Grilled Turkey Lasagna Burger with French Bread Buns
A creative fusion burger that transforms classic lasagna elements into a handheld meal. Ground turkey seasoned with Italian herbs forms tender patties, layered with melted mozzarella, marinara sauce, and cooked lasagna noodles inside fresh-baked French bread. Perfect for casual dinners or cookouts when you want something familiar yet surprising. The homemade bread buns and pasta layers make this more substantial than typical burgers, offering comfort food satisfaction with a playful twist on Italian-American favorites.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- ½ cup parsley leaves, loose
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced(optional)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 pinch salt and pepper
- 1 can (11 oz) refrigerated Pillsbury Original French Bread
- 4 curly lasagna noodles, may need trimming to fit bunswide egg noodles1:1textureadds eggs
similar flat shape
- ½ cup Muir Glen organic tomato sauce
- 3 slices mozzarella cheese
- 6 slices mozzarella cheese(optional)
- lettuce greens, of choice
Instructions
- 1
Combine ground turkey, parsley, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper in medium bowl
- 2
Form meat mixture into two elongated burger loaves using hands
- 3
Let formed patties sit covered in refrigerator for two hours if time allows
- 4
Preheat oven to 350°F
- 5
Remove French bread from tube and cut in half crosswise
- 6
Place bread halves on ungreased baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes until cooked through
- 7
Cool bread slightly and slice each half lengthwise
- 8
Boil lasagna noodles until tender and transfer to plate
- 9
Sear burger patties on grill or skillet until browned and cooked through
- 10
Place cheese on top of burgers and cover to melt
- 11
Heat tomato sauce in small saucepan until warmed through
- 12
Place one lasagna noodle on bottom bread half
- 13
Add cheesy burger patty on top of noodle
- 14
Spoon marinara sauce over burger
- 15
Add second lasagna noodle on top
- 16
Garnish with lettuce greens and cover with top bread half
Tips
Trim lasagna noodles to fit properly inside the bread buns for easier eating and better presentation.
Let formed turkey patties rest in refrigerator to help flavors develop and patties hold together better when grilling.
Cover burgers while cheese melts to ensure even melting and prevent overcooking the meat.
Good to Know
Refrigerate assembled burgers up to 2 days, though bread may soften. Store components separately for best quality.
Make turkey patties and bake bread up to 1 day ahead. Assemble just before serving to prevent soggy bread.
Serve immediately while bread is still warm and cheese is melted for best texture and flavor.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip resting time for turkey mixture to avoid burgers falling apart on grill
Avoid overloading with sauce to prevent soggy bread
Don't overcook turkey patties to maintain juiciness
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
similar flat shape
FAQ
Can I use regular hamburger buns instead of French bread?
Yes, but you'll lose the substantial bread element that makes this special. Choose larger, sturdy buns that can handle the pasta layers and sauce without falling apart.
What if I can't find curly lasagna noodles?
Regular flat lasagna sheets work fine - just break them to fit the bun size. Wide egg noodles or even pappardelle pasta can substitute for similar texture.
How long will leftovers keep in the refrigerator?
Assembled burgers keep 2-3 days refrigerated, though the bread will soften. For best results, store components separately and assemble fresh portions as needed.