Turkey Spinach Lasagna Rollups
Highlighted under: Classic Comfort Cooking
I always find joy in preparing comfort food that is both delightful and nutritious, and these Turkey Spinach Lasagna Rollups are a perfect example. The melding of turkey, spinach, and herbs wrapped in tender pasta creates a satisfying and flavorful dish that pleases the entire family. The best part is that I can have a healthy meal ready in about an hour, blending ease and taste seamlessly. It's a dish that reflects my love for both indulgent and wholesome cooking, making it my go-to for weeknight dinners.
When I first made these Turkey Spinach Lasagna Rollups, I was on a mission to create a dish that combined my love for Italian cuisine with the benefits of healthy ingredients. Layering lean turkey and fresh spinach inside tender lasagna noodles and then baking them in a rich marinara sauce resulted in a dish that was hearty without being heavy. I learned that the secret to keeping the rollups intact is to undercook the noodles slightly.
My family couldn’t get enough of them! I often experiment with adding different cheeses to the filling. It not only alters the flavor but also enhances the creaminess of the dish. Using a mix of ricotta and mozzarella provides the best balance. These rollups have since become a cozy staple at our dinner table.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Hearty flavors packed into every bite
- A great way to sneak in veggies for the kids
- Can be made ahead and frozen for easy meals
Understanding the Fillings
The filling for these Turkey Spinach Lasagna Rollups combines protein from the turkey with the nutritional benefits of spinach. Ground turkey is a lean protein option that cooks down quickly, resulting in a flavorful mixture when combined with ricotta cheese. Using ricotta not only adds creaminess but also contributes to a rich texture, making each bite satisfying. Don't shy away from adding a little more spinach to boost the health factor; it's a great way to use up any leftover greens in your fridge.
Italian seasoning is crucial to enhance the overall flavor profile of the filling. It typically consists of dried basil, oregano, and thyme, which complement the turkey and ricotta beautifully. If you don't have Italian seasoning on hand, mixing equal parts of dried basil and oregano can be a worthy substitute. Just make sure to taste the filling before assembly, as adjusting the salt and pepper to your liking at this stage will ensure a well-seasoned dish.
Layering and Baking Tips
When layering the rollups in the baking dish, make sure to spread marinara sauce generously on the bottom. This not only prevents the noodles from sticking but also creates a flavorful base that seeps into the rollups as they cook. I recommend using a good-quality marinara sauce for maximum flavor; homemade sauce can elevate the dish significantly if you're up for it. Just reserve a little sauce to drizzle over the top before the rollups finish baking for an extra touch.
Baking times can vary depending on the type of cheese you use and your oven's efficiency. To achieve that perfect golden top, keep a close eye during the last 15 minutes of baking. As the cheese melts, it should become bubbly and develop golden edges. If you find that the cheese is browning too quickly, loosely cover the dish with foil to prevent burning while allowing the inside to heat through completely.
Ingredients
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make your Turkey Spinach Lasagna Rollups:
Turkey Spinach Filling
- 2 cups cooked lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Marinara Sauce
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (for greasing)
Make sure to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go!
Instructions
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your delicious Turkey Spinach Lasagna Rollups:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with olive oil.
Prepare the Filling
In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey over medium heat until browned. Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Stir in ricotta, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper.
Assemble the Rollups
Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Take a cooked lasagna noodle, place a generous amount of the turkey-spinach mixture on one end, and roll. Place seam-side down in the dish. Repeat with all noodles.
Top and Bake
Once all rollups are placed in the dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce over them and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let the lasagna rollups cool for a few minutes before serving.
Pro Tips
- For added flavor, consider mixing in some fresh herbs like basil or parsley into the filling.
Make-Ahead and Storage
These lasagna rollups are an excellent candidate for make-ahead meals. You can prepare them a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator before baking. Just cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out. Keep in mind that the noodles will absorb some of the sauce, so consider adding a splash of water or extra sauce if baking straight from the fridge to ensure they stay moist.
If you have leftovers or want to prepare a large batch, these rollups freeze beautifully. Assemble the rollups with sauce and cheese, then cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. For reheating from frozen, add a little additional cooking time. Bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes, or until heated through, and remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes to get that cheesy top crispy.
Serving Suggestions
While the Turkey Spinach Lasagna Rollups are filling on their own, serving them alongside a crisp green salad adds freshness and balances the meal. Consider adding a simple vinaigrette to the salad to cut through the richness of the cheese. Additionally, a side of garlic bread can offer a comforting touch that pairs beautifully with the marinara sauce.
For a heartier option, you may serve the rollups with additional marinara or a dollop of sour cream or pesto. These can elevate the dish further and add a burst of flavor. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top just before serving not only adds color but enhances the dish's appeal with fresh, herbal notes.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought marinara sauce saves time and can still be very flavorful.
→ Can I make these rollups ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the rollups, cover them tightly, and refrigerate them for up to a day before baking.
→ Can I freeze these rollups?
Yes, these rollups freeze very well! Just assemble and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
→ What can I serve with the rollups?
A simple side salad or garlic bread complements this dish nicely.
Turkey Spinach Lasagna Rollups
I always find joy in preparing comfort food that is both delightful and nutritious, and these Turkey Spinach Lasagna Rollups are a perfect example. The melding of turkey, spinach, and herbs wrapped in tender pasta creates a satisfying and flavorful dish that pleases the entire family. The best part is that I can have a healthy meal ready in about an hour, blending ease and taste seamlessly. It's a dish that reflects my love for both indulgent and wholesome cooking, making it my go-to for weeknight dinners.
Created by: Sophia
Recipe Type: Classic Comfort Cooking
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Turkey Spinach Filling
- 2 cups cooked lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Marinara Sauce
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (for greasing)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with olive oil.
In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey over medium heat until browned. Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Stir in ricotta, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper.
Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Take a cooked lasagna noodle, place a generous amount of the turkey-spinach mixture on one end, and roll. Place seam-side down in the dish. Repeat with all noodles.
Once all rollups are placed in the dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce over them and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Extra Tips
- For added flavor, consider mixing in some fresh herbs like basil or parsley into the filling.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g