A slice of veggie noodle lasagna with layers of pasta, zucchini, and cheese sits invitingly on a white plate with a fork, reminiscent of Oprah's favorite healthy meals.
A plate of turkey lasagna with veggie noodles, topped with melted cheese, sits elegantly on a white plate. It's placed on a light surface next to a folded napkin, evoking a meal worthy of Oprah’s table.

Oprah’s Healthy Turkey Lasagna with Veggie Noodles

An indian woman smiling in a market.Maya Rivera
A lighter, healthier version of lasagna made with lean ground turkey and veggie noodles, perfect for satisfying comfort food cravings with a nutritious twist.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Meal Type Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 6
Calories 414 kcal
Difficulty Medium
Ingredient Cost $9.50
Shopping Cost$30

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Mandoline or vegetable slicer
  • 9×13 inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Spatula

Ingredients
 
 

For the Sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes 28 oz
  • 1 can tomato sauce 14 oz
  • 1 teaspoon basil dried
  • 1 teaspoon oregano dried
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • basil leaves Fresh, for garnish, optional

For the Veggie Noodles:

  • 1 large zucchini thinly sliced lengthwise
  • 1 large eggplant thinly sliced lengthwise
  • 2 large carrots peeled and sliced lengthwise

For the Cheese Mixture:

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese use low-fat if preferred
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese divided, shredded

Instructions
 

Prepare the Sauce:

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
    1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 medium onion
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
    3 cloves garlic
  • Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
    1 pound lean ground turkey
  • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried basil, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Set aside.
    1 can crushed tomatoes, 1 can tomato sauce, 1 teaspoon basil, 1 teaspoon oregano, Salt and black pepper to taste

Prepare the Veggie Noodles:

  • Using a mandoline or sharp knife, thinly slice the zucchini, eggplant, and carrots lengthwise to form “noodles.” Lay them out on paper towels and lightly sprinkle with salt. Let sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry to remove excess moisture.
    1 large zucchini, 1 large eggplant, 2 large carrots

Make the Cheese Mixture:

  • In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, and Parmesan cheese until smooth. Set aside.
    1 cup ricotta cheese, 1 large egg, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

Assemble the Lasagna:

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Spread a thin layer of the turkey sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Layer zucchini slices on top, followed by more turkey sauce and a layer of the ricotta mixture.
  • Add a layer of eggplant slices, more turkey sauce, and another layer of ricotta mixture.
  • Repeat the layering process with the carrots, using the remaining sauce and cheese mixture.
  • Top with a final layer of shredded mozzarella.
    1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese

Bake:

  • Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
  • Let the lasagna cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Garnish and Serve:

  • Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve warm.
    basil leaves

Notes

Vegetable Variations: You can swap in other vegetables, like bell peppers or yellow squash, depending on your preference.
Make-Ahead Option: This lasagna can be assembled a day ahead, covered, and refrigerated until ready to bake.
Freezing: To freeze, wrap tightly with foil before baking. When ready to bake, remove from freezer, let thaw, and bake as directed.

Nutrition

Calories: 414kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 38gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 124mgSodium: 1065mgPotassium: 1277mgFiber: 7gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 5307IUVitamin C: 29mgCalcium: 426mgIron: 4mg
Keyword healthy lasagna, low-carb lasagna, Oprah lasagna recipe, turkey lasagna, veggie noodles

Ingredient Costs: Cost of Recipe by Ingredient Measurements

Shopping Costs: Cost of Recipe with Brand New Ingredient Purchases

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Oprah’s take on lasagna in her Food, Health, and Happiness cookbook brings a fresh and nutritious twist to the classic comfort dish. By substituting traditional noodles with thinly sliced veggies like zucchini, eggplant, and carrots, this lasagna becomes lighter and lower in carbs while still delivering a deliciously rich taste. Packed with lean ground turkey and flavorful herbs, this dish offers comfort without guilt. It’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep and has all the flavors of traditional lasagna without the heaviness. Oprah loves this dish for its versatility and the way it highlights wholesome, nutrient-packed ingredients.

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