I've made this keto lasagna more times than I can count, and it's one of those meals that just works in real life. It's simple, filling, and has all the flavors of a classic lasagna without the noodles. Even my family, who definitely isn't "keto," loves this one.
If you like meals like this, my keto chili and keto taco casserole are two other easy dinners I make on repeat.
Why This Keto lasagna is Always a Hit
I am all about keto dinners that my whole family will eat. If I were to have put zucchini noodles or cabbage noodles in this keto lasagna...they would have turned their nose up really quickly. I could have used homemade keto noodles or egg life wraps, but I really don't think they are needed.
Most of the time, I make this for dinner and serve it with a quick salad on the side. Then I save the leftovers and reheat them for lunch the next day. It reheats really well and honestly tastes even better after it sits overnight. That's why I also like making meals like my keto chicken casserole or stuffed peppers for the week.
What you'll need
Here I list the ingredients you'll need to make this recipe plus some substitution options. Please see the recipe card for the full printable version.
- Ground Italian sausage - I like to use mild Italian sausage but you could also use medium or hot sausage for a little extra kick. I love the flavor the sausage gives to the lasagna!
- Ground beef - I like to use a lean ground beef (93% lean) since we are already using so many other rich ingredients.
- Diced onion - If you struggle onions making you cry, buy them already chopped in the produce section of the grocery store.
- Minced garlic, salt & pepper, dried Italian seasonings - Simple seasonings is all you need when using a jarred marinara.
- Marinara sauce - Find a sauce that is low in carbs (some can be loaded with sugar). I love Rao's marinara because it uses simple ingredients (tomatoes, olive oil, onions, salt, garlic, basil, black pepper and oregano)
- Ricotta cheese - I prefer low fat ricotta but you could use low fat ricotta or full fat. They both have the same amount of carbs. I also like to use cottage cheese because that's what my mom used when I was growing up.
- Eggs - Eggs help bind the ricotta layer.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese - I always buy pre-shredded cheese from the grocery store.
- Shredded parmesan cheese - I can't have lasagna without shredded parmesan. This combined with the eggs and ricotta make up our binding layer.
Note: If you want to make your own marinara sauce, I have an easy keto spaghetti sauce recipe that works perfectly in this lasagna.
How to Make Keto Lasagna
Brown the meat and stir in the marinara sauce.
Layer into your casserole dish with the ricotta mixture.
Top with the remaining sauce and cheese.
Bake until bubbly.
These step-by-step photos show exactly how I layer this keto lasagna so it turns out right every time.
Step 1 - Preheat the oven to 375F. In a large pot or large skillet over medium high heat, brown and crumble the sausage and ground beef with the onion and garlic, drain any excess grease. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the marinara. Remove from the heat and set aside.
Step 2 - In a separate medium bowl, mix together the ricotta, eggs, Italian seasoning, garlic, and 1 cup of the parmesan cheese.
Step 3 - In a large 9x13 casserole dish or large baking dish, layer half of the meat mixture in the bottom. layer all of the ricotta mixture on top.
Step 4 - Now the rest of the meat mixture goes on top of the ricotta mixture
Step 5 - Finish off by sprinkling the mozzarella and the remaining ½ cup of parmesan.
If you like layered Italian meals like this, my meatball casserole and pizza casserole are similar easy dinners.
Step 6 - Bake in the pre-heated oven for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
What Can I Use Instead of Noodles in Keto Lasagna?
- I have seen people make their own keto lasagna noodles out of cheese. In my opinion that is just too much cheese and adds lots of extra calories.
- You could use egg life wraps cut into strips
- I have heard of people using lunch meat
- Of course there is zucchini lasagna noodles which is very common
- A commenter let me know they now have hearts of palm pasta that is very similar to lasagna noodles. Those are definitely worth a try.
Tips From Jennifer's Kitchen
- Double the recipe for 2 keto lasagnas and freeze one of them for later. (freezing instructions below)
- Add some fresh basil in the sauce to perk up the flavor.
- Use one of the noodle options above for more familiarity and structure.
How to Freeze
If you want to freeze the whole lasagna, assemble it in a foil 9x13 baking pan and then wrap tightly with foil. Place in the freezer and keep frozen for up to 2 months. When you are ready to serve it, remove it from the freezer and bake in the oven until the internal temperature reaches 165F. You can also freeze a single portion for meal prep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Definitely! I would make this up to 1 day ahead and keep it stored, covered, in the refrigerator. When you are ready to bake it, just follow the baking directions below.
My version of keto lasagna is 8 net carbs per serving. The main contributor to the carbs in this recipe is the marinara sauce so be sure to find one that has a minimal amount of carbs. I use Rao's Marinara and it has 25 net carbs for the entire jar.
You can, but the Italian sausage adds a lot of flavor. If you skip it, I'd recommend adding a little extra seasoning to the beef.
Serving Suggestions
This recipe is on the heavier side so I would pair it with something light like a simple side salad.
If you want a warm side, roasted vegetables are always a good option. Broccoli, zucchini, asparagus, or green beans tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper and roasted until tender are easy and don't require much effort.
For something that feels a little more like a traditional lasagna dinner, you can serve this with a low carb garlic bread. It's not necessary, but it's a nice addition if you're serving this to family or guests.
If you're keeping things really simple, this lasagna works perfectly on its own. It's high in protein and very satisfying, so a single portion is usually enough.
Variations and substitutions
- Egg free keto lasagna - If you prefer not to use eggs, you can leave them out of the ricotta mixture. The lasagna will still taste great, it just won't be quite as firm when you slice it.
- Use all ground beef - If you don't have Italian sausage, you can use all ground beef instead. Just add a little extra seasoning (Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, and pepper) so you don't lose flavor.
- Cottage cheese for ricotta - You can substitute cottage cheese for ricotta if you prefer. That's what my mom always used in her homemade lasagna recipe.
- Add vegetables - You can mix in vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the meat sauce. Just make sure to cook off any extra moisture so the lasagna doesn't get watery.
More Easy Keto Comfort Food Dinners
If you like simple, filling dinners like this, here are a few more I make on repeat:
- Keto Taco Casserole - easy, one dish, family-friendly
- Keto Chili - hearty and great for meal prep
- Stuffed Peppers - another ground beef option
- Keto Chicken Casserole - simple and great for leftovers
- Zucchini Casserole - lighter but still filling
More Italian-Inspired Keto Dinners
If you like the flavors in this lasagna, here are a few more easy meals with the same simple ingredients:
- Keto Chicken Parmesan - classic and easy
- Keto Meatballs - great with marinara
- Keto Pizza Casserole - same flavors, one dish
- Crustless Pizza - quick and family-friendly
Recipe Card
Easy Keto Lasagna (Cheesy, Low Carb, and Perfect for Meal Prep)
Ingredients
- 1 Pound Ground Mild Italian Sausage
- 1 Pound Ground Beef
- ½ Cup diced onion
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- kosher salt and pepper
- 1 24 ounce sugar free Jar Marinara
- 15 Ounces Ricotta cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 Cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 1 ½ Cups Shredded Parmesan Cheese divided
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375F
- In a large pot over medium high heat, brown and crumble the sausage and ground beef with the onion and garlic, drain any excess grease. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the marinara. Remove from the heat and set aside.
- In a separate medium mixing bowl, mix together the ricotta, eggs, Italian seasoning, garlic, and 1 cup of the parmesan cheese.
- In a large 9x13 casserole or baking dish, layer half of the meat mixture in the bottom. layer all of the ricotta mixture on top.
- Now the rest of the meat mixture goes on top of the ricotta mixture
- Finish off by sprinkling the mozzarella and the remaining ½ cup of parmesan.
- Bake in the pre-heated oven for 30 minutes. The cheese will be slightly browned and bubbly around the edges. Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
-
Tips for the best low carb lasagna
- Double the recipe for 2 keto lasagnas and freeze one of them for later. (freezing instructions below)
- Add some fresh basil in the sauce to perk up the flavor.
- Add in slices of provolone cheese for even more cheesy goodness!
- Use one of the noodle options above for more familiarity and structure.
- Freezing instructions: If you want to freeze the whole lasagna, assemble it in a foil 9x13 baking pan and then wrap tightly with foil. Place in the freezer and keep frozen for up to 2 months. When you are ready to serve it, remove it from the freezer and bake in the oven until the internal temperature reaches 165F.
Jeff Luftig says
Jennifer: You may want to add an additional option under the section What could I use as keto noodles? I use Hearts of Palm lasagna noodles, which are sold where I live under the Palmito brand. I boil the noodles ahead of time in water with some chicken stock to get the flavor of the noodles more neutral, and to get the noodles more pasta-like in terms of consistency. Use these noodles and you retain the low carbs in the dish. Unless you tell folks ahead of time, they more often than not will think they are eating lasagna with pasta noodles, because the Hearts of Palm noodles will take on the flavor of the sauce.
jenniferbanz says
Oh thank you!
Rosa says
I made this tonight as my meal prep for lunches for the week. I had a piece as well as my 13yr old daughter and we both loved it! Flavor was there and the added Italian sausage made it even better! Loved it and easy to make
Bettyanne McGlinchey says
my husband and I love everyone of your recipes we have tried. keep up the good work!
Tracy says
This is our new favorite lasagne recipe. So much flavor!!!
Dee says
How many servings?
jenniferbanz says
This recipe makes 8 servings
Ammie says
I love this recipe. It’s absolutely delicious and easy to make. We never have leftovers. My husband is diabetic so we had to change our diet. I’m so glad to come across your YouTube videos and your journey. It has helped me a lot. Thank You so much.
Jessica T. says
My family loved this recipe! My two yr old ate 2 whole servings! Your recipes are perfect!
Claudia says
DELICIOUS!!!! My Italian descent husband loved it! My picky eaters asked for more????????Thanks for everything you do to make these AMAZING recipes! Very much appreciated!
❤️
Jem says
How many carbs per serving? Is it 9 grams per serving?
jenniferbanz says
9 total carbs per serving. 8 net carbs
Stephanie says
AMAZING keto lasagna!! My whole family loved it and wanted more! Thanks for helping me keep my family healthy 🙂
Holden says
Whole family loved it!
Fabian Janssen says
Jennifer, your recipes are great!!!
Helen says
I didn't like this with Italian Sausage. But, I liked it enough that I would make it again with just ground beef.
Jo says
This is s delicious! Even my husband liked it. Did I miss where this recipe gave the number of servings?
Pat says
I’ve made this recipe multiple times. It is really delicious. I’ve made it for company as well and they enjoyed it too with a salad!
Valerie says
I'm so excited to try this recipe! My husband doesn't like ricatto cheese, so I normally substitute cottage cheese instead. Does anyone know if cottage cheese is keto friendly? Thanks!
Dawn Piens says
Yes cottage cheese is keto friendly get the high fat content not low. I’m making this tonight and I’m going to put fresh spinach on top of the cheese mixture!! Fingers crossed.
Junell says
Delicious!! A win for the whole family. After my son took a few bites I asked him what was missing from the lasagna? He was stumped! LOL! I said the noodles. His reply, make it this way from now on it’s really good! You have great recipes Jennifer!!
Jessica Feus says
I’m thinking of adding some chopped spinach to the recipe. Has anyone does this before? Tips?
Maeghan says
Tastes AMAZING. Not sure if I did something wrong though as it completely fell apart as soon as I cut into it. Did you drain the meat prior to adding in the sauce?
Junell says
I did drain the fat from mine and it held its shape. Also baked uncovered.
Shannon says
Mine fell apart to and I drained my meat before adding the sauce. It was very good though
Julie says
Very good. Even my picky husband loved it!
Kim says
Absolutely perfect. I’m making this for the second time today. I noticed on days I ate this for lunch, it was extremely satisfying and I stayed within my carb count. It is delicious!!! I am somewhat new to Keto and Jennifer, you make it so much easier. I love your FB videos. Thank you!
Dee says
Made this for dinner and the whole family loved it. Even my picky eater.
Cheryl says
As always , a great recipe from you. Keeps my husband and I from getting bored with keto. I just made a grocery list from your recipes!
Kevin says
So delicious ,it will be a favorite for sure.
Sandy Blain says
Simply delicious! Why go through all the work of making fake noodles, or even using zucchini. This is so easy to make. We served it to company (Keto, as well) and we all loved it!
Jill says
Made this and we love it! Husband even asked me to make again. Convenient for me as we get 2 + meals from it. Thanks Jennifer!
Natalie says
This looks fantastic. Can't wait to make this for my family. I bet they will love this new low-carb lasagna. We all trying to eat more healthier lately. Thanks for recipe and all the tips.
Jo says
That lasgna looks terrific. I do love the fact that it's so easy to make and keto friendly. Meat and cheese, who can resist!?
Paige says
YUM, I wouldn't have thought to make it this way, but you have a great idea here! I've got this one book marked!
Marisa F. Stewart says
This would be a huge hit with the carnivores and cheese lovers in our family. It certainly wouldn't last long and I doubt I'd have any left over. I really don't think we'd miss the pasta in this dish. A winner in my book.
Kushigalu says
Drooling over this lasagna. So delicious and easy to make. Can't wait to try this out
Sharon says
This is a wonderful keto lasagna recipe that cuts out the noodles and makes me sure that I won't miss them.
Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer says
Cheese, meat, and sauce... what's not to love?! This sounds like my kind of lasagna for sure! I can't wait to try it out!
Denise says
This lasagna looks amazing! I can't wait to try this out, I think my family will love it.
Kelly Anthony says
My husband won't touch zucchini so this keto lasagna that is loaded with meat and cheese will be perfect for our family.
Aleta says
I love lasagna and am always looking for ways to cut carbs. This lasagna is perfect! All that cheesy goodness looks incredibly delicious!
Velly says
Just made it today, love the lasagna, goes really well with the keto garlic bread. Thanks for the recipe!
ps: Can I freeze the leftovers?
jenniferbanz says
yes, leftovers freeze nicely!
Jill says
Thanks for this recipe, I can have lasagna again! My husband says “not bad lasagna honey” actually high praise from him ?
All the flavor and surprised I don’t miss the noodles. ?
I served with a simple green salad with sugar free paleo Caesar dressing.
Will make again!!!
Veena Azmanov says
This is surely a party meal with all the combinations. Super delicious and cheesy. My family to love it all.
Lauren Vavala - Delicious Little Bites says
Oh yum! I love this idea for keto lasagna. Such a hearty, filling dish too! I'm definitely adding this one to my must-make list now that I'm about to jump back into keto.