Keto Weeknight Spinach Turkey Lasagna with Basil
A streamlined lasagna that swaps beef for lean ground turkey, layered with ricotta-spinach filling, marinara, and melted mozzarella. Fresh basil adds brightness to this family-friendly weeknight dinner. The oven-ready noodles and pre-made sauce cut prep time without sacrificing depth. Serve hot from the oven with a simple salad; broiling the top creates crispy, browned cheese edges.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 clove garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 24-ounce jar marinara sauce
- 1 32-ounce container whole milk ricotta cheese
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cup baby spinach leavesfrozen spinach0.75 cup thawed and squeezednutrition
Thaw and drain well to avoid excess moisture
Full guide → - 8 ounce oven-ready lasagna sheets
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 1 pound shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- 1
Heat oil in a medium pan over medium heat until shimmering.
- 2
Add diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until just starting to brown.
- 3
Add minced garlic and cook, stirring, for one minute.
- 4
Add ground turkey with half the salt and quarter of the pepper, stirring until browned and cooked through.
- 5
Stir in marinara sauce and remove from heat.
- 6
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half cup Parmesan, remaining salt and pepper, spinach, and basil until evenly mixed.
- 7
Preheat oven to 400 F.
- 8
Coat a 9x13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
- 9
Spread a layer of turkey-sauce mixture on the pan bottom.
- 10
Top with three lasagna sheets.
- 11
Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then top with sauce and basil sprinkle.
- 12
Sprinkle one-quarter of the mozzarella evenly over the layer.
- 13
Repeat layering two more times: noodles, ricotta, sauce, basil, and mozzarella.
- 14
Top with final noodle layer, remaining sauce, and remaining mozzarella.
- 15
Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- 16
Uncover and bake 25 to 30 minutes until noodles are tender and sauce bubbles at edges.
- 17
Set oven to broil and broil for 1 to 2 minutes until top browns in spots.
- 18
Sprinkle remaining Parmesan cheese over top and let stand at least 15 minutes before serving.
- 19
Cut into portions and serve.
Tips
Arrange lasagna sheets in a single layer without overlapping for even cooking through the oven-ready noodles.
Let the assembled lasagna rest 15 minutes after broiling so layers set and cutting stays clean.
Good to Know
Cover and refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat covered at 350 F for 25-30 minutes until heated through.
Assemble the lasagna completely, cover tightly with plastic wrap then foil, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10-15 minutes to oven time if baking straight from cold.
Serve hot from the oven with a side salad dressed in vinaigrette. Garlic bread complements the marinara and basil.
Common Mistakes
Do not skip the 15-minute rest; it allows the layers to set so portions stay intact when cut.
Do not overlap lasagna sheets; lay them flat and single-layer to ensure they cook through.
Do not skip squeezing excess liquid from thawed spinach; it will waterlog the ricotta layer.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
Thaw and drain well to avoid excess moisture
Full guide →FAQ
Can I make this lasagna ahead and freeze it?
Yes. Assemble and freeze unbaked up to 3 months wrapped tightly. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake adding 10-15 minutes to oven time. You can also freeze baked lasagna for up to 2 months; reheat covered at 325 F for 40-50 minutes.
What if I do not have oven-ready lasagna sheets?
Use regular lasagna noodles boiled to al dente, then drained and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. Layer as directed. The oven time may shorten by 5-10 minutes since noodles start partially cooked.
How long can I keep leftover lasagna in the refrigerator?
Cover and store up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in a 350 F oven for 15-20 minutes or in a microwave for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.