Delightful Cheesy Eggplant and Turkey Lasagna
This Delightful Cheesy Eggplant and Turkey Lasagna is a wholesome twist on traditional lasagna, perfect for those looking for a low-carb alternative without sacrificing flavor. Layered with tender broiled eggplant slices, savory ground turkey seasoned with Italian herbs, and a rich homemade marinara sauce, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious. With bubbling low-fat mozzarella cheese oozing from each square, it's a delectable option for family dinners or meal prep. Enjoy this guilt-free comfort food that combines hearty ingredients with a light touch!
6
Servings
300
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggplants
2 (medium, peeled & cut into 1/4-inch thick slices)
Garlic Salt
2 pinches
Lean Ground Turkey
1 1/4 lbs
Italian Seasoning
2 teaspoons
Fresh Mushrooms
8 ounces (sliced)
Garlic
1 clove (minced)
Low-Fat Marinara Sauce
2 cups
Low-Fat Mozzarella Cheese
1 3/4 cups (shredded)
Instructions
1
Preheat the broiler and lightly mist a 13x9-inch baking dish with olive oil spray. Set aside.
2
Arrange the eggplant slices on a nonstick baking sheet and lightly mist with olive oil spray. Sprinkle both sides with garlic salt. Broil the eggplant 6 inches from the heat source for 3-5 minutes on each side until they are tender and have a nice brown color.
3
In a nonstick skillet, lightly mist with olive oil spray and set over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until it is no longer pink, stirring occasionally.
4
Once the turkey is cooked, remove it from the skillet and re-spray the pan with olive oil spray. Add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir occasionally and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the mushrooms have turned brown.
5
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
6
To assemble the lasagna, layer half of the broiled eggplant slices in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Follow with half of the mushroom mixture, half of the ground turkey, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, half of the marinara sauce, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
7
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
8
Once done, remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing into 6 squares. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
20g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Delightful Cheesy Eggplant and Turkey Lasagna?
It is a low-carb, wholesome twist on traditional lasagna that replaces pasta noodles with tender broiled eggplant slices and features lean ground turkey.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 6 servings, sliced into squares.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
Is this lasagna recipe low-carb?
Yes, by using eggplant instead of pasta, the dish contains only 20g of carbohydrates per serving.
What ingredients are needed for the turkey filling?
You will need 1 1/4 lbs of lean ground turkey and Italian seasoning.
How do I prepare the eggplant for the lasagna?
Peel and cut the eggplant into 1/4-inch thick slices, season with garlic salt, and broil for 3-5 minutes on each side until tender and brown.
What temperature should I bake the lasagna at?
The lasagna should be baked in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long does it take to cook the mushrooms?
The sliced mushrooms and minced garlic should be cooked for about 8-10 minutes until the mushrooms turn brown.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1 3/4 cups of shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese.
How do I layer the ingredients in the baking dish?
Layer half the eggplant, followed by half the mushrooms, half the turkey, seasoning, half the sauce, and half the cheese; then repeat the process.
Do I need to cover the lasagna while baking?
Yes, cover the dish with aluminum foil for the first 20 minutes of baking.
How long should the lasagna rest after cooking?
Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow it to set.
What size baking dish is required?
A 13x9-inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 20g of protein.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 10g of fat per serving.
Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Yes, the recipe suggests using 2 cups of low-fat marinara sauce.
Is the eggplant peeled for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifies using medium eggplants that are peeled before slicing.
How many eggplants are needed?
The recipe requires 2 medium-sized eggplants.
What kind of oil should I use for spraying the pan?
Olive oil spray is recommended for misting the baking dish and the eggplant.
How much Italian seasoning is used?
A total of 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning is used in the recipe.
Is there garlic in this recipe?
Yes, it uses both garlic salt for the eggplant and 1 clove of minced garlic for the mushroom mixture.
What is the total baking time?
The total baking time is between 30 and 35 minutes.
What makes this recipe 'healthy'?
It uses lean turkey, low-fat cheese, and nutrient-dense vegetables like eggplant and mushrooms instead of refined pasta.
Can this be used for meal prep?
Yes, it is tagged as a meal prep friendly dish that is easy to portion and reheat.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish features tender eggplant layers and bubbling, golden brown cheese on top.
How much ground turkey is required?
You need 1 1/4 lbs of lean ground turkey.
Is there a specific way to brown the turkey?
Cook it in a nonstick skillet over medium heat until it is no longer pink.
What are the primary flavor profiles?
The dish is seasoned with Italian herbs, garlic, and savory marinara sauce.
Can I use different types of mushrooms?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of fresh sliced mushrooms, typically white or cremini work best.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients used in this lasagna.