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Dinner · Italian

Keto Lasagna with Cheese Noodles

Low-carb keto lasagna with homemade baked cheese and egg 'noodles', a beef and marinara sauce, ricotta and mozzarella. All the layers, no pasta.

Prep
25 min
Cook
50 min
Total
1 hr 25 min
Serves
6
A slice of keto lasagna with melted cheese and meat sauce on a white plate with a fork

This keto lasagna replaces pasta sheets with a thin layer of cheese and egg baked on a sheet pan. Once cool, it slices into flexible noodles that hold together between the meat sauce, ricotta and mozzarella.

The noodle layer is simple but needs a little care. Spread the mixture thinly and evenly so it bakes into one sheet rather than thick and thin patches, and let it cool completely before cutting. Warm, it tears. Parchment paper is essential because the cheese sticks to bare metal.

Use a low-sugar marinara to keep the carbs down, and drain the beef well after browning. Extra fat and liquid make the layers slide apart when you serve.

The finished lasagna is rich, so a square goes a long way. Serve it with a green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. Rest it for 10 minutes after baking so the layers set and you can cut neat portions.

Recipe

Keto Lasagna with Cheese Noodles

Prep
25 min
Cook
50 min
Total
1 hr 25 min
Serves
6

Ingredients

6 Servings

For the noodles

For the meat sauce

To assemble

Method

  1. Step 1: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment and grease it with cooking spray.

  2. Step 2: Melt the cream cheese, 2 cups mozzarella and 1/2 cup parmesan together in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth. Let it cool for 2 minutes, then beat in the eggs, salt and pepper.

  3. Step 3: Spread the mixture into a thin, even layer covering the baking sheet. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until set and golden in spots. Let it cool completely on the sheet.

    Tip: An offset spatula makes spreading easier. Aim for an even thickness so the sheet bakes without thin, crisp patches.

  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the onion until soft, about 5 minutes, then add the garlic for 1 minute. Stir in the tomato paste to coat the onion.

  5. Step 5: Add the beef and salt and cook, breaking it up, until no pink remains, about 6 minutes. Drain off the fat. Stir in the marinara, oregano and pepper flakes and heat through.

  6. Step 6: Cut the cooled noodle sheet in half crosswise, then cut each half into 3 pieces. Spread a little sauce over the base of an 8-inch (8 inch) square baking dish and lay 2 noodle pieces on top. Spread with a third of the ricotta, a third of the meat sauce and a third of the mozzarella. Repeat twice more, then sprinkle with the parmesan.

  7. Step 7: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sauce bubbles at the edges. Rest for 10 minutes, scatter with parsley and cut into squares.

Tips

  • Check the marinara label. Sugar content varies a lot between brands.
  • Make the noodle sheet a day ahead and keep it, covered, in the fridge.

Variations

  • Use ground Italian sausage, or half sausage and half beef, for more flavour.
  • Add a layer of wilted, well-squeezed spinach with the ricotta.

Storage and make-ahead

Keeps covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or oven. Freezes for up to 2 months, though the noodle layer softens a little after thawing.

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