Keto Lasagna Made With Cheese Noodles

Introduction

Welcome to a delicious twist on a classic Italian favorite—Keto Lasagna Made with Cheese Noodles. This low-carb, keto-friendly version of lasagna features a rich and savory meat sauce layered between homemade cheese noodles, creating a hearty and satisfying dish without the carbs. Perfect for those following a ketogenic diet or anyone looking for a healthier alternative to traditional lasagna, this recipe offers a balance of taste and nutrition. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive guide to making this indulgent yet diet-friendly lasagna, complete with detailed instructions, measurements, and nutritional information.

Ingredients

For the Cheese Noodles:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Cheese Layer:

• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
  

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cheese Noodles:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese.
• Beat 2 large eggs in a separate bowl and then mix into the cheese blend.
• Add 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the cheese mixture. Stir until well combined.
• Spread the cheese mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to smooth it into a thin, even layer.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Once slightly cooled, cut into noodle-like strips and set aside.

2. Make the Meat Sauce:

• While the cheese noodles are baking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add 1 pound of ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
• Add 1 small finely chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
• Stir in 2 minced cloves of garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Add 1 can of tomato sauce, 1 can of tomato paste, and 1 cup of water to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
• Season with 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and black pepper to taste.
• Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Prepare the Cheese Layer:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
• Beat 1 large egg and mix it into the cheese mixture.
• Add 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon of dried parsley, and salt and black pepper to taste. Mix until well combined.

4. Assemble the Lasagna:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if it is not already preheated.
• In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
• Place a layer of cheese noodles over the meat sauce, covering it completely.
• Spread a layer of the cheese mixture over the cheese noodles.
• Repeat the layering process, starting with the meat sauce, followed by cheese noodles, and then the cheese mixture, until all ingredients are used. Finish with a layer of meat sauce on top.
• Sprinkle additional shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired.

5. Bake the Lasagna:

• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
• Allow the lasagna to cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

• Slice the lasagna into servings and enjoy with a side of salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

7. Store Leftovers:

• Store any leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Useful Information

• Cheese Noodles: These are a fantastic low-carb substitute for traditional pasta noodles. They provide a similar texture and help to hold the lasagna together.
• Ground Meat: Ground beef is commonly used in this recipe, but ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a leaner option. Ensure that the meat is fully cooked before adding to the sauce.
• Tomato Sauce: Using a combination of tomato sauce and tomato paste enhances the richness of the meat sauce. Adjust the seasoning to match your taste preferences.
• Ricotta Cheese: This adds creaminess and richness to the cheese layer. If you prefer, you can use cottage cheese as a lower-fat alternative.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (assuming 8 servings total):

• Calories: 400 kcal
• Total Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2 g
  • Sugars: 5 g
• Protein: 30 g

WW SmartPoints Value

For those following the WW (Weight Watchers) program:

• SmartPoints: Approximately 9 points per serving. The total SmartPoints are based on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes. Adjust points if you change any ingredients or quantities.
  

Conclusion

The Keto Lasagna Made with Cheese Noodles is a rich, satisfying alternative to traditional lasagna that fits perfectly into a low-carb or ketogenic diet. By using cheese noodles instead of pasta, this dish maintains all the comfort and flavor of the classic lasagna while reducing carbs and increasing protein. With its hearty meat sauce, creamy cheese layers, and golden top, this lasagna is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Enjoy every bite of this indulgent yet health-conscious dish, knowing that you’re sticking to your dietary goals without sacrificing flavor.