Babs’ Turkey Mushroom Lasagna Rolls: A Delicious and Easy Comfort Food Recipe

Craving comfort food that’s both satisfying and relatively healthy? Look no further than Babs’ Turkey Mushroom Lasagna Rolls! This recipe takes the classic lasagna and transforms it into individual, easy-to-serve rolls packed with flavor. We’re swapping out the traditional ground beef for lean ground turkey and adding a generous dose of earthy mushrooms, creating a dish that’s both hearty and surprisingly light. These lasagna rolls are perfect for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or even a make-ahead meal. Follow along as we guide you through each step of creating this delicious and comforting meal.

## Why You’ll Love These Turkey Mushroom Lasagna Rolls

* **Healthier Twist on a Classic:** Ground turkey is a lean protein source, making these lasagna rolls a healthier alternative to traditional beef lasagna.
* **Flavorful and Earthy:** The combination of ground turkey, mushrooms, ricotta cheese, and flavorful herbs creates a delicious and complex flavor profile.
* **Easy to Serve:** Individual rolls make serving and portioning a breeze.
* **Perfect for Meal Prep:** These lasagna rolls can be easily assembled ahead of time and baked when you’re ready to eat.
* **Freezer-Friendly:** Leftovers (if you have any!) freeze beautifully, making them perfect for a quick and easy meal later on.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking. Add spinach, zucchini, or different types of cheese to customize the recipe to your preferences.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather all your ingredients. This will make the cooking process much smoother and more enjoyable.

* **Lasagna Noodles:** 12 oven-ready lasagna noodles (no pre-boiling required). If you can’t find oven-ready noodles, you’ll need to boil regular lasagna noodles according to the package directions until al dente.
* **Ground Turkey:** 1 pound lean ground turkey. You can also use ground chicken if you prefer.
* **Mushrooms:** 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced. Feel free to experiment with other types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or oyster mushrooms.
* **Ricotta Cheese:** 15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese. Whole milk ricotta provides the best flavor and texture. You can use part-skim, but the filling might be a bit drier.
* **Egg:** 1 large egg, lightly beaten. The egg helps bind the ricotta cheese mixture together.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping.
* **Mozzarella Cheese:** 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided. Use good quality mozzarella cheese for the best flavor and melting properties.
* **Tomato Sauce:** 24 ounces marinara sauce or your favorite tomato sauce. Choose a high-quality sauce for the best flavor.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves garlic, minced. Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor.
* **Onion:** 1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped.
* **Italian Seasoning:** 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning. A blend of dried herbs that adds classic Italian flavor.
* **Fresh Parsley:** 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley. Adds a fresh, vibrant flavor to the dish.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste. Season generously to enhance the flavors of the ingredients.
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon olive oil.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large skillet
* Large bowl
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Spoon or spatula
* Measuring cups and spoons

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients and equipment ready, let’s get cooking!

**1. Prepare the Turkey Mushroom Filling:**

* Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
* Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
* Drain off any excess grease.
* Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until softened and slightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
* Season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
* Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

**2. Prepare the Ricotta Cheese Mixture:**

* In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, remaining 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, chopped fresh parsley, salt, and pepper.
* Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

**3. Assemble the Lasagna Rolls:**

* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
* Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce (about 1 cup) evenly over the bottom of the 9×13 inch baking dish.
* Lay out one lasagna noodle on a clean surface.
* Spread about 1/3 cup of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodle.
* Sprinkle about 1/4 cup of the turkey mushroom mixture over the ricotta cheese.
* Sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of mozzarella cheese over the turkey mushroom mixture.
* Carefully roll up the lasagna noodle from one end to the other.
* Place the lasagna roll, seam-side down, in the prepared baking dish.
* Repeat with the remaining lasagna noodles, ricotta cheese mixture, turkey mushroom mixture, and mozzarella cheese.

**4. Bake the Lasagna Rolls:**

* Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the lasagna rolls, ensuring they are well covered.
* Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the top.
* Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
* Bake for 30 minutes.
* Remove the aluminum foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna rolls are heated through.
* Let the lasagna rolls cool for a few minutes before serving.

## Tips for Perfect Lasagna Rolls

* **Don’t Overcook the Noodles:** If you’re using regular lasagna noodles (not oven-ready), make sure to cook them al dente. Overcooked noodles will be too soft and difficult to roll.
* **Don’t Overfill the Rolls:** Too much filling will make the rolls difficult to roll and they might burst open during baking.
* **Use Good Quality Ingredients:** High-quality ingredients will result in a more flavorful and delicious dish. Use good quality ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and tomato sauce.
* **Season Generously:** Don’t be afraid to season the filling and sauce generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This will enhance the flavors of the ingredients.
* **Let it Rest:** Allowing the lasagna rolls to rest for a few minutes after baking will help them hold their shape and make them easier to serve.

## Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique version of these lasagna rolls.

* **Vegetarian Option:** Omit the ground turkey and add more mushrooms or other vegetables, such as spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. You can also add a layer of sautéed eggplant.
* **Spicy Kick:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the turkey mushroom filling for a spicy kick.
* **Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone, fontina, or asiago.
* **Different Sauces:** Use a pesto sauce or a creamy Alfredo sauce instead of tomato sauce.
* **Add Spinach:** Mix chopped spinach into the ricotta cheese mixture for added nutrients and flavor.
* **Use Different Meats:** Substitute ground beef, ground chicken, or Italian sausage for the ground turkey.
* **Gluten-Free Option:** Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this recipe gluten-free.

## Serving Suggestions

These Turkey Mushroom Lasagna Rolls are a complete meal on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of side dishes.

* **Garlic Bread:** A classic pairing that’s always a hit.
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the lasagna rolls.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts are all delicious and healthy options.
* **Steamed Green Beans:** A simple and elegant side dish.
* **Caprese Salad:** A refreshing salad made with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

These lasagna rolls are perfect for making ahead of time. Assemble the rolls as directed, but do not bake them. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if the rolls are cold.

## Freezing Instructions

To freeze the lasagna rolls, assemble them as directed, but do not bake them. Wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw the lasagna rolls in the refrigerator overnight. Remove the plastic wrap and aluminum foil and bake as directed, adding an extra 20-30 minutes to the baking time if the rolls are still partially frozen.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: Approximately 350-400 per roll (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 30-35 grams
* Fat: 15-20 grams
* Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams

## Babs’ Turkey Mushroom Lasagna Rolls Recipe

This recipe is designed to be easy to follow and create delicious results. Get ready to enjoy a warm and comforting meal!

**Prep time:** 30 minutes
**Cook time:** 40-45 minutes
**Serves:** 6-8

**Ingredients:**

* 12 oven-ready lasagna noodles
* 1 pound lean ground turkey
* 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
* 15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
* 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
* 24 ounces marinara sauce
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped
* 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* 1 tablespoon olive oil

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Turkey Mushroom Filling:**
* Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
* Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
* Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until softened and slightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
* Season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
2. **Prepare the Ricotta Cheese Mixture:**
* In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, remaining 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, chopped fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. **Assemble the Lasagna Rolls:**
* Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
* Spread 1 cup of tomato sauce over the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
* Lay out one lasagna noodle on a clean surface.
* Spread about 1/3 cup of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodle.
* Sprinkle about 1/4 cup of the turkey mushroom mixture over the ricotta cheese.
* Sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of mozzarella cheese over the turkey mushroom mixture.
* Carefully roll up the lasagna noodle from one end to the other.
* Place the lasagna roll, seam-side down, in the prepared baking dish.
* Repeat with the remaining lasagna noodles, ricotta cheese mixture, turkey mushroom mixture, and mozzarella cheese.
4. **Bake the Lasagna Rolls:**
* Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the lasagna rolls.
* Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the top.
* Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
* Bake for 30 minutes.
* Remove the aluminum foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna rolls are heated through.
* Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

## Enjoy!

These Turkey Mushroom Lasagna Rolls are a delicious and easy way to enjoy a classic Italian dish. They’re perfect for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or a make-ahead meal. Enjoy!