Layered Sweet Potato Lasagna

Life with three busy kids means constantly searching for meals that satisfy everyone, pack a nutritional punch, and honestly, don’t leave me feeling like I just ran a marathon in the kitchen. There are those evenings when chaos reigns, and the thought of another boring weeknight meal just doesn’t cut it. That’s exactly how this beautiful Layered Sweet Potato Lasagna came into being.

I remember one blustery autumn day, the kids were wound up from school, and I craved something warm, comforting, and utterly delicious. I had a pantry full of sweet potatoes, some ground turkey, and a serious longing for comfort food. What started as an experiment quickly became a family favorite, a recipe requested again and again.

This isn’t just another sweet potato bake; it’s a hearty, flavorful dish that brings smiles to hungry faces. It’s a wonderful twist on a classic, offering a unique sweetness and an incredible depth of flavor that even the pickiest eaters adore. This savory sweet potato dish truly embodies food as love, simple yet profoundly nourishing.

Every time I prepare this Layered Sweet Potato Lasagna, I’m reminded of those precious family moments around the dinner table, sharing stories and laughter over a plate of deliciousness. It’s truly a wholesome meal that fills both bellies and hearts.

Why You’ll Love This Layered Sweet Potato Lasagna Recipe

You are going to absolutely adore this Layered Sweet Potato Lasagna recipe, I promise! First, it’s a brilliant way to sneak extra vegetables into your family’s diet without them even realizing it. Sweet potatoes offer incredible nutrition, and their natural sweetness perfectly balances the savory flavors of the meat and cheese.

This sweet potato lasagna is also incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it to suit your family’s preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. It truly transforms a simple meal into something special.

Beyond its nutritional benefits, this dish is pure comfort food. Each bite delivers layers of creamy ricotta, tender sweet potatoes, savory ground meat, and gooey mozzarella, all bathed in a rich tomato sauce. It’s a meal that feels like a warm hug, perfect for chilly evenings or busy weeknights when you need something satisfying.

Preparing this Layered Sweet Potato Lasagna also offers a wonderful sense of accomplishment, and the aroma filling your kitchen is simply divine. It’s a recipe that feels gourmet but is surprisingly simple to assemble. You will love how easily this amazing sweet potato lasagna comes together!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for this delightful Layered Sweet Potato Lasagna is the first step towards a truly nourishing meal. Each component plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of flavors and textures.

• 3 large sweet potatoes (about 3 lbs), peeled and thinly sliced (1/8-inch thick rounds)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb ground chicken or turkey
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 12 lasagna noodles, oven-ready (or regular, cooked al dente)
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 10 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Substitutions & Variations

One of the beautiful things about this Layered Sweet Potato Lasagna is its adaptability. Feel free to get creative and tailor it to your family’s tastes or dietary needs. You can easily make this sweet potato lasagna truly your own.

• Meat Options: If ground chicken or turkey isn’t your preference, ground beef works wonderfully. For a vegetarian Layered Sweet Potato Lasagna, simply omit the meat and add an extra can of lentils or an additional bag of spinach and mushrooms to the sauce for heartiness.
• Cheese Choices: While ricotta and mozzarella are classic, consider swapping in cottage cheese for ricotta if you prefer, or using a blend of provolone and mozzarella for an extra cheesy pull. Feta cheese can add a tangy twist to your sweet potato lasagna.
• Vegetable Boost: Enhance the nutritional content even further! Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to the meat sauce. Kale can easily replace or supplement the spinach in this savory sweet potato dish.
• Noodle Alternatives: For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free lasagna noodles. If you’re looking for a lower-carb version, thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant can replace some or all of the lasagna noodles. This makes for a delightful no-noodle sweet potato bake.
• Spice Profile: Adjust the seasonings to your liking. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the sweet potato flavor, while more red pepper flakes will amp up the heat in your Layered Sweet Potato Lasagna. Smoked paprika also adds a lovely depth.
• Sauce Enhancements: Boost the flavor of your tomato sauce with a splash of red wine, a teaspoon of sugar to cut acidity, or a bay leaf while simmering.

One of the enjoyable aspects of preparing this Layered Sweet Potato Lasagna is experimenting with different ingredients. For a delicious twist, consider trying a Shamrock Lasagna, which offers its unique combination of flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this incredible Layered Sweet Potato Lasagna is a straightforward process, but taking each step thoughtfully ensures a delicious outcome. Follow these clear instructions to create a memorable meal.

1. Prepare Your Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into 1/8-inch thick rounds. A mandoline slicer works wonders here for even slices, but a sharp knife and a steady hand will also do the trick. Set them aside.
2. Cook the Meat Sauce: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken or turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s fully browned. Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together well. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Stir occasionally.
4. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: While the sauce simmers, in a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix until well combined and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Prep the Spinach: If using fresh spinach, stir the roughly chopped spinach into the warm meat sauce during the last 5 minutes of simmering. It will wilt down nicely. If using frozen spinach, thaw it and squeeze out as much water as possible before adding.
6. Assemble Your Layered Sweet Potato Lasagna: Spread about 1 cup of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. This prevents the noodles from sticking.
7. First Layer of Noodles: Arrange a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce. If using oven-ready noodles, no pre-cooking is necessary. If using regular noodles, ensure they are cooked al dente.
8. First Sweet Potato Layer: Place a single layer of sliced sweet potato rounds over the noodles, overlapping them slightly.
9. Ricotta and Mozzarella: Evenly spread about half of the ricotta mixture over the sweet potatoes. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
10. Repeat Layers: Top with another layer of noodles, then more meat sauce. Add another layer of sweet potatoes, the remaining ricotta mixture, and another cup of mozzarella cheese.
11. Final Layers: Place the last layer of noodles, then cover generously with the remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and a little extra Parmesan cheese on top.
12. Bake the Layered Sweet Potato Lasagna: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned, and the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
13. Rest and Serve: Let the Layered Sweet Potato Lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the layers to set, making for cleaner slices.

Pro Tips for Success

Achieving the perfect Layered Sweet Potato Lasagna involves a few simple tricks that can elevate your dish from good to absolutely amazing. These pro tips will ensure your sweet potato lasagna is a consistent hit.

• Slice Sweet Potatoes Evenly: Consistency is key! Using a mandoline slicer ensures all your sweet potato rounds are the same thickness, leading to even cooking. If slicing by hand, try your best to keep them uniform to avoid some pieces being too crunchy and others perfectly tender in your savory sweet potato dish.
• Don’t Overcook Noodles: If you’re using regular lasagna noodles, cook them slightly under al dente. They will finish cooking in the oven and you want them to hold their shape, not turn mushy in your Layered Sweet Potato Lasagna.
• Prevent a Watery Lasagna: Sweet potatoes release moisture. To minimize this, you can lightly salt the sliced sweet potatoes and let them sit for 15-20 minutes, then pat them dry with paper towels before layering. Also, ensure your spinach is thoroughly squeezed dry if using frozen. A slightly thicker meat sauce also helps.
• Let it Rest: This is perhaps the most important tip for any lasagna! Allowing your Layered Sweet Potato Lasagna to rest for at least 10-15 minutes after baking allows the cheese and sauce to set, preventing a runny mess when you cut into it. Patience here truly pays off with a beautiful presentation.
• Cheese Grating Matters: Always shred your own mozzarella cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make it melt less smoothly and impact the texture of your sweet potato lasagna.
• Cover for Even Cooking: Start baking your Layered Sweet Potato Lasagna covered. This traps steam, helping the sweet potatoes cook through and the noodles soften without drying out. Uncover it for the last 15-20 minutes to achieve that beautiful golden, bubbly top.
• Make Ahead Magic: This Layered Sweet Potato Lasagna is fantastic for meal prep. Assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. You might need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

To achieve the perfect texture and flavor in your Layered Sweet Potato Lasagna, employing a few culinary techniques can be beneficial. For a sweet treat that complements your meal, try these indulgent Chocolate Mousse Brownies for dessert.

Storage & Reheating Tips

This Layered Sweet Potato Lasagna tastes just as good, if not better, the next day! Knowing how to properly store and reheat your leftovers ensures you can enjoy this comforting dish for days to come.

• Cool Completely: Before storing, allow the leftover Layered Sweet Potato Lasagna to cool completely at room temperature. This prevents condensation from forming and making the lasagna soggy.
• Refrigeration: Once cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer individual slices into airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: This sweet potato lasagna freezes beautifully. For individual portions, slice the cooled lasagna and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. For a whole lasagna, wrap the entire cooled dish securely in several layers of plastic wrap and then foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
• Reheating from Refrigerator: For individual slices, reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until hot. For a larger portion or the whole dish, cover it with foil and reheat in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. Remove foil for the last few minutes if you want to crisp up the cheese.
• Reheating from Frozen: If reheating a whole frozen Layered Sweet Potato Lasagna, bake it covered with foil in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 60-75 minutes, or until heated through. For individual frozen slices, you can microwave them, but they often turn out better if reheated in a conventional oven or a toaster oven until hot and bubbly.

What to Serve With This Recipe

While this Layered Sweet Potato Lasagna is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, pairing it with a simple side can truly enhance the dining experience. Here are some of my favorite ways to complement this savory sweet potato dish:

• Fresh Green Salad: A crisp, light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sweet potato lasagna. It adds a lovely textural balance and a burst of freshness.
• Garlic Bread or Crusty Bread: Who can resist dipping warm, buttery garlic bread into the delicious sauce of a Layered Sweet Potato Lasagna? It’s a classic pairing for a reason, perfect for soaking up every last bit of flavor.
• Steamed Green Beans or Asparagus: Simple, lightly seasoned steamed vegetables like green beans or asparagus offer a healthy and vibrant side that doesn’t overpower the main dish.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts or Broccoli: Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and a slight char. Roasted Brussels sprouts or broccoli can be a fantastic, savory counterpoint to the sweet notes in your Layered Sweet Potato Lasagna.
• A Light Soup: For a heartier meal, a clear vegetable broth-based soup or a light tomato soup can start the meal off wonderfully before diving into the rich layers of this incredible sweet potato lasagna.

While your Layered Sweet Potato Lasagna stands out as a main dish, pairing it with complementary sides can elevate your dining experience. Consider serving a slice alongside The Best Strawberry Shortcake Cake for a delightful contrast in flavors.

FAQs

How do I prevent my Layered Sweet Potato Lasagna from being watery?

To prevent a watery Layered Sweet Potato Lasagna, ensure your sweet potato slices are thin and consistent. You can also lightly salt the slices and let them sit for 15-20 minutes, then pat them thoroughly dry to draw out excess moisture. Additionally, if using frozen spinach, squeeze out as much water as possible before adding it to your sweet potato lasagna. A slightly thicker meat sauce also contributes to a firmer final dish.

Can I prepare Layered Sweet Potato Lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely! This Layered Sweet Potato Lasagna is an excellent make-ahead meal. You can assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.

If baking from cold, you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time. This sweet potato lasagna is perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining.

What kind of sweet potatoes work best for this recipe?

For this Layered Sweet Potato Lasagna, any common orange-fleshed sweet potato variety like Garnet, Jewel, or Beauregard works beautifully. These varieties are sweet, moist, and cook up wonderfully tender in the oven, providing the perfect counterpoint to the savory elements of this delicious sweet potato lasagna.

Layered Sweet Potato Lasagna is a creative and nutritious dish that combines sweet potatoes with savory layers of cheese and meat or lentils. This dish showcases the versatility of sweet potatoes in culinary applications, enhancing its appeal as a wholesome comfort food option. For more information on sweet potatoes, check out this resource.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

(Please note: This is an estimated nutritional breakdown based on typical ingredients and serving sizes. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands, preparation methods, and portion sizes.)

Layered Sweet Potato Lasagna

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Vera
• Total Time: 80 mins
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Layered Sweet Potato Lasagna is a comforting and delicious twist on traditional lasagna that combines sweet potatoes, ground turkey, and creamy cheeses. It's packed with nutrition and flavor, making it a family favorite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

3 large Sweet Potatoes (about 3 lbs), peeled and thinly sliced (1/8-inch thick rounds)
1 tablespoon Olive Oil
1 lb Ground Turkey
1 large Onion, finely chopped
3 cloves Garlic, minced
1 (28 ounce) can Crushed Tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can Tomato Sauce
1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
1/2 teaspoon Dried Basil
1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper to taste
12 Lasagna Noodles, oven-ready
15 ounces Ricotta Cheese
1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese, plus more for topping
1 large Egg
1/2 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped
10 ounces Fresh Spinach, roughly chopped
3 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, divided

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into 1/8-inch thick rounds
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned. Drain excess fat. Add the onion and cook until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant
3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Add oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer for at least 20 minutes
4. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan, egg, and parsley. Mix well and season with salt and pepper
5. If using fresh spinach, stir it into the warm meat sauce during the last 5 minutes of simmering. If using frozen spinach, thaw it and squeeze out excess water
6. Spread about 1 cup of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange a layer of noodles over the sauce, then add a layer of sweet potato rounds, overlapping slightly
7. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the sweet potatoes and sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers, finishing with noodles covered by meat sauce and remaining mozzarella
8. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and sweet potatoes are tender
9. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving

Notes

For a vegetarian version, substitute meat with lentils or additional vegetables.

Allowing the lasagna to rest helps set the layers for cleaner slices.

• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 60 mins
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 500 kcal
• Sugar: 10-15 g
• Sodium: 700-900 mg
• Fat: 20-25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10-12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8-13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40-50 g
• Fiber: 6-8 g
• Protein: 30-35 g
• Cholesterol: 80-100 mg