Imagine sinking your fork into a warm, cheesy, comforting dish that’s also low-carb and perfect for keto. That’s exactly what the Keto Cheese Noodle Lasagna Recipe delivers — a satisfying twist on classic lasagna without the carbs from pasta. Let’s dive into why this recipe is a total game-changer.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’m honestly obsessed with how this Keto Cheese Noodle Lasagna Recipe brings back all the cozy flavors of traditional lasagna, but uses a clever cheese dough instead of noodles. It’s rich, gooey, and comforting—without throwing you out of ketosis.
- Low-Carb, High Flavor: This recipe swaps pasta for a luscious cheese dough that bakes into perfect “noodles” packed with cheesy goodness.
- Easy to Make: Once you’ve whipped up the cheese dough, the rest comes together quickly, making it a great weeknight or meal-prep dinner.
- Comfort Food Satisfaction: It hits all the nostalgic notes of a classic lasagna—layered, cheesy, meaty, and saucy—without the carb guilt.
- Customizable: Whether you want to lighten it up or go extra cheesy, this recipe lets you tailor it your way.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Keto Cheese Noodle Lasagna Recipe works beautifully because each ingredient serves a specific purpose. The cheese dough forms tender, pliable noodles that hold the rich meat sauce and creamy ricotta just like traditional layers, while keeping carbs low.
- Cream Cheese: Adds richness and moisture to the cheese dough, helping it bind without becoming crumbly.
- Low Moisture Mozzarella Cheese: Offers great meltiness and texture; part-skim keeps it from being too oily.
- Eggs: Act as a binder in the cheese dough to hold everything together firmly.
- Italian Seasoning: Blends in aromatic herbs that infuse flavor throughout the cheese dough and meat sauce.
- Ground Beef: Provides hearty protein and substance for the filling; lean keeps it from being greasy.
- Onion: Brings sweetness and depth to the meat sauce.
- No Sugar Added Marinara Sauce: Adds the classic tomatoey tang without sneaky sugars; I trust brands like Rao’s or Muir Glen.
- Ricotta Cheese: Adds creamy texture and balances the richness with a velvety layer in the filling.
Make It Your Way
I like to play around with this Keto Cheese Noodle Lasagna Recipe depending on my mood and what’s in the fridge. Feel free to swap the ground beef for turkey or add in some spinach or mushrooms to sneak in some greens.
- Vegetable Boost: I often sauté chopped zucchini or mushrooms right with the beef to add bulk and nutrients without extra carbs.
- Cheesy Overload: For an extra indulgent version, sprinkle extra mozzarella on top before baking; it creates a golden, bubbly crust I love.
- Herb Variations: Sometimes I toss in fresh basil or parsley to brighten up the layers and add freshness.
- Spicy Kick: Add some crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a subtle heat that pairs beautifully with the cheeses.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Keto Cheese Noodle Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Whip Up the Cheese Dough “Noodles”
Start by blending softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, eggs, and Italian seasoning in a food processor until smooth — it should look like a thick batter. If you don’t have a food processor, don’t worry; whisk softened cream cheese and eggs first, then fold in finely chopped mozzarella and seasoning by hand. Pour this into a parchment-lined 9x13 pan, spread it evenly, then bake at 350℉ for about 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the surface is no longer wet and feels firm to the touch. Let it cool completely before slicing it into noodle-sized strips.
Step 2: Simmer the Meat Sauce
While the cheese dough cools, sauté minced onion and lean ground beef on medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat, then stir in Italian seasoning and your no-sugar-added marinara sauce. Let it simmer gently for about 3 minutes so all the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 3: Assemble Your Layers
Slice the cooled cheese dough into three even “noodles” that will fit your smaller loaf pan (8x4 inches works well). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the pan. Lay down your first cheese noodle, then add a third of the meat sauce, dollop ricotta cheese, and sprinkle mozzarella on top. Repeat for the next two layers, finishing off with the last noodle, sauce, and mozzarella. I like to crumble a pinch of dried oregano over the top for an herbal touch before baking.
Step 4: Bake and Broil to Perfection
Bake assembled lasagna at 350℉ for about 20 minutes until hot and bubbly. If you want that perfectly browned cheese crust, switch the oven to low broil for 1-2 minutes at the end—keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn! Then let it cool a bit before slicing to help it set nicely.
Top Tip
Making the cheese dough noodles requires a bit of patience but trust me—getting them just right is totally worth it. Through trial and error, I learned a few tricks that really make a difference in texture and ease of assembly.
- Use Low Moisture Mozzarella: It’s less watery and helps the cheese dough firm up nicely after baking.
- Don’t Skip Cooling: Let the cheese dough cool completely before cutting to prevent tearing or crumbling.
- Layer Evenly: When spreading the cheese dough batter, use an offset spatula for a smooth, even surface to ensure noodles bake uniformly.
- Watch the Broil Time: Broil only briefly to avoid burning your cheesy top while still achieving that irresistible golden crust.
How to Serve Keto Cheese Noodle Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
I swear by a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil, oregano, and parsley right before serving. It adds a burst of color and freshness that cuts through all the richness. A little grated Parmesan on top is my classic finishing touch for even more savory depth.
Side Dishes
Pair this lasagna with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some garlicky sautéed spinach. Roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli tossed in olive oil and a pinch of sea salt round out the meal perfectly without piling on carbs.
Creative Ways to Present
For special dinners, I like to make individual servings in small ramekins or mini loaf pans. It’s fun, elegant, and makes portion control a breeze. Plus, the melted cheese crust on each mini lasagna is almost too pretty to eat—almost!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooling, I cover leftovers tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 4 days. It holds up beautifully, and flavors actually deepen overnight.
Freezing
This Keto Cheese Noodle Lasagna Recipe freezes well if you want to make it ahead for busy weeks. I slice it into portions before freezing, wrap each piece individually, and stash them in a freezer bag. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350℉ until warmed through (about 15-20 minutes) to keep the cheese melty but avoid drying out. The microwave works for busy days but sometimes the cheese texture changes slightly.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! You can prepare the cheese dough and bake the noodles a day ahead. Just keep them refrigerated, tightly wrapped in plastic, until you’re ready to assemble and bake the lasagna.
Look for a no sugar added marinara sauce for keto compliance. Rao’s and Muir Glen are reliable brands. You can also make your own low-carb marinara if you prefer full control over ingredients.
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage work well. Just adjust cooking time as needed and drain excess fat to keep the dish from getting greasy.
Using low moisture mozzarella and letting the cheese dough cool completely before slicing really helps. Also, be gentle when assembling. If mixed well, the eggs and cheeses bind the noodles firmly.
Final Thoughts
This Keto Cheese Noodle Lasagna Recipe holds a special place in my meal rotation because it proves you don’t have to sacrifice comfort or flavor just to stick to keto. It’s cheesy, meaty, and wholesome in every bite. So next time you need that lasagna fix but want to stay low-carb, give this a whirl — I’m pretty sure you’ll keep coming back to it, just like I do.
Print
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 features a unique cheese dough noodle that keeps the dish deliciously low in carbs while delivering all the comforting flavors of a traditional lasagna. Ground lean beef simmered in no sugar added marinara sauce is layered with creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella cheese for a satisfying and hearty meal perfect for a ketogenic lifestyle.
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 ground beef (lean, 90/10)
- 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
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9 x 13 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prepare for baking the cheese dough noodles.
- Prepare cheese dough: Add the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, eggs, and Italian seasoning into a food processor. Blend until the mixture forms a thick liquid consistency. If you don’t have a food processor, whisk the ingredients by hand after finely chopping the mozzarella.
- Bake cheese noodles: Pour the cheese dough batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula. Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until the surface is no longer wet and the dough feels firm to the touch. Remove and let cool.
- Cook meat sauce: While the noodles cool, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced onion and ground beef, cooking until the meat is browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in Italian seasoning and marinara sauce, reduce heat to low, and simmer for about 3 minutes.
- Slice cheese noodles: Once the cheese noodle sheet is cool, slice it evenly into thirds to fit into an 8 x 4 inch loaf pan for assembly.
- Assemble lasagna: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the loaf pan. Place the first cheese noodle layer over the sauce. Spread one-third of the remaining meat sauce evenly over the noodle, then spread 3 tablespoons of ricotta cheese and sprinkle one-quarter of the shredded mozzarella. Repeat for the second noodle and toppings. Add the third noodle layer, top with the remaining meat sauce and mozzarella cheese. Optionally, sprinkle dried oregano or your favorite herb seasoning on top.
- Bake assembled lasagna: Place the loaf pan in the oven at 350°F and bake for about 20 minutes. To brown the cheese topping, switch oven to low broil and broil for 2 minutes until the cheese bubbles and blisters.
- Cool and serve: Let the lasagna cool slightly before slicing. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped basil, oregano, parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese before serving for added flavor.
Notes
- Using a food processor for the cheese dough creates a smoother batter, but you can mix by hand by whisking the cream cheese until smooth, then adding eggs, and stirring in finely chopped mozzarella and Italian seasoning.
- Be sure to use low moisture part skim mozzarella cheese for the dough to achieve the right texture.
- Choose no sugar added marinara sauce brands like Muir Glen or Rao's, or make your own to keep the recipe keto-friendly.
- The recipe uses 90/10 lean ground beef to keep fat content in check while maintaining moisture and flavor.
- After baking, letting the lasagna cool slightly helps it set and makes slicing easier.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
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