Table of Contents: Turkey Lasagna with White Sauce Recipe
Turkey Lasagna with White Sauce Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that marries the richness of a classic lasagna with the wholesome twist of ground turkey, this Turkey Lasagna with White Sauce Recipe is your answer. Perfect for holiday feasts, cozy weekend dinners, or even impromptu gatherings, this recipe takes comfort food to the next level. With layers of savory turkey, creamy bechamel, and perfectly cooked noodles, it’s the kind of meal that brings families together. Plus, it’s adaptable for picky eaters, dietary restrictions, or even meal prep enthusiasts. Let’s dive into why this turkey lasagna with white sauce is destined to become your next kitchen staple.
Introduction: Turkey Lasagna with White Sauce Recipe
Lasagna is a timeless dish, but swapping traditional beef for lean ground turkey adds a modern, health-conscious twist without sacrificing flavor. This Turkey Lasagna with White Sauce Recipe isn’t just a lighter alternative—it’s a flavor-packed, creamy dream. The star of the show? A luscious white sauce lasagna (also known as bechamel sauce) that coats every bite with a velvety texture. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving leftovers, preparing a cozy date-night dinner, or seeking a comforting weeknight meal, this recipe delivers.
What sets it apart? The fusion of herbs like fennel and nutmeg in the turkey sauce, paired with the subtle tang of parmesan-infused bechamel. It’s a recipe that celebrates simplicity while elevating everyday ingredients. Plus, it’s practical: make-ahead layers mean you can spend more time savoring and less time stressing in the kitchen.
Alternate Names & Variations
This dish might also show up under names like Turkey Meatball Lasagna, White Sauce Chicken Lasagna, or Lasagna with Bechamel Sauce. For dietary needs, try a gluten-free version with store-bought noodles or a vegan adaptation using plant-based turkey and cashew cream. Swap zucchini for spinach or broccoli to add extra nutrients.
Ingredients: Turkey Lasagna with White Sauce Recipe

For the Lasagna Noodles:
- – 300 grams all-purpose flour
- – 3 eggs
For the Ground Turkey Sauce:
- – 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- – 2 tablespoons fennel seeds
- – 1 large onion, chopped
- – 2 stalks celery, sliced
- – 2 small zucchinis, diced
- – 4 cloves garlic, minced
- – 500 grams lean ground turkey
- – 2 teaspoons salt
- – 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- – 300 milliliters water
For the Bechamel Sauce (White Sauce):
- – 6 tablespoons butter
- – 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- – 750 milliliters whole milk
- – 2 bay leaves
- – ½ teaspoon grated nutmeg
- – ½ teaspoon salt
- – ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Sprinkling:
- – 65 grams grated parmesan cheese
Tip: Substitute pre-made lasagna noodles for a quicker version.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Lasagna Noodles
Combine flour and eggs in a bowl. Gradually add water until a dough forms. Knead for 10 minutes, rest for 30 minutes, then roll paper-thin and cut into lasagna sheets. Cook in salted water for 12–15 minutes.
2. Make the Ground Turkey Sauce
In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté fennel seeds until fragrant. Add onions, celery, zucchini, and garlic, cooking until softened. Brown ground turkey until no longer pink. Stir in crushed tomatoes, water, salt, and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Prepare the Bechamel Sauce
Melt butter with flour to create a roux. Slowly whisk in milk, a little at a time, until smooth. Add bay leaves, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently until thickened (8–10 minutes). Remove bay leaves.
4. Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Spread a layer of tomato sauce in a baking dish. Alternate layers of noodles, turkey sauce, and bechamel. Top with parmesan and bake for 30–35 minutes until golden.
Chef’s Tip: For a time-saver, use pre-made turkey chunks or a quick Italian seasoning blend instead of fennel seeds.
Recipe Card Block (Quick Reference)
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~450 per serving
Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips
This Turkey Lasagna with White Sauce shines because it balances heartiness and lightness. Ground turkey keeps it lean and budget-friendly, while the bechamel adds richness without heaviness. The fennel seeds infuse a subtle anise flavor, perfect for elevating the dish beyond a standard turkey casserole.
For extra depth, stir a teaspoon of smoked paprika into the turkey sauce. If you love textures, layer tousled greens or grilled eggplant. This recipe also freezes beautifully, making it ideal for meal prepping or holiday leftovers.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Freeze unbaked lasagna for up to 2 months (no need to thaw—just add 15 minutes to baking time). Reheat in the oven at 160°C (325°F) with a foil cover to retain moisture. Avoid microwaving uncovered, as it dries out quickly.
People Also Ask: Turkey Lasagna with White Sauce Recipe

Q: What is white sauce for lasagna made of?
A: White sauce (bechamel) is crafted from milk, butter, and flour, seasoned with nutmeg and bay leaves. It’s the creamy backbone of this recipe, drizzled over layers to add moisture and richness. Crushed nutmeg is the secret touch that distinguishes it from French béchamel.
Q: Can you make lasagna with turkey instead of beef?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey is leaner and cooks faster, ideal for a healthier twist. To mimic beef’s heartiness, brown it well with minced garlic and herbs. This Turkey Lasagna with White Sauce Recipe proves that turkey works beautifully when combined with flavorful aromatics.
Q: Is bechamel sauce the same as white sauce?
A: Yes! Bechamel is a type of white sauce, typically thickened with a butter-flour roux. In this recipe, it’s the creamy layer that binds everything together. Some call it “white sauce,” but the terms overlap in culinary contexts.
Q: How do you keep turkey lasagna from being dry?
A: Moisture is key! Start with a thin tomato sauce layer, avoid overcooking noodles, and keep the sauce silky. Freezing extras in vacuum-sealed bags prevents freezer burn. When reheating, sprinkle a splash of water and cover to trap steam.
Conclusion: Turkey Lasagna with White Sauce Recipe
This Turkey Lasagna with White Sauce Recipe isn’t just a meal—it’s a celebration of simplicity and flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, its straightforward steps and adaptable ingredients make it a winner for any occasion. Don’t wait for a special holiday; make this lasagna tonight and savor the joy of shared, hearty meals. Craving a related recipe? Check out our Zucchini-Noodle Lasagna for a low-carb version!
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Turkey Lasagna with White Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
A creamy, comforting turkey lasagna made with layers of tender ground turkey, rich white sauce, and perfectly melted cheese—an easy family-friendly dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups spinach (optional)
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté onion and garlic.
- Add the ground turkey and cook until browned.
- Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning; stir in spinach if using.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux.
- Slowly add milk, whisking until smooth and thickened.
- Season the white sauce with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of white sauce in a baking dish.
- Layer noodles, turkey mixture, white sauce, and cheese.
- Repeat layers and finish with white sauce and cheese on top.
- Bake 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Make ahead friendly—assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add extra mozzarella for a creamier top.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Turkey Lasagna with White Sauce Recipe, white sauce lasagna, turkey lasagna