Turkey lasagne recipe

Turkey lasagne is a really fab alternative to beef - it's leaner but just as delicious, simply swap out the beef for turkey for a delicious family dish. Not only is turkey mince just as tasty, it often works out cheaper than beef too, so you'll be able to save on your weekly shop. If you've never used turkey mince before, don't worry it's just the same as any other mince you'd use and the method for making this lasagne recipe is pretty much the same as a classic lasagne recipe, simply using turkey. This will soon become a family favourite that you'll find yourself making time and time again so why not try it tonight!

Ingredients

• 500g (18oz) British turkey mince
• 400g can chopped plum tomatoes
• 1 pack dried lasagne sheets
• 2 balls mozzarella, sliced
• 50g (2oz) Parmesan cheese, grated
• 175ml (6fl oz) red wine
• 2tbsp tomato purée
• 1tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, chopped
• Pinch of sugar
• 5-6 basil leaves, torn
• Salt and pepper

For the sauce:

• 25g (1oz) butter
• 25g (1oz) plain flour
• 500ml (17fl oz)milk
• 1 bay leaf

Method

1. To make your lasagne preheat oven to 200°C (400°F, gas mark 6). Heat the oil in a large frying pan and sauté the onion for about 5 mins until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Turn the heat up and add the turkey mince, and fry until lightly browned. Pour in the wine and boil rapidly to allow the alcohol to evaporate and the wine to reduce a little.
3. Add the can of tomatoes and tomato purée, sugar, basil and seasoning, stirring well. Turn down the heat to low and continue to cook for about 20 mins until thick. Set aside.
4. To make the béchamel sauce, melt the butter and add the flour. Stir well with a wooden spoon and cook for two minutes. Pour in the milk a little at a time, whisking continuously until thickened. Add the bay leaf and simmer gently for about 10 mins until you have creamy sauce. Discard the bay leaf.
5. To assemble the lasagne, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the base of a gratin dish. Add a layer of lasagne sheets, avoiding any overlap and breaking them up if necessary to fit. Pour a layer of white sauce evenly on top, and a layer of meat sauce on top of this. Add another layer of pasta, followed by the last of the meat sauce and then finish with white sauce.
6. Arrange the diced mozzarella on top and Parmesan and bake for about 40 mins until cooked and golden brown.