Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Turkey & Mushroom Lasagna?
It is a hearty one-dish meal that combines leftover turkey, mushrooms, broccoli, lasagna noodles, and a creamy white sauce with traditional tomato sauce.
How can I use holiday leftovers for this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for 2 cups of cooked turkey, making it an excellent way to use leftover turkey from Thanksgiving or Christmas.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the lasagna.
How long does it take to bake the lasagna?
The lasagna should be baked for 25 minutes covered with foil, and then an additional 10-15 minutes uncovered until the cheese is bubbly.
Do I need to cook the lasagna noodles beforehand?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 9 lasagna noodles that have already been cooked.
How do I prepare the mushroom mixture?
Sauté diced onion and sliced mushrooms in 1/4 cup of butter for 5-7 minutes, then stir in the herbs and spices.
What herbs and spices are used in this lasagna?
The recipe uses Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
How is the creamy mushroom sauce made?
It is made by creating a roux with butter and flour, then whisking in chicken broth and milk until the sauce thickens.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by simply omitting the cooked turkey.
What vegetables are included in this dish?
The recipe includes 2 cups of sliced mushrooms, 1 diced onion, and 2 cups of chopped fresh broccoli.
How many cups of tomato sauce are needed?
You will need a total of 4 cups of tomato sauce for layering and topping the lasagna.
What types of cheese are used?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
What size baking pan is required?
Use a 9x13 inch baking pan to assemble and bake the lasagna.
How do I layer the lasagna?
Layer tomato sauce, noodles, turkey, broccoli, and creamy sauce; repeat the process and finish with noodles, more tomato sauce, and cheese.
How much turkey is needed?
The recipe requires 2 cups of shredded or chopped cooked turkey.
How much milk is used in the sauce?
You will need 1.5 cups of milk for the creamy sauce component.
Can I use chicken broth for the sauce?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 cup of chicken broth to build the flavor of the white sauce.
Is the broccoli cooked before adding it to the layers?
The recipe uses 2 cups of fresh chopped broccoli, which will cook while the lasagna is baking.
How many lasagna noodles are used per layer?
The instructions suggest using 3 cooked lasagna noodles for each of the three noodle layers.
What is the first step in assembling the lasagna?
The first assembly step is spreading 1 cup of tomato sauce along the bottom of the 9x13 inch baking pan.
Why should I cover the lasagna with foil while baking?
Covering with foil for the first 25 minutes helps the lasagna cook through without the cheese on top burning.
Should I let the lasagna cool before serving?
Yes, allow the lasagna to cool for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven to make slicing easier.
How much flour is needed for the sauce roux?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of flour to be whisked into the melted butter.
What kind of mushrooms should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of sliced mushrooms; any common variety like white button or cremini works well.
How much butter is used in total?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup for sautéing vegetables and 1/3 cup for making the white sauce.
Can I use dried herbs?
Yes, the recipe specifically lists dried Italian seasoning, basil, and oregano.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of garlic powder mixed into the mushroom and onion sauté.
What is the texture of this lasagna?
It is described as creamy and cheesy, thanks to the combination of the mushroom white sauce and mozzarella cheese.
Is this a good meal for a crowd?
Yes, as a hearty one-dish meal baked in a 9x13 pan, it is perfect for serving guests or family gatherings.
Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
While the recipe specifies turkey, you can easily substitute it with an equal amount of cooked chicken.