Cajun Lasagna
Ingredients
1 lb ground turkey
1 lb Johnsville sausage, fresh, with the casing removed
1 box lasagna noodles, dried
1 red onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 stalk celery, diced
1/2 bunch Italian parsley, minced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1 28oz. can crushed tomatoes
1 6oz. can tomato paste
1 1/2 tablespoons creole seasoning
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon Italian seasonings
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 teaspoon sugar
4 oz. parmigiano reggiano cheese, grated
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
2 cups jack cheese, grated
8 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese, grated
2 cups ricotta cheese
2 eggs, beaten
extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta for 6 minutes.
Rinse Pasta with warm water, drain, coat with oil and set aside.
Mix seasonings, reserve 1 tablespoon for ricotta/cheese mixture, and divide remaining seasons in half, set aside.
In a large soup pot heated over medium heat add 2 tablespoon of olive oil, add onion, bell pepper, and celery.
Saute for about 5 minutes, add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
Add ground turkey and sausage into sauce, break into small chunks. Season with half of the seasoning blend and cook until browned about 15 minutes.
Add tomato paste and mix well, cook for 5 more minutes.
Add crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, season with remaining seasoning blend and mix well.
Lower heat to medium-low and cook uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add chopped parsley and mix well and allow sauce to cook about 15 more minutes.
Add 1/2 cup of parmigiano reggiano and mix well.
To Assemble Ricotta/Cheese Mixture:
Mix eggs, ricotta, parmigiano reggiano, 1 cup sharp, jack, and mozzarella cheese with remaining seasoning blend and set side.
To Assemble Lasagna:
In a large greased 13X9 inch casserole dish, place about 1 cup of pasta sauce on the bottom.
Top with lasagna noodles, slightly overlapping noodles.
Top with more pasta sauce, top with about 6 heaping tablespoons of ricotta/cheese mixture.
Top with a handful of remaining grated cheeses and repeat with another layer of lasagna noodles, meat mixture/ricotta cheese mixture/grated cheese.
For the last layer top with noodles, pasta sauce and remaining grated cheeses.
Cover casserole with greased foil and bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes.
Remove foil and cook 20 minutes more.
Remove from oven, allow to cool 10 minutes.
If you're looking to add a Creole twist to your traditional lasagna, this Cajun Lasagna recipe is a perfect choice. Combining ground turkey and Johnsville sausage creates a hearty, protein-packed filling that is infused with bold Cajun and Creole seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, crushed red pepper, and Italian herbs. The use of crushed tomatoes and chicken broth in the sauce adds depth and moisture to the dish. An important step is to prepare the lasagna noodles properly—cooked to al dente, rinsed, and coated with oil prevents sticking and ensures perfect layering. The layered assembly of this casserole dish alternates between the rich meat sauce, the creamy ricotta and cheese mixture (which includes parmesan, sharp cheddar, jack, and mozzarella cheeses), and the noodles, resulting in a balanced flavor and texture. To optimize your Cajun flavors, making your own seasoning mix or using a high-quality Creole seasoning blend is recommended. This can bring out authentic tastes originating from Louisiana cuisine, celebrated for vibrant spices and well-rounded savory notes. For cheese lovers, incorporating a mix of cheeses enhances the creamy texture and adds a lovely melty finish. Parmigiano Reggiano brings a nutty sharpness, while the sharp cheddar and jack contribute to boldness and richness, and fresh mozzarella adds gooey silkiness. Baking this dish covered first locks in moisture, ensuring the lasagna cooks evenly without drying out. Removing the foil halfway allows the top to develop a golden, slightly crisp crust that is highly desirable. This recipe is versatile—if you prefer, you can substitute ground turkey with chicken or beef, and adjust the spice levels by modifying the amount of crushed red pepper. It also pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or garlic bread, making for a complete satisfying meal. Overall, the Cajun Lasagna is a wonderful way to bring southern comfort flavors into a familiar Italian favorite, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests with a distinctive and delicious recipe.
So yummy!!