Comforting Turkey & Lentil Chili Lasagna
Indulge in this healthier take on lasagna with a delightful blend of ground turkey, lentils, and rich tomato sauce layered between succulent noodles and creamy cottage cheese. Packed with flavors and nutrients, this Comforting Turkey & Lentil Chili Lasagna is perfect for family dinners or meal prep! Enjoy a wholesome dish that combines the comforting essence of chili with the satisfying layers of lasagna - it's sure to become a favorite for those seeking a leaner, hearty meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
onion
1 small (finely chopped)
garlic clove
1 small (minced)
green pepper
1 small (diced (1/4-1/2 cup))
ground turkey
1 lb (fresh)
chili powder
2 teaspoons (to taste)
tomato sauce
3 cups (canned)
sugar
1 teaspoon (for balancing flavors)
lentils
1/4 cup (picked over, washed, and drained)
lasagna noodles
1/2 lb (cooked according to package instructions)
egg
1 (beaten)
low-fat cottage cheese
16 ounces (container)
part-skim mozzarella cheese
8 ounces (shredded or block, grated)
Instructions
1
In a 2-quart non-stick saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2
Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, diced green pepper, and ground turkey to the saucepan.
3
Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the turkey is browned and fully cooked. Ensure to break up the meat as it cooks.
4
Once cooked, carefully pour off any excess drippings from the pan.
5
Stir in the chili powder, tomato sauce, sugar, and rinsed lentils into the turkey mixture.
6
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for approximately 30 minutes or until the lentils become tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
7
In the meantime, bring a pot of water to boil and cook the lasagna noodles according to the directions on the package. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
8
In a medium mixing bowl, beat the egg and blend in the low-fat cottage cheese until smooth and well combined.
9
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
10
In a 13x9x2-inch baking dish, begin layering by placing half of the lasagna noodles at the bottom, overlapping them as needed.
11
Spread half of the cheese and egg mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the turkey and lentil mixture, and then half of the part-skim mozzarella cheese.
12
Repeat the layering process once more with the remaining ingredients.
13
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the lasagna is bubbly.
14
Once done, remove the lasagna from the oven and let it stand for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Comforting Turkey & Lentil Chili Lasagna?
It is a healthier take on traditional lasagna that layers ground turkey, lentils, and a rich tomato-based chili sauce with lasagna noodles, cottage cheese, and mozzarella.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses one pound of fresh ground turkey.
How do I prepare the lentils for the sauce?
The lentils should be picked over, washed, and drained before being stirred into the turkey mixture to simmer for about 30 minutes until tender.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
How long does the lasagna need to bake?
The lasagna should be baked for approximately 40 minutes or until it is bubbly.
Do I need to cook the lasagna noodles beforehand?
Yes, the lasagna noodles should be cooked according to the package directions, drained, and set aside before layering.
What kind of cheese is used in the filling?
The filling uses a mixture of 16 ounces of low-fat cottage cheese and one beaten egg.
What size baking dish is required for this recipe?
A 13x9x2-inch baking dish is recommended for layering the lasagna.
Why is sugar added to the tomato sauce?
A small amount of sugar is added to help balance the flavors of the tomato sauce and chili powder.
How many layers are in this lasagna?
The recipe calls for repeating the layering process once, resulting in two main layers of noodles, cheese, and meat sauce.
Is it necessary to drain the ground turkey?
Yes, after browning the turkey with the onions and garlic, you should carefully pour off any excess drippings.
What vegetables are included in the sauce?
The sauce includes finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced green pepper.
What is the purpose of adding an egg to the cottage cheese?
The egg acts as a binder, helping the cottage cheese layer set and maintain its structure during baking.
How long should the lasagna rest after baking?
It is recommended to let the lasagna stand for 10 minutes before slicing and serving to allow the layers to set.
Should the lasagna be covered while in the oven?
Yes, the baking dish should be covered with aluminum foil during the 40-minute baking process.
Can I substitute mozzarella with another cheese?
The recipe calls for part-skim mozzarella cheese, but you can use other melting cheeses like provolone or Monterey Jack if desired.
How much tomato sauce is needed?
The recipe requires 3 cups of canned tomato sauce.
What spices are used to flavor the chili lasagna?
The primary seasoning used is chili powder, which provides the characteristic chili flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this lasagna is excellent for meal prep as it is hearty, reheats well, and provides multiple servings.
What is the first step in making the sauce?
The first step is melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
How many lentils are used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of lentils.
Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?
While the recipe specifies cottage cheese for a leaner profile, ricotta cheese is a common substitute in lasagna recipes.
How long do I cook the turkey and vegetables?
The turkey, onion, garlic, and green pepper should be cooked for about 5 minutes until the meat is browned.
Does the recipe use fresh or dried garlic?
The recipe calls for one small minced garlic clove.
How much butter is needed?
You will need 2 tablespoons of butter.
Is this lasagna considered a high protein dish?
Yes, with ground turkey, lentils, egg, and two types of cheese, it is a high-protein meal.
What should I do if the sauce starts sticking while simmering?
Stir the mixture occasionally while it simmers on low heat to prevent the lentils or sauce from sticking.
What kind of green pepper is best?
A standard green bell pepper, diced to yield about 1/4 to 1/2 cup, is perfect for this recipe.
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, ground chicken is a great lean alternative that would work well in this chili-flavored lasagna.
How much mozzarella cheese is used?
The recipe uses 8 ounces of shredded or grated part-skim mozzarella cheese.