Ingredients:

  • 1 lb lean ground turkey
  • 10 oz fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 0.5 tsp sea salt
  • 0.5 tsp cracked black pepper
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk, room temperature
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for sauce)
  • 0.25 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
  • 15 lasagna noodles (no-boil or par-boiled)
  • 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups low-moisture mozzarella, shredded (for layering)

Instructions:

  1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet and brown 1 lb ground turkey with 0.5 tsp salt and 0.5 tsp pepper until no longer pink and slightly caramelized.
  2. Add 10 oz chopped spinach and 3 cloves minced garlic to the turkey. Cook for 2 minutes until the leaves are completely collapsed.
  3. Transfer the turkey and spinach mixture to a colander. Once cool enough to handle, use a kitchen towel to squeeze the mixture until no more liquid drips out. Note: This prevents the lasagna from becoming a soup in the oven.
  4. In a saucepan, melt 4 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in 0.25 cup flour and cook for 2 minutes until it smells slightly nutty but hasn't browned.
  5. Slowly pour in 3 cups milk, whisking constantly. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Remove from heat. Stir in 1 cup parmesan, 1 cup mozzarella, 1 tsp oregano, and 0.25 tsp nutmeg until the sauce is perfectly smooth and glossy.
  7. In a small bowl, mix 15 oz ricotta with 1 large egg. Note: This ensures the layer stays firm when sliced.
  8. Spread a thin layer of white sauce in the 9x13 dish. Arrange 5 noodles, half the turkey/spinach, half the ricotta, and 0.75 cup white sauce. Repeat.
  9. Top with the final 5 noodles, remaining white sauce, and 2 cups mozzarella. Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes until the cheese is browned and the edges are crackling.
  10. Let the dish sit for 15 minutes. Note: This allows the proteins to firm up, making it easier to slice clean squares.