Are you ready to indulge in a comforting, hearty meal that practically cooks itself? Say hello to the Crockpot Turkey Spinach Lasagna, a delightful twist on a classic Italian dish that will have your taste buds dancing! With layers of savory ground turkey, creamy ricotta, and fresh spinach, all smothered in rich marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella, this lasagna is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for busy weeknights. Just set it and forget it—your slow cooker will do all the work while you relax! Dive into this recipe and discover how to create a mouthwatering lasagna that will impress your family and friends without breaking a sweat!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- Ground turkey
- Lasagna noodles
- Spinach
- Ricotta cheese
- Marinara sauce
- Mozerella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: ground turkey, lasagna noodles, fresh or frozen spinach, ricotta cheese, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground turkey. Season it with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the turkey, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the spinach to the skillet with the cooked turkey. If using frozen spinach, ensure it is thawed and drained before adding. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and heated through. Remove from heat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until well blended.
- Prepare your slow cooker by spreading a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking.
- Begin layering the lasagna in the slow cooker. Start with a layer of lasagna noodles, breaking them as necessary to fit the shape of your slow cooker.
- Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the turkey and spinach mixture. Pour a layer of marinara sauce over this, then sprinkle a layer of mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layering process: add another layer of noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, the remaining turkey and spinach mixture, more marinara sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
- Finish with a final layer of noodles, the remaining marinara sauce, and top with the remaining mozzarella and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4 hours. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking, as this can affect the cooking time.
- Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the lid and check that the cheese is melted and bubbly. Allow the lasagna to sit for about 10-15 minutes before serving to let it set.
- Slice the lasagna into portions and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious crockpot turkey spinach lasagna!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the turkey and spinach mixture a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the lasagna.
- Layering Technique: When layering, ensure that the noodles are fully covered with sauce to prevent them from drying out during cooking. Don’t be afraid to break the noodles to fit your slow cooker!
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Adding a blend of mozzarella and provolone or even a sprinkle of feta can elevate the flavor profile.
- Vegetable Boost: For added nutrition, consider incorporating other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers into the turkey mixture. Just sauté them along with the turkey.
- Let It Rest: After cooking, allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set, making it easier to serve and enjoy.
- Freezing for Later: If you have leftovers or want to make it ahead of time, this lasagna freezes beautifully! Just wrap individual portions tightly and store them for a quick meal later.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 95mg
