Turkey Spinach Lasagna Rollups

Name: Turkey Spinach Lasagna Rollups
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 lasagna noodles; 1 lb ground turkey; 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1 egg, lightly beaten; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups marinara sauce; 1 tsp dried basil; 1 tsp dried oregano

Highlighted under: Casseroles Recipes

I love making these Turkey Spinach Lasagna Rollups for a cozy dinner with family or friends. The flavors meld perfectly, and every cheesy, meaty bite is truly satisfying. As a busy home cook, this dish is my favorite because not only is it a great way to sneak in some veggies, but it also offers a beautiful presentation that impresses everyone at the table. Simple to prepare and easy to serve, these rollups become a go-to recipe that I always enjoy sharing with those I care about.

Created by

The Chefsamuelbakes Team

Last updated on 2026-02-23T12:47:18.805Z

I remember the first time I made Turkey Spinach Lasagna Rollups; the whole house smelled like Italian comfort food! I was inspired to try them after a visit to a local Italian restaurant, where I fell in love with the pasta's cheesy goodness. The combination of turkey and spinach not only adds nutrition but also keeps the sauce light. The key to success here is to ensure that the pasta is cooked al dente, as it will further cook in the oven while baking.

Using a mix of ricotta and mozzarella creates that perfect stretchy texture, while the homemade marinara sauce complements the flavor profile beautifully. I often make a double batch, as leftovers are even better the next day – the flavors meld together beautifully! It's a dish that's fun to assemble, especially when involving loved ones in the kitchen.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Hearty ground turkey packed with protein and flavor
Creamy spinach filling that’s rich and satisfying
A delicious twist on traditional lasagna that's easy to serve

Cooking the Perfect Noodles

To achieve perfectly cooked lasagna noodles, it’s essential to boil them until they're al dente, which means they should still have a slight firmness when bitten. This prevents the noodles from becoming mushy when baked later. I recommend checking the package instructions for timing and testing a noodle a minute or two before the indicated time for the best texture.

After boiling, immediately drain the noodles and lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel. This step allows them to cool and prevents them from sticking together. If you're using a non-stick pot, ensure to add a bit of olive oil to the water before cooking; this can help in separating the noodles more easily.

The Importance of the Filling

The filling of your Turkey Spinach Lasagna Rollups is not just about flavor; it’s about texture too. Mixing the ground turkey with the ricotta and spinach creates a creamy consistency that balances the hearty meatiness. The ricotta binds everything together, making it easier to roll the noodles without spilling the filling. If you want to add a bit more flavor, consider mixing in some grated Parmesan for an extra cheesy bite.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with the fillings. For a vegetarian version, substitute the turkey with firm tofu or additional vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini. Keep in mind that if you use high-moisture veggies, you might need to slightly reduce the amount of ricotta to avoid a watery filling.

Baking to Perfection

Baking at the right temperature is crucial for achieving that bubbly, golden top on your rollups. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and ensure it’s fully heated before placing your dish inside. Covering the rollups with foil for the first 20 minutes keeps the moisture in, allowing them to steam and cook through, while removing the foil lets the cheese brown beautifully in the final minutes.

If you find your cheese isn't getting bubbly enough, you can switch to the broil setting for the last few minutes, but keep a close eye on it to avoid burning. Letting the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking helps the rollups set, making them easier to serve without falling apart.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make the best rollups!

For the Rollups

8 lasagna noodles
1 lb ground turkey
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce

2 cups marinara sauce
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano

Make sure everything is prepared and ready to go before you start assembling!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious lasagna rollups!

Cook the Noodles

Boil the lasagna noodles in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay them out on a clean towel to cool.

Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, half the mozzarella, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Assemble the Rollups

Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Take a noodle, place about 2 tablespoons of the filling at one end, and roll it up tightly. Place seam-side down in the dish. Repeat with remaining noodles.

Add Sauce and Cheese

Once all rollups are in the dish, cover them with remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle the top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and dried herbs.

Bake

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Let the rollups cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, you can mix in some crushed red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like parsley or basil into the filling.

Make-Ahead Options

These Turkey Spinach Lasagna Rollups can be prepared in advance, making them a perfect dish for meal prepping. You can assemble the rollups, place them in the baking dish, and cover them with the sauce and cheese, then store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Prepare the rollups and instead of baking them, cover them tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to bake, allow them to de-thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.

Serving Suggestions

These lasagna rollups make a delightful centerpiece for any dinner. Serve them alongside a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. You can also add garlic bread or a light antipasto platter with olives and marinated vegetables to round out the meal.

If you want to elevate the dish even further, drizzle a bit of homemade pesto over the top before serving. This simple addition adds fresh herbiness that beautifully complements the flavors of the turkey and spinach filling.

Common Troubleshooting Tips

If you find that your rollups are difficult to roll, it may be due to the noodles being too firm. To remedy this, you can boil the noodles for an extra minute or soak them in warm water to soften them before adding the filling. Make sure to work quickly to prevent sticking.

In case you encounter watery filling, consider squeezing excess moisture from the spinach before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will help ensure that your rollups maintain their structure and don't become overly soggy during baking.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different protein?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken, beef, or even a plant-based protein for a vegetarian version.

→ How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and ensure that your marinara sauce is gluten-free as well.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the rollups a day in advance and refrigerate them before baking.

→ What should I serve with lasagna rollups?

A simple green salad or garlic bread makes a perfect side to complement the savory flavors of the rollups.