Peace Love and Low Carb logo

menu icon
subscribe
search icon

Published: · Last Updated: by

"Just Like the Real Thing" Keto Lasagna

This post may contain affiliate links

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe·5 from 309 reviews

The original low carb lasagna recipe! This "Just Like the Real Thing" keto lasagna is rich and delicious, with layers of low carb noodles topped with savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and melty mozzarella cheese. It is the ultimate in low carb comfort food.

A close up photo of a low carb lasagna. Melty cheese, sauce, beef, garnished with basil
Table of Contents show

The best low carb lasagna recipe

This keto lasagna recipe is easy to make and tastes just like the real thing. In fact, over the years, I have been told many times that it should be called "Better Than the Real Thing" lasagna. It is so much better than zucchini lasagna. The keto lasagna noodles are so good that you can hardly tell you are eating a low carb, gluten free swap. If you have been wondering how to make keto lasagna, look no further.

Ingredients in the Best Keto Lasagna Recipe

The thing that makes this lasagna so close to the real thing is the noodles. You would never know that they are made up of just cheese, egg, and a little seasoning. Once you top them with the seasoned ground beef, homemade low carb marinara sauce, ricotta and parmesan, that is when they really shine.

For the Keto Lasagna Noodles

  • Cream Cheese: It is best to use a full fat cream cheese as it is lower in carbs than the low-fat or reduced fat varieties. Full fat cream cheese also has a richer flavor and a creamier texture.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: For these low carb lasagna noodles, you will want to use a pre-shredded, low moisture, part skin mozzarella cheese.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Finely grated parmesan cheese works best in this recipe, although you can also use a shredded parmesan. While fresh is always best, the green can/lid variety will also work.
  • Eggs: You will need 2 large room temperature eggs. I don't recommend making this recipe with egg substitutes as the noodles will not have the right texture.
  • Seasonings: The seasonings in these keto lasagna noodles are really optional, but they do add a lot of flavor.

For the Low Carb Lasagna Filling

  • Ground Beef: If you are using a fattier ground beef, be sure to drain any excess grease before adding the marinara to the pan. It is also delicious with half ground beef and half Italian sausage. For a lighter version, you can even make it with ground turkey.
  • Seasonings: While the marinara has a lot of flavor, I like to also make sure that the ground beef is well seasoning. I cook it with dried minced onion, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  • Marinara Sauce: I like to make my own homemade low carb marinara sauce, but you can also use store-bought. My favorite is the Roasted Garlic Barilla. If you want to make your own, I have a couple of delicious recipes for you: Pesto Marinara Sauce and Three Cheese Garlic Marinara Sauce
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Again, you will want to use a shredded, low moisture, part skim mozzarella. I know this probably seems like a lot of cheese, but I promise it doesn't have an overly cheesy flavor.
  • Ricotta Cheese: Just like the cream cheese, I recommend using a full-fat ricotta cheese. Cottage cheese is a delicious substitution also.
A close up picture of a low carb lasagna with melty cheese, marinara and ground beef

More Low Carb Lasagna Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make the low carb lasagna "noodles" in advance?

Yes, you can. In fact, it will speed up the prep time considerably when you are ready to assemble and bake the lasagna. If you want to go a step further, you can even swap out the low carb marinara sauce and ground beef in this recipe for my Hearty Tomato Meat Sauce and make that in advance also.

Should you freeze a whole lasagna before or after you cook it?

With this particular recipe, you could do either. You can do all of the assembly steps ahead of time, freeze it, and then bake it when you are ready to eat it. Alternately, you could fully cook it, freeze it, and then reheat it in the oven later.

How can I make this gluten free lasagna in a larger pan?

To make a larger keto lasagna, simply double the recipe and instead of cutting each "noodle" into three equal parts, cut the noodles to fit the pan you are using.

Other Recipes You Might Enjoy

REVIEW AND FOLLOW: Have you tried this recipe? If so, please leave a comment and ⭐️ rating below. If you make our recipes and share them, be sure to use our hashtag #peaceloveandlowcarb on social! We love seeing what you are making. FOLLOW us on FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST for more delicious recipes.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
"Just Like the Real Thing" Low Carb Keto Lasagna - Peace Love and Low Carb

"Just Like The Real Thing" Keto Lasagna

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 309 reviews

  • Author: Kyndra Holley
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 Servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free
Print Recipe

Description

This "Just Like the Real Thing" keto lasagna is rich and delicious, with layers of low carb noodles topped with savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and melty mozzarella cheese. This low carb lasagna recipe is the ultimate in low carb comfort food.

Ingredients

Units Scale

(Order the Groceries to Make this HERE)

For the “Noodles”

  • 2 large eggs
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 ¼ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • ¼ tsp Italian seasoning
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp onion powder

For the Filling

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon dried minced onion (I use this brand)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 ½ cups Marinara Sauce, divided (get the recipe here)
  • ¾ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 6 tablespoons whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

For the “Noodles”

  1. Preheat oven to 375° Line a 9x13 baking dish with parchment paper. Grease the parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, using a hand mixer, cream together the cream cheese and eggs.
  3. Next, add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
  4. Using a rubber spatula, fold in mozzarella cheese and mix until well incorporated.
  5. Spread the mixture into the baking dish, forming a nice even layer.
  6. Bake on the middle rack for 20 to 25 minutes.
  7. When the "noodles" are done baking, cool in the fridge for about 20 minutes and then cut into thirds. This makes three perfectly sized "noodle" layers for an 8.5 X 4.5 X 2.5 loaf pan.

For the Filling:

  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, combine the ground beef, onion, oregano, garlic powder, dried basil and a pinch of salt. Cook until the meat is browned.
  2. Drain excess fat from pan and add 1 cup marinara sauce to meat. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.

Putting it all together:

  1. Pour ¼ cup marinara sauce into bottom of loaf pan. Top with the first “noodle” layer
  2. Layer a third of the ground beef mixture. Top with ¼ cup mozzarella cheese and 3 tablespoon ricotta cheese, and cover with another “noodle” layer. Repeat these steps.
  3. Cover the top “noodle” layer with remaining meat sauce, marinara and mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle Italian seasoning over top. Bake for 20 minutes.

Notes

  • Be sure that you are using parchment paper and not wax paper -- They are not interchangeable. The noodles will stick to wax paper, and you will not be able to get them off. It is also a good idea to grease your parchment paper. 
  • net carbs per serving: 5.6g
 
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dinner Recipes
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 399
  • Fat: 27g
  • Carbohydrates: 6.3g
  • Fiber: 0.7g
  • Protein: 33.5g

Low Carb, Keto, Gluten Free Weekly Meal Plans

Peace, Love and Low Carb - Low Carb and Gluten Free Weekly Meal PlansAre you ready to take the guesswork out of that stressful weeknight meal planning?

Peace, Love and Low Carb - Low Carb and Gluten Free Weekly Meal Plans are low carb, gluten free, and keto friendly. All recipes include a color photo and complete nutritional analysis. Comes with a printable grocery list, snack list, tips for meal prepping and suggestions for substitutions.

It is definitely the most comprehensive low carb meal plan out there. And for only $4.99 per week, you simply cannot beat the price.

Click HERE to order

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Did you try this recipe? Leave a review!

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

  1. Jill says

    This recipe rocks! Everyone in the family loves this even my parents think it's as good as the real thing. It freezes and reheats really well. I usually make 3 or 4 at a time and it's great to have them to pull out of the freezer for a busy weeknight!

    Reply

    • Colleen says

      I wish I would have made more when I made this for the first time! Great idea! My family absolutely loved this!

      Reply

    • LuAnne says

      Did you bake it before freezing?

      Reply

    • Joyce Lovey says

      good to know it freezes well...did you defrost before cooking or cook from frozen ?

      Reply

    • cheryl Deger says

      At what oven temperature and for how long do you baked from frozen??? Thank You...

      Reply

  2. Jeff says

    So I didn't see the temp for what I should bake this at. I saw the noodles were at 375. Is that the temp for the full lasagna too?

    Reply

  3. Richard says

    Amazing! Scrumptious!
    Sadly, burned the first 2 batches of noodles, and the overall dish. Be really careful with temperature and baking times!

    Reply

  4. Sydney says

    I LOVED this! You are amazing. Can't wait to follow you going forward!

    Reply

  5. Patricia Goodson says

    Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! What a clever way to make a substitute for noodles! And so delicious! My husband, who can eat anything and never gain an ounce was over the moon, and did not notice the "faux" noodles. I used my own marinara sauce (basically the same but without the added cheese) and gave it a little depth with some hot paprika paste, and used fresh herbs and garlic. I can`t wait to try more of your recipes. You have talent, gal!

    Reply

    • Peace Love and Low Carb says

      Thanks for the awesome compliment. I am so happy that you enjoyed it.

      Reply

  6. Alayne Pickens says

    I made this tonight and the whole family loved it!!!! Thanks so much!

    Reply

  7. Valerie says

    I made this last night and my husband and I loved it. Such a great idea. I've tried the zucchini style lasagna and it just didn't do it for me, but this is awesome!! Thanks for the great recipes.

    Reply

  8. Mellie J says

    Does this freeze well? When I make lasagna I usually make a double batch and freeze / cook it in smaller baking dishes since I'm cooking for one (most of the time).

    Thanks!

    Reply

    • Peace Love and Low Carb says

      Hi Mellie, I have never frozen it. If you try it, report back and let us all know how it holds up. 🙂

      Reply

    • Lza says

      I'm wondering if it can be pre-prepped and frozen to be baked up to a few days later when I'll have guests. Has anyone tried?

      Reply

    • MTMB says

      How did it end up holding up after freezing and cooking? Did you freeze it uncooked or cooked? Want to make a bunch of Keto post partum food for the chest freezer!! Thanks!

      Reply

  9. Judith Stone says

    Has anyone tried to make this ahead of time? I would like to assemble and then bake the next night. Or should I bake it and reheat it?

    Reply

    • DebbieH says

      Ours was amazing the first night but even better second night reheated!

      Reply

  10. Melanie says

    Any chance you can create a white sauce version? My husband can't have tomato-ey stuff. I will, however, be trying this for me :).

    Reply

    • Aly Jones says

      Yes! Me too... I can't have tomatoes, but I love italian dishes. Would love to try this with a white sauce!

      Reply

      • Peace Love and Low Carb says

        You should check out the chicken cordon bleu lasagna recipe on my site. Sounds like it might be a great fit. 🙂

        Reply

      • tee says

        What about a homemade or jarred alfredo sauce to substitute the tomato hating peeps?? 🙂 My mom doesn't like tomatoes either and I use alfredo sauce in place of pizza sauce when making pizza for her.

        Reply