Let’s delve into Melted Bliss Turkey Bacon Lasagna that’s sure to be a delicious and indulgent twist on the classic lasagna, combining lean turkey and crispy turkey bacon with a creamy, cheesy sauce:
Ingredients:
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 6 slices turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cheese Layer:
- 16 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Lasagna:
- 12-15 lasagna noodles (depending on pan size), cooked and drained
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- Cook the Turkey Bacon: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped turkey bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove bacon from the skillet and set it aside, leaving some of the rendered fat in the skillet.
- Cook the Ground Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.
- Add Vegetables and Tomatoes: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes until softened. Then, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce. Stir well.
- Season: Add basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally. Stir the cooked turkey bacon back into the sauce toward the end of cooking.
2. Prepare the Cheese Layer:
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until smooth and well combined.
3. Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large baking dish (9×13), spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
- Add a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by a layer of cheese mixture, then another layer of meat sauce. Repeat the layering process until you’ve used all the noodles, ending with a layer of meat sauce on top.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top layer of sauce.
4. Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
5. Serve:
- Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Enjoy your Melted Bliss Turkey Bacon Lasagna—a perfect balance of creamy cheese, savory turkey bacon, and rich tomato sauce!
