Spinach Lasagna Casserole
Creamy spinach and turkey lasagna casserole combines savory flavors with tender noodles and a cheesy spinach topping, perfect for a hearty family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 4 oz. uncooked medium noodles ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground turkey ⓘ
- 15 oz. can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 6 oz. can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 8 oz. package light cream cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup light sour cream ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. skim milk ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 9 oz. package frozen chopped spinach ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook noodles in a large saucepan; drain and rinse with hot water; set aside.
- Brown the ground turkey in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, basil, garlic powder, oregano, and pepper.
- Add cooked noodles to the turkey mixture and stir to combine.
- In a medium bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, light sour cream, skim milk, and chopped onion until smooth.
- Spread half of the noodle mixture in a 2-quart or 12 x 8-inch baking dish.
- Top evenly with the cheese mixture.
- Spoon the thawed and squeezed-dry chopped spinach evenly over the cheese layer.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 40 minutes or until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using ricotta cheese instead of light cream cheese. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, substitute the ground turkey with lentils or mushrooms. To save time, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles. When cooking the noodles, cook them just until al dente to prevent them from becoming too soft during baking.
Serving Suggestions
This Spinach Lasagna Casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or garlic bread. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside some roasted vegetables or a light Italian soup. It also makes for a delightful main dish at gatherings, alongside other comforting Italian recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or return the casserole to a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, covering with foil to retain moisture. Ensure it's heated through before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Lasagna Casserole contains roughly 263 calories, with 13g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (60% of the Daily Value), iron (47% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. It also contributes 12g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
Can I freeze the Spinach Lasagna Casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.
What can I substitute for ground turkey?
If you prefer, you can substitute ground turkey with ground beef, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian option. Each will offer a slightly different flavor but will work well in this casserole.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).