Alright, flavor adventurers, listen up! I’ve got a confession to make: I’m obsessed. Utterly, completely, head-over-heels obsessed with this Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey. Seriously, it’s taken over my kitchen – and for good reason!
I first tasted this particular Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey at a small gathering. The flavors exploded in my mouth! The savory turkey, the subtly sweet zucchini, the creamy ricotta… it was a symphony of deliciousness. I knew right then that I needed to recreate this flavor bomb and share it with the world.
This isn’t your grandma’s bland lasagna. This Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey is bold, satisfying, and guaranteed to make your taste buds sing. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to throw a party just to have an excuse to make it!
This Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey represents everything Cuba Queen is about: unapologetically delicious food that’s easy to make and even easier to devour. I’ve tweaked and perfected this Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey recipe so you can enjoy a guilt-free, flavor-packed meal any night of the week.
Get ready to transform your kitchen into a culinary playground. I’m bursting with excitement to share my Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey recipe with you! Let’s get cooking!
INGREDIENTS You Need for This
This Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey ingredient list is SHORT but mighty! Every ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Get ready for a flavor fiesta in your mouth!
- 2 large Zucchinis: Thinly sliced lengthwise. I use a mandoline for perfectly even slices, but a sharp knife works too. Don’t skimp on the zucchini – it’s the star of this show!
- 1 pound Ground Turkey: Lean ground turkey is the protein powerhouse of this healthy turkey lasagna.
- 1 (25 ounce) jar Marinara Sauce: Choose a high-quality marinara sauce you love. The better the sauce, the better the lasagna!
- 15 ounces Ricotta Cheese: Whole milk ricotta provides the creamiest texture. If you’re watching calories, you can use part-skim, but trust me, the full-fat version is worth it.
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: For that melty, cheesy goodness. I like to use part-skim mozzarella to keep things a little lighter.
- ½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly. Don’t be shy with the Parmesan!
- 1 large Egg: To bind the ricotta mixture together.
- 2 cloves Garlic: Minced. Garlic is a must for any Italian-inspired dish.
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds depth and complexity.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Don’t forget to season your layers!

Here’s the Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey game-changer that will blow your mind: a pinch of red pepper flakes added to the turkey sauce. It adds a subtle kick that elevates the entire dish!
You’ll find the best ingredients for this Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey at your local farmers market or Italian deli. Fresh, high-quality ingredients make all the difference!
Splurge on good quality ricotta for this Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey. It’s the creamy foundation of the whole thing, so don’t skimp!
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly alternative, you can use cottage cheese instead of ricotta. Just make sure to drain it well before using it.
Store any leftover zucchini slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This ground turkey lasagna with zucchini will taste even better the next day!
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Alright, flavor adventurers, let’s get down to business! I’m going to guide you through each step of making this incredible Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey. Don’t stress – your Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey is going to be incredible!
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will prevent your Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey from sticking.
- Prepare the Zucchini: If your zucchini is particularly watery, lay the slices on paper towels and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for 15-20 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat them dry before using. Pro tip for Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey perfection: this step prevents your lasagna from becoming soggy!
- Make the Turkey Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground turkey. Drain off any excess grease. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Pour in the marinara sauce and stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully in this healthy turkey lasagna.
- Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. This mixture adds creamy richness to your Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Now comes the fun part! Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange a layer of zucchini slices over the sauce, overlapping slightly. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the zucchini. Spoon half of the turkey sauce over the ricotta. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers: zucchini, ricotta, turkey sauce, and mozzarella cheese. For the final layer, top with zucchini slices, the remaining marinara sauce, and the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna is heated through. Your Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey should look golden brown and smell absolutely divine!
- Rest: Let the lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting and serving. This allows the layers to set and prevents it from falling apart. While your Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey is working its magic, grab your camera – this is Instagram gold!
Here’s where most people mess up their Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey – they don’t let it rest long enough! Trust me, patience is key.
In my kitchen, this Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey takes exactly 55 minutes from start to finish. But every oven is different, so keep an eye on it!
If your cheese starts to brown too quickly, simply cover the lasagna with foil again for the last few minutes of baking.
This is where your Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey transforms into pure magic. Get ready to be amazed!
PRESENTATION
Presentation is everything! This Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey deserves to be showcased in all its glory. Let’s make it look as amazing as it tastes!
To present this Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey for maximum impact, let it cool slightly before slicing. Use a sharp knife to cut even squares and carefully lift each piece onto a plate.
People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey at dinner parties! It’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Pair this Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The fresh greens will complement the richness of the lasagna perfectly. A crusty baguette is a must for soaking up all that delicious sauce. And don’t forget a glass of your favorite red wine!
This Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey absolutely slays at dinner parties! It’s a showstopper.
This Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, a potluck gathering, or even a special occasion. It’s versatile and always a hit!
For an Instagram-worthy plating technique, garnish each slice of Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey with a sprinkle of fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil.
Leftover Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey can be transformed into delicious lasagna rolls. Simply spread the leftover lasagna on tortillas, roll them up, and bake until heated through.
I’ve also experimented with a seasonal Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey variation using butternut squash and sage in the fall. The flavor combination is divine!
FAQs
Got questions about making this Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! I’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you troubleshoot any cooking challenges and achieve Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey success.
- Can I make this Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey spicier? Absolutely! Add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes to the turkey sauce for an extra kick. You can also use a spicy marinara sauce. I love experimenting with different levels of heat in my Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey!
- What if I don’t have ricotta cheese for my Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey? If you don’t have ricotta cheese on hand, you can substitute it with cottage cheese. Just make sure to drain the cottage cheese well before using it. Cream cheese can also work in a pinch, but it will have a slightly different flavor and texture.
- Can I use different vegetables in this Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey? Of course! Feel free to get creative and add other vegetables to your lasagna. Sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or eggplant would all be delicious additions.
- How do I know when my Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey is perfectly done? Your Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna is heated through. The top should be golden brown and slightly crispy. If you insert a knife into the center, it should come out hot.
- Can I make this Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey ahead of time? Yes, you can! Assemble the lasagna ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
- Can I freeze this Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey? Absolutely! Assemble the lasagna in a freezer-safe dish and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
- Is this Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses zucchini slices instead of pasta sheets. Just make sure to use gluten-free marinara sauce. This gluten free zucchini lasagna is a winner!
Based on community feedback about my Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey recipe, many flavor adventurers have found success by using pre-made marinara sauce to save time. However, I always encourage experimenting with homemade sauce for an even bolder flavor!
Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey your own! Cooking is all about having fun and creating something delicious.
CONCLUSION
This Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey represents everything Cuba Queen stands for: bold, satisfying flavors that are easy to create and even easier to devour. It’s a celebration of fresh ingredients and simple techniques that come together to create a truly unforgettable meal. This Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey will soon become a family favorite!
My Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey Power Tips:
- Don’t skip salting the zucchini! This step is crucial for preventing a soggy lasagna.
- Use high-quality ingredients. The better the ingredients, the better the flavor!
- Let the lasagna rest before cutting. This allows the layers to set and prevents it from falling apart.
I’ve created several Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey variations that I absolutely love. My Butternut Squash and Sage Zucchini Lasagna is perfect for fall, while my Spicy Chorizo Zucchini Lasagna adds a fiery kick. And my vegetarian version with ricotta and spinach gets the biggest reactions!
I’m confident that you can make this Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey your signature dish. It’s easy to customize and always a crowd-pleaser.
Go ahead, flavor adventurers! Embrace the bold flavors and create some Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey memories that will last a lifetime.
Don’t forget to share your Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey creations with me! I can’t wait to see what you come up with. Be sure to tag me, so I can share in your flavor adventure!
Want more recipes like this Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey? Try these Egg Muffins with Spinach and Feta.
If you like the creamy, cheesy goodness of this dish, you should also try this Strawberry Danish with Cream Cheese.
You may also enjoy these Parmesan Zucchini Muffins for more zucchini-flavored goodness.
If this recipe rocks your world, you NEED to try this Ground Turkey & Zucchini Lasagna – The Oregon Dietitian.
For another healthy option, check out this The BEST Zucchini Lasagna Recipe (low carb!) | Ambitious Kitchen. Looking for even more versions of healthy turkey lasagna?
For a classic take on the dish, you should try this Zucchini Lasagna Recipe – Erin Lives Whole. If you’re searching for a tasty ground turkey lasagna with zucchini, let the flavor adventure begin!
Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey
This Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey is a lighter, healthier take on the classic comfort food. Layers of tender zucchini replace pasta sheets, creating a delicious and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and egg. Mix well.
- Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Layer zucchini slices over the sauce, followed by a layer of ricotta mixture and a layer of mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna is heated through.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a richer flavor, add a layer of sautéed mushrooms and spinach to the lasagna. Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.


