Pumpkin Lasagna Skillet – Skinnytaste

Meal Prep Idea: Pumpkin Lasagna Skillet

The Pumpkin Lasagna Skillet is an excellent choice for meal prepping, combining convenience and delicious flavors for your week ahead. Here’s how to make this cozy dish in batches, along with time-saving tips and storage options.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb 93% ground turkey
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Meal Prep Steps

1. Batch Cooking:

   • Start by cooking a double batch of ground turkey. Sauté 2 lbs of turkey with diced onions and minced garlic, then season with salt and red pepper flakes. Cook until browned, about 7 minutes.
   • Divide the cooked turkey into portions for later use or freezer storage.

2. Make the Sauce:

   • In a large pot or skillet, combine the remaining ingredients (pumpkin, broth, broken noodles, herbs, and pre-cooked turkey). This simplifies cooking because everything simmers together, eliminating the need for boiling noodles separately.

3. Cook in Portions:

   • If you’re looking to have different meals throughout the week, you can cook half of the mixture now and freeze the other half (just don’t add cheese until it’s time to bake).

4. Cheese Layering:

   • After simmering the mixture (about 20 minutes), stir in ricotta and half the Parmesan. Top with mozzarella and remaining cheese. If making in bulk, you might do this step right before you’re ready to eat.
5. Broil for Perfection:
   • For optimal cheesiness, broil the lasagna just before serving. Watch closely to avoid burning and achieve that perfect golden-brown finish.

Quick Tips for Storage

• Storage Containers:
  Use airtight glass containers or BPA-free plastic containers to store leftover portions. This makes reheating easy and keeps your meals fresh.

• Refrigeration vs. Freezing:
  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze: Portion out and freeze extra servings. This meal can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Instructions

1. From Refrigerator:

   • Microwave or bake at 350°F until warm.
2. From Freezer:
   • Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, then follow the same microwave or oven instructions.

By following these meal prep tips, you can enjoy the comforting flavors of Pumpkin Lasagna Skillet throughout the week while saving time and effort in the kitchen!