Decadent Turkey and Eggplant Lasagna
This Decadent Turkey and Eggplant Lasagna is a delightful spin on a classic dish, perfect for elevating your holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners. Infused with layers of hearty ground turkey, rich and flavorful herbs, and creamy cheeses, this recipe also features tender, baked eggplant in place of traditional pasta. Your loved ones will be delighted by this signature Thanksgiving dish—a culinary masterpiece that marries flavors beautifully while offering a satisfying, wholesome meal that everyone will enjoy. The preparation may appear intricate, but the rewarding tastes make each step worthwhile. Give it a try and make it your new tradition!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
20
Ingredients
Ingredients
eggplant
2 (sliced lengthwise and salted)
olive oil
4-6 tablespoons (for sautéing)
ground turkey
2 lbs (raw)
crushed tomatoes
1 (796 ml) can (canned)
fresh mushrooms
1 cup (thinly sliced)
onion
1 large (finely chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
fresh basil
2 tablespoons (or 2 teaspoons dried)
fresh thyme
2 tablespoons (or 2 teaspoons dried)
fresh oregano
2 tablespoons (or 2 teaspoons dried)
white wine
1 cup (for cooking)
balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon (for flavor)
sun-dried tomatoes
1 cup (for added flavor)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
ricotta cheese
1 (500 ml) package (light is fine)
mild goat cheese
150 g (crumbled)
egg
1 (beaten)
mozzarella cheese
1 lb (thinly sliced)
grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup (for topping)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this lasagna different from traditional lasagna?
This recipe uses tender, baked eggplant slices in place of traditional pasta noodles, making it a hearty, wholesome alternative.
Is this Decadent Turkey and Eggplant Lasagna gluten-free?
Yes, because it replaces wheat pasta with eggplant slices, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
What kind of turkey is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of raw ground turkey.
How should I prepare the eggplant?
The eggplant should be sliced lengthwise and salted to help draw out excess moisture before baking.
Why is the eggplant salted before cooking?
Salting the eggplant slices helps remove bitterness and prevents the lasagna from becoming too watery during the baking process.
What types of cheese are included in this lasagna?
This recipe features a rich blend of ricotta cheese, mild goat cheese, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute 2 teaspoons of dried basil, thyme, or oregano for every 2 tablespoons of fresh herbs.
Is wine necessary for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of white wine for cooking to add depth of flavor, but it can be substituted with chicken or vegetable broth if preferred.
What role does the egg play in the recipe?
One beaten egg is mixed with the cheeses to act as a binder, ensuring the layers stay together when sliced.
How much mozzarella cheese do I need?
You will need 1 lb of thinly sliced mozzarella cheese.
What kind of tomatoes are used in the sauce?
The sauce is made using one 796 ml can of crushed tomatoes and 1 cup of sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
Are there any vegetables besides eggplant?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 cup of thinly sliced fresh mushrooms and a large finely chopped onion.
What kind of vinegar is used?
One tablespoon of balsamic vinegar is added to enhance the savory flavors of the meat sauce.
How much olive oil is required?
Between 4 to 6 tablespoons of olive oil are used for sautéing the ingredients.
Is this a good recipe for the holidays?
Yes, it is described as a signature Thanksgiving dish that is perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners.
What is the recommended size for the ricotta cheese?
The recipe suggests one 500 ml package of ricotta cheese, and light ricotta is perfectly fine to use.
How much goat cheese should I use?
The recipe calls for 150 g of crumbled mild goat cheese.
How much garlic is needed?
You will need 2 minced garlic cloves.
What is used for the top layer of the lasagna?
The lasagna is topped with 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for a savory, golden finish.
Can I use red wine instead of white?
While white wine is specified, red wine can be used if you prefer a richer, more robust sauce flavor.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 20 ingredients in total for this Decadent Turkey and Eggplant Lasagna.
Is the eggplant peeled before slicing?
The recipe does not specify peeling, so you can leave the skin on for extra texture and nutrients.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, like most lasagnas, the flavors often meld and improve if prepared ahead of time and reheated.
What flavor does the sun-dried tomato add?
Sun-dried tomatoes provide a concentrated, sweet-tart flavor that complements the ground turkey and herbs.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a wholesome meal that uses lean turkey and nutrient-dense eggplant as a pasta alternative.
How many eggplants do I need?
You will need 2 eggplants for this recipe.
What are the primary herbs used?
The primary herbs are fresh basil, thyme, and oregano.
Is the preparation difficult?
While the preparation may appear intricate due to the layering, the rewarding flavors make it worth the effort.
Can I substitute the ground turkey?
While turkey is the signature protein, you could substitute ground chicken or lean beef if desired.
How should I season the dish?
The recipe suggests adding salt and pepper to taste for perfect seasoning.