the last 3 noodles on top.

8. Step 8

   Spread any remaining ricotta mixture over the top layer of noodles, and finish with the remaining turkey sauce. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in.

9. Step 9

   Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top. Return the lasagna to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

10. Step 10

    Once done, take the lasagna out of the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the layers set, making it easier to serve.