There’s something seriously satisfying about a rich, gooey lasagna that doesn’t throw your carb count through the roof. That’s exactly why I’m excited to share my Keto Cheese Noodle Lasagna Recipe—it’s cheesy, comforting, and uses a clever twist with cheese noodles instead of traditional pasta. It’s the perfect way to enjoy classic lasagna flavors with zero guilt.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made this lasagna a dozen times now, and what keeps me coming back to it is how it nails that classic comfort food vibe while staying keto-friendly. It’s chewy, cheesy, and super satisfying, plus it’s surprisingly easy to put together once you wrap your head around the cheese noodles.
- Unique Cheese Noodles: Uses a blended cheese dough as noodles, cutting carbs way down without losing texture or taste.
- Deep, Savory Flavor: The meat sauce simmers with Italian seasoning and marinara that’s free from added sugars.
- Customizable Layers: You can easily tweak cheeses or add veggies depending on what you love or have on hand.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Makes great leftovers and freezes well, so you can enjoy lasagna any night of the week.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The magic behind this Keto Cheese Noodle Lasagna Recipe lies in simple, quality ingredients that come together beautifully. These staples balance creamy richness with hearty meatiness, plus a hint of herbs to take it all home.
- Cream Cheese: Provides a smooth base for the cheese noodles and adds richness without carbs.
- Mozzarella Cheese (part skim, low moisture): Essential for the stretchy, melty texture both in the noodles and layers.
- Eggs: Act as a binder to hold the cheese noodles together firmly when baked.
- Italian Seasoning: Infuses the cheese dough and meat sauce layers with classic lasagna flavors.
- Ground Beef (lean): Offers a hearty, savory filling without excess fat or calories.
- No Sugar Added Marinara Sauce: Keeps the dish keto-friendly while providing that essential tomato tang.
- Ricotta Cheese: Adds creamy pockets of flavor and complements the meat sauce beautifully.
Make It Your Way
One of the best parts about this Keto Cheese Noodle Lasagna Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your tastes. I usually keep it classic, but sometimes I mix in sautéed spinach or swap out some beef for Italian sausage. It’s your canvas!
- Vegetarian Version: Use sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach instead of ground beef. I tried this once for a friend and the flavors still popped beautifully.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to your meat sauce if you want a little heat—that way every bite wakes up your palate.
- Dairy-Free Hack: If you avoid dairy, you can try a cashew cream base for noodles and use compliant cheese alternatives, though I recommend testing small batches.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Keto Cheese Noodle Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Whip Up the Cheese Noodles
I always start by preheating the oven to 350°F and lining my pan with parchment paper—trust me, this saves such a headache later. Then, I toss softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, eggs, and Italian seasoning into my food processor. It comes out like a thick, smooth batter. If you don’t have a processor, just finely chop or shred your cheese and mix it well by hand, whisking the cream cheese until silky first. Pour this batter into your pan, smooth it out in an even layer, and bake for about 20 minutes until firm and not wet on top. Let the baked cheese noodle cool while you make the filling.
Step 2: Simmer the Meat Sauce
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté minced onions until translucent, then add the ground beef. Cook until browned, then drain excess fat. Stir in Italian seasoning and the no sugar added marinara sauce and let it simmer on low for a few minutes. This creates a flavorful, hearty sauce that’s the perfect lasagna filling without extra carbs.
Step 3: Assemble Your Layers Like a Pro
Once your cheese noodle sheet has cooled, slice it into three even parts—these are your lasagna “noodles.” In an 8x4 inch loaf pan, spread a thin layer of meat sauce, then add your first cheese noodle. Top with a third of the meat sauce, a dollop of ricotta, and a sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat for the second noodle, then add your last noodle and finish with the remaining sauce and mozzarella. I like to crumble some dried oregano on top for that extra herbaceous lift before baking.
Step 4: Final Bake and Serve
Bake your assembled lasagna at 350°F for about 20 minutes until it’s bubbly and the cheese is melted through. If you want that irresistible golden bubbly crust, pop it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes—but keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn. Let it cool slightly before slicing so it sets up well, and sprinkle fresh herbs and freshly grated Parmesan on top for that picture-perfect finish.
Top Tip
Over the years, making this Keto Cheese Noodle Lasagna Recipe taught me some key tricks to nail the texture and flavor. Here are my go-to tips to make sure your lasagna turns out perfect every time.
- Use Low Moisture Mozzarella: This helps the cheese dough firm up nicely without getting watery or soggy in the layers.
- Let Cheese Noodles Cool Completely: Cutting them warm can cause them to fall apart, so patience here really pays off.
- Don’t Skip the Parchment Paper: It makes clean-up a breeze and prevents sticking, especially when transferring noodles.
- Broil Briefly for Color: Just a minute or two under the broiler brings out that crave-worthy golden top without drying it out.
How to Serve Keto Cheese Noodle Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
I love to finish this lasagna with a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil, parsley, or oregano—these fresh herbs brighten up the rich cheesy layers beautifully. Plus, a little grated Parmesan on top adds that extra punch of savory flavor every bite deserves.
Side Dishes
To keep the meal balanced and keto-friendly, I usually serve this with a crisp green salad tossed in olive oil and lemon, or some garlic roasted asparagus. Both add a fresh, veggie boost that complements the richness of the lasagna perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve layered this recipe in individual ramekins for cute, personalized servings. It’s a fun way to make keto lasagna feel fancy without a ton of extra effort. And serve with a side of roasted cherry tomatoes for the pop of color and sweetness!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After it cools fully, I wrap leftovers tightly with plastic wrap and foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to 4 days and actually taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this lasagna successfully—just assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as usual, adding a little extra time if it’s still cold from the freezer.
Reheating
I gently reheat slices in the oven at 300°F until warmed through to keep the cheese from getting rubbery. Microwaving works if you’re in a hurry, but oven reheating really preserves the texture best.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! You can bake the cheese noodles a day ahead and keep them wrapped tightly in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble your lasagna. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before storing to maintain the best texture.
Look for a marinara sauce with no added sugar or very low carbs. Brands like Muir Glen or Rao’s are a great choice. Alternatively, you can make a simple homemade tomato sauce with fresh tomatoes and spices for full control over sugar content.
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage all work well in this recipe. Just keep in mind the fat content; leaner proteins might dry out a bit, so consider adding a bit of olive oil or extra cheese to maintain moisture.
Yes! While the cheese noodle step might seem unique, the recipe is straightforward and forgiving. Following the steps carefully, especially letting the cheese noodles cool and spreading the layers evenly, will set you up for success.
Final Thoughts
This Keto Cheese Noodle Lasagna Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites for weeknight dinners and meal prep. It feels indulgent without the carbs and satisfies that need for something comforting and cheesy. I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as I do—think of it as your keto-approved comfort hug on a plate!
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Keto Cheese Noodle Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This Keto Low Carb Lasagna is a delicious, grain-free alternative to traditional lasagna, featuring cheese dough noodles and a savory ground beef filling. Perfect for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet, this recipe combines creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and a flavorful marinara sauce to create a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Cheese Dough Lasagna Noodles
- 4 oz full fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups shredded part skim low moisture mozzarella cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Lasagna Filling
- ¼ cup onion, minced
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup no sugar added marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 6 tablespoon ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded part skim low moisture mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Cheese Dough: Add all cheese dough ingredients into a food processor and blend until evenly mixed and thick liquid consistency is achieved. If no food processor is available, whisk softened cream cheese until smooth, add eggs and whisk, then stir in finely chopped mozzarella and Italian seasoning.
- Bake Cheese Noodles: Preheat the oven to 350F and line a 9 x 13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Pour cheese batter into the pan and spread evenly. Bake for about 20 minutes until surface is firm and no longer wet. Set aside to cool.
- Cook Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté minced onion and ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat, then add Italian seasoning and marinara sauce. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 3 minutes.
- Slice Cheese Noodles: Evenly slice the cooled cheese dough into thirds, sized to fit an 8 x 4 inch loaf pan.
- Assemble Lasagna: Add a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of the loaf pan. Place one noodle layer over it, spread ⅓ of the meat sauce, 3 tablespoon ricotta cheese, and ¼ cup mozzarella cheese on top. Repeat the layers with the second noodle and toppings. Add the third noodle, top with remaining meat sauce and mozzarella. Optionally sprinkle dried oregano or other herbs.
- Bake Assembled Lasagna: Bake at 350F for about 20 minutes. For a browned top, switch oven to low broil and broil for 2 minutes until cheese bubbles and blisters.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before slicing. Garnish with freshly chopped basil, oregano, parsley, and grated parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Using a food processor for the cheese dough yields the best texture, but mixing by hand is possible by finely chopping the shredded mozzarella.
- Ensure to use low moisture part skim mozzarella for the cheese dough to achieve the right consistency.
- Use no sugar added marinara sauce such as Muir Glen or Rao's to keep recipe keto-friendly, or make your own.
- The recipe is adapted with a unique cheese noodle approach different from traditional versions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
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