Zucchini Lasagna with Ground Turkey

Name: Zucchini Lasagna with Ground Turkey
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-487251H21M57S
Total time: PT-487251H21M57S
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 lbs ground turkey; 24 oz marinara sauce (divided); 2 cups cottage cheese; 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided); 1 egg; ½ tsp black pepper; ¼ cup fresh basil chopped; 2 lbs zucchini (about 3-4 zucchini), sliced into ¼ inch thick slices

By Adeline

Published on July 13, 2025

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This Zucchini Lasagna with Ground Turkey is a true weeknight hero! It’s wonderfully light yet incredibly satisfying. You get rich, savory flavors nestled within tender zucchini “noodles.”

Honestly, I often make a double batch. It disappears so fast at my house! There’s nothing quite like that golden, bubbly cheese top straight from the oven.

Why I Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons I adore this Zucchini Lasagna with Ground Turkey! First, it’s just so easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights when time is tight. And the taste? Oh, it’s simply heavenly, a real crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters enjoy. Plus, it’s a healthier twist on a classic, letting you feel good about what you’re eating. It truly offers big flavor without all the fuss.

Zucchini Lasagna with Ground Turkey Ingredients

Crafting this delightful Zucchini Lasagna with Ground Turkey begins with a thoughtful mix of simple, fresh ingredients. Each one plays a part in building those incredible layers of flavor and texture, making every bite truly satisfying.

Essential Components for Your Zucchini Lasagna with Ground Turkey

Ground turkey: This lean protein base makes our lasagna hearty and delicious.
Marinara sauce: It brings that classic Italian-American taste and moisture.
Cottage cheese: This creates the creamy, tangy traditional ricotta layer.
Parmesan cheese: It adds sharp, salty notes to our cheese blend.
Mozzarella cheese: For that wonderfully gooey, melty top and rich layers.
Egg: This acts as a binder, holding our cheesy filling together.
Black pepper: A simple seasoning to enhance all the flavors.
Fresh basil: Brightens everything up with its aromatic charm.
Zucchini: Our star “noodle,&rdquo offering a fresh and healthy base.

Substitutions and Tips for Your Zucchini Lasagna with Ground Turkey

Feeling creative or missing an ingredient? Don’t stress! You can easily make this Zucchini Lasagna with Ground Turkey your own. For instance, if you don’t have ground turkey, lean ground beef or a blend works too. You could also swap out some of the fresh basil for dried Italian seasoning in a pinch.

If you prefer, use ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese. Just make sure it’s well-drained. And remember, the exact amounts for everything are waiting for you in the printable recipe card at the very end of this post!

Don’t be afraid to add extra veggies, like thinly sliced mushrooms or spinach, to the meat sauce for added nutrients. Just wilt the spinach first!

How to Make Zucchini Lasagna with Ground Turkey

Making this Zucchini Lasagna with Ground Turkey is a breeze. I promise! Just follow these easy steps. Soon, your kitchen will smell amazing.

Prepare Your Ingredients

First, preheat your oven. Set it to 400 degrees. Next, grab a skillet. Brown your ground turkey in it. Once it’s cooked, drain any extra fat. This keeps your lasagna light. Now, reserve one cup of marinara sauce. Add the rest to your browned turkey. Stir that meat sauce well. Then, set it aside. In a separate bowl, mix cottage cheese. Add parmesan and one cup of mozzarella. Don’t forget the egg, pepper, and fresh basil. Stir until everything is nicely combined. Now, all your fillings are ready!

Assemble the Layers

Time to build your lasagna! Get a 9×13 baking dish. Spread that reserved marinara sauce on the bottom. It creates a flavorful base. Arrange a single layer of zucchini slices next. Make sure they overlap a bit. This forms your first “noodle” layer. Now, spoon half of your delicious meat sauce over the zucchini. Spread it evenly. Then, add half of the cheesy cottage cheese mixture. Spread that out too. Repeat these layers once more. Start with zucchini. Then, add the rest of the meat sauce. Finish with the remaining cottage cheese blend. This builds those beautiful layers. Your Zucchini Lasagna with Ground Turkey is looking good!

Bake to Perfection

Almost there, my friend! Add the last zucchini layer. Then, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Cover your baking dish. You can use foil for this. Bake it for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, uncover it. Bake for another 30 minutes. The cheese will get bubbly and browned. For extra golden cheese, broil for 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it though. It can brown quickly! Let it rest a bit before serving. Enjoy your homemade Zucchini Lasagna with Ground Turkey!

How to Store Zucchini Lasagna with Ground Turkey

Storing your leftover Zucchini Lasagna with Ground Turkey is super simple. Once cooled, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. You can also transfer individual servings to airtight containers. This keeps it fresh and delicious for several days. I love having these ready-to-go meals. They are perfect for quick lunches! Just pop a slice in the microwave. It heats up beautifully. This lasagna tastes even better the next day sometimes.

Tips for Success

Slice zucchini uniformly thin for even cooking.
Don’t overcrowd your baking dish; use a bigger one if needed.
Pat zucchini dry before layering to prevent a watery lasagna.
Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes after baking.
This resting time helps it set.
It makes for cleaner slices.
Broil carefully for that perfect golden crust.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

9×13 Baking Dish: Essential for layering your delicious lasagna.
Large Skillet: For browning the ground turkey.
Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a couple for your cheese mix and meat sauce.
Sharp Knife or Mandoline: For thinly slicing the zucchini evenly.
Measuring Cups & Spoons: Standard kitchen essentials.
Spatula or Spoon: For spreading sauces and mixtures.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a fresh green salad.
A light vinaigrette dressing works best.
Crusty garlic bread is always a good idea.
Pair with a crisp white wine.
Or try a refreshing iced tea.
Garnish with extra fresh basil.
A sprinkle of parmesan cheese adds flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Zucchini Lasagna with Ground Turkey ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the Zucchini Lasagna with Ground Turkey a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. This makes weeknight dinners so much easier!

What if my zucchini is too watery?

Zucchini can release a lot of water. After slicing, lay the zucchini on paper towels. Sprinkle with a little salt. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Then, pat it very dry. This helps prevent a watery lasagna.

Can I freeze leftover Zucchini Lasagna with Ground Turkey?

Yes, you certainly can! Once cooled, cut the Zucchini Lasagna with Ground Turkey into portions. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in freezer-safe bags. It will keep for up to 3 months.

Is this Zucchini Lasagna with Ground Turkey gluten-free?

Yes, this Zucchini Lasagna with Ground Turkey recipe is naturally gluten-free! It uses zucchini as the “noodles.” This is perfect for those avoiding gluten. Just double-check your marinara sauce ingredients. Ensure it is also gluten-free.

Conclusion

There you have it! This Zucchini Lasagna with Ground Turkey really is a game-changer. It brings that comforting, warm hug feeling to your dinner table. Yet, it does so in a lighter, fresher way. I love how it satisfies everyone, from the pickiest eaters to the most discerning palates. This dish truly proves that healthy eating can still be incredibly delicious. So go on, give it a try. I promise, it’ll become a favorite in your family too. Enjoy the happy kitchen moments this recipe brings!