Low Carb Lasagna

Keto Lasagna – A Delicious Low-Carb Twist on an Italian Classic

Lasagna is a beloved comfort food that has been a staple in Italian kitchens for generations. Its combination of rich tomato sauce, savory meat, and layers of melted cheese creates a satisfying and filling dish. However, for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet, traditional lasagna made with wheat pasta can be off-limits due to its high carbohydrate content. The good news is that you can enjoy all the flavors and textures of classic lasagna without the carbs by making a keto lasagna using a creative alternative—cheese dough noodles.

This low-carb lasagna recipe swaps out traditional pasta sheets for a dough made from cheese and eggs, which forms a delicious, pliable, and keto-friendly noodle. The result is a dish that is just as comforting and satisfying as the traditional version, but with significantly fewer carbs, making it a perfect option for those on a keto diet or anyone looking to reduce their carb intake.

The combination of cream cheese, mozzarella, and eggs creates a dough-like consistency that, once baked, forms a perfect noodle replacement. Not only does this dish eliminate the need for traditional pasta, but it also incorporates plenty of high-quality protein and healthy fats, essential components of a ketogenic diet.

Whether you’re following a low-carb lifestyle or simply want to indulge in a healthier version of lasagna, this recipe provides a delicious and easy alternative. It’s a great choice for dinner parties, family meals, or even meal prep for the week.

Ingredients for a Perfect Keto Lasagna

Creating the perfect keto lasagna starts with the right ingredients. The following components will help you create a dish that mimics the flavors and textures of traditional lasagna while staying true to your low-carb, high-fat needs.

Cheese Dough Lasagna Noodles

• Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese provides the creamy texture needed to make the noodles pliable. It helps bind the dough together, ensuring the lasagna has a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Part-skim mozzarella cheese adds structure to the dough while giving it a mild, slightly tangy flavor. The mozzarella also contributes to the gooey, cheesy effect that lasagna is known for.
• Eggs: Eggs are used as a binding agent, helping to bring the dough together and provide structure to the cheese noodles. They also add richness and protein, making the dish more satisfying.
• Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs, typically including oregano, basil, and thyme, gives the cheese noodles a flavorful base that complements the rest of the ingredients in the lasagna.

Lasagna Filling

• Onion: Minced onion adds flavor to the meat sauce, giving it a slight sweetness and depth that balances the acidity of the tomato sauce.
• Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is the foundation of the filling, providing the protein and savory richness that make lasagna so hearty. If you prefer, you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Marinara Sauce: For the sauce, it’s crucial to choose a sugar-free marinara or make your own to keep the carb count low. Look for brands like Muir Glen or Rao’s, which offer no-sugar-added options that still deliver a rich, flavorful sauce.
• Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta cheese is a key ingredient in lasagna filling. It adds creaminess and a mild flavor that pairs well with the ground beef and marinara sauce. You can also use cottage cheese as a substitute.
• Mozzarella Cheese (for filling): Additional mozzarella cheese is used in the filling to give it that signature melty texture and to enhance the cheese flavor throughout the dish.

Tips for Making Keto Lasagna with Cheese Noodles

Creating this low-carb lasagna involves a few simple steps, but there are some key tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

1. Use Low-Moisture Cheese: For the cheese dough noodles, always use low-moisture part-skim mozzarella. This type of cheese holds its shape better and creates a firmer noodle that won’t fall apart during cooking.
2. Bake the Cheese Noodles Properly: The cheese dough should bake until it’s firm and no longer sticky to the touch. This ensures the noodles have the right texture when layered in the lasagna.
3. Let the Cheese Noodles Cool: Once the cheese noodles have finished baking, allow them to cool before slicing. This makes them easier to handle and ensures they don’t fall apart when assembling the lasagna.
4. Simmer the Meat Sauce: Simmering the meat sauce with the marinara sauce helps to meld the flavors together, ensuring that each bite of lasagna is full of savory richness.
5. Layer the Lasagna: When assembling the lasagna, it’s important to layer the noodles, meat sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese in a way that allows the flavors to meld together. Be sure to evenly distribute the filling and cheese to ensure every bite is delicious.
6. Let the Lasagna Rest Before Slicing: After baking, allow the lasagna to cool slightly before slicing. This allows the layers to set and makes for cleaner slices.
7. Optional Garnishes: If you like, sprinkle fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, and oregano on top of the lasagna before serving. A bit of freshly grated parmesan cheese also makes a lovely finishing touch.

Part 2: Step-by-Step Keto Lasagna Recipe

Now that you’re familiar with the ingredients and tips for making the perfect keto lasagna, let’s walk through the recipe with simple, easy-to-follow steps.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

For the Cheese Dough Noodles:

• 4 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
• 1 ½ cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

For the Lasagna Filling:

• ¼ cup onion, minced
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 cup no-sugar-added marinara sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 6 tbsp ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese (for filling)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cheese Dough Noodles:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
   • In a food processor, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, eggs, and Italian seasoning. Blend until smooth and well-mixed. The mixture should have a thick, liquid consistency.
   • Pour the cheese batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly using a spatula.
   • Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the surface is firm and no longer wet.
2. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
   • While the noodles bake, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced onion and ground beef, cooking until the beef is browned and fully cooked.
   • Drain any excess fat from the pan, then stir in the Italian seasoning and marinara sauce. Simmer the mixture on low heat for about 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3. Assemble the Lasagna:
   • Once the cheese noodles have cooled, slice them into thirds. The pieces should fit comfortably into an 8×4-inch loaf pan.
   • Begin by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom of the loaf pan. Place the first cheese noodle layer on top.
   • Add one-third of the remaining meat sauce over the first noodle layer, followed by 3 tbsp of ricotta cheese and ¼ cup of shredded mozzarella.
   • Repeat the process with the second noodle layer, meat sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella. For the third layer, top with the remaining meat sauce and mozzarella cheese.
4. Bake the Lasagna:
   • Place the assembled lasagna in the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes.
   • If you prefer a crispy top, turn the oven to low broil for the last 2 minutes of cooking to get a golden, bubbly cheese layer.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before slicing. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped basil, oregano, and parsley, and sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese.
   • Serve warm and enjoy this keto-friendly, low-carb lasagna!

Notes:

• If you don’t have a food processor, you can mix the cheese dough by hand. Just be sure to chop the mozzarella finely so it integrates well with the other ingredients.
• For a more decadent version, you can add extra ricotta or mozzarella between the layers.

This keto lasagna is a great way to enjoy a classic Italian dish while staying on track with your low-carb, keto, or gluten-free lifestyle. Its cheesy, savory layers are sure to satisfy even the most traditional lasagna lovers!