Low Carb Keto Lasagna

by KetoFocus.com

A low carb lasagna so good, you have to ask, "why isn't all lasagna like this?"

4.9 Stars (66 Reviews) 60 Comments

For an easy keto dinner recipe the whole family will enjoy, try this keto lasagna. There is no need to lay down layers of sliced zucchini noodles or shredded cabbage, this low carb lasagna recipe uses sliced deli chicken meat for the “noodle” part.

Using deli chicken meat as the replacement for noodles in lasagna produces a similar appearance and palatability to lasagna noodles. In fact, your family probably won’t be able to tell that this is a noodle-less lasagna recipe because it’s that delicious! You definitely won’t be missing any noodles in this flavorful Italian keto pasta recipe.

keto lasagna on a plate

This is a go-to keto dinner recipe for our family. It’s easy to make (only takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook) and the whole family loves it. It’s one of the most popular recipes on my website and YouTube channel. This meat sauce is a full red sauce coated ground beef and or Italian sausage and layers of creamy cheeses.

With this keto lasagna bake, we aren’t messing with zucchini slices that take forever to cut and make your zucchini lasagna watery.

Serve with a side salad or some keto breadsticks (err… parmesan bread puffs)  and you have yourself a full Italian feast.

If you only have a few minutes to prepare dinner and don’t want to dirty up a bunch of dishes, try my keto skillet lasagna. This lasagna is a one pot recipe with all the delicious Italian flavors but not all the fuss.

KETOFOCUS FANS THINK IT’S THE BEST!!

“I made this last night and everyone loved it! My kids didn’t even realize there were no noodles. My oldest asked me why I was making lasagna, she thought I was having a cheat day!”

➥ from YouTube subscriber @mpiry

“Ok, I made this lasagna on Friday and OMG. This is hands down the absolute BEST keto lasagna recipe I have EVER tried, and I’ve tried several. Can’t thank you enough for this recipe. You cannot even tell there aren’t noodles in this dish. WOW!”

➥ from YouTube subscriber @rrt401

“I made this for my family and it was outstanding. Like you suggested I enhanced things with fresh garlic, onion, mushrooms, and spices. Worked great! I like using the chicken because it fills the role of the noodles so well. Let’s face it, the noodles themselves don’t add much flavor, only texture, and the chicken does the same. It allows all those other flavors to capture explode on your taste buds! Thanks for sharing the recipe.”

➥ from YouTube subscriber @steverock7103

Keto Lasagna Recipe Video

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Keto Lasagna Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 12 oz of low carb marinara sauce or low sugar tomato sauce
  • ¾ lb sliced chicken or turkey (from the deli counter)
  • 10 tablespoons whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Low Carb Keto Lasagna Directions

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What is a good substitute for lasagna noodles?

When it comes to keto lasagna, there a many different foods you can use to substitute for real lasagna noodles.

Some people use zucchini noodles (slices) or cabbage. I’ve even seen people use fathead dough rolled out super thin, baked and then used as a keto lasagna noodle.

Newer to the keto market are Palmini Lasagna Noodles. These noodles are made out of hearts of palm. You can use one can to make your keto lasagna. Each can has 6 grams of net carbs.

For a zero carb keto noodle, try using egg wraps. You can make your own or buy them from EggLife Wraps. Once baked, they have the texture of a noodle and don’t taste eggy.

In this recipe, I use thinly sliced deli meat as a noodle. You can use chicken or turkey – just make sure it’s not sweetened with honey. Try to find an all-natural deli meat too. I got the idea for these protein noodles from my favorite keto chef Maria Emmerich. You can find her recipe for Protein Noodle Lasagna here.

Is keto lasagna a freezer friendly meal?

Yes! This keto lasagna recipe is a make-ahead, freezer-friendly keto meal. I usually double the recipe and freeze one.

Prepare the lasagna ahead of time – cooking the ground beef and forming the layers of your lasagna. Layer down the sauce, keto lasagna noodles, red sauce beef mixture and cheese in a large baking dish. Wrap with plastic wrap and foil. Store low carb lasagna in the freezer for 3 to 6 months.

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

If you choose to freeze your keto lasagna after assembly, let the casserole cool to room temperature, then wrap the dish in plastic wrap. Cover tightly with foil and/or seal with a lid if using a freezer-friendly dish.

Rao’s Marinara Sauce

Using a combination of Italian tomatoes, olive oil, onions, and a proprietary blend of Italian seasoning, this marinara sauce is a favorite. It is a red sauce recipe that has been passed down for generations. Each ½ cup serving has 3 g net carbs. I have found this pasta sauce at most grocery stores – even Costco.

Yo Mama’s Pasta Sauce

This tomato based sauce packs a lot of flavor while keeping the carbs low. 1/4 cup of sauce has about 2 g net carbs.

jar of raos marinara sauce

Thrive Market Organic Marinara

This marinara pasta sauce is sourced from low-acidic San Marzano tomatoes which are grown in volcanic Italian soil. Each ½ cup serving has 5 g net carbs.

Fody Marinara Sauce

This pasta sauce is great if you are following a low FODMAP diet. It contains no gluten, garlic or onion so it won’t upset a sensitive stomach. Plus there are 3 g net carbs per ½ cup of marinara sauce.

Mezzetta Marinara

Sourced from Italian and California plum tomatoes. This sauce can be found at most Walmarts. This marinara sauce has 4 g net carbs per ½ cup serving.

Make Your Own Pasta Sauce

If you are a DIYer or on a budget, you may consider making your own keto marinara sauce. You can make up a bunch of sauce on meal prep day and freeze it for later use. I store mine in freezer safe tubs, bags or mason jars. If you freeze the sauce in mason jars, make sure you leave space in the top of the jar to allow for expansion or else your jar will crack in the freezer.

homemade keto marinara sauce in a jar for low carb lasagna

Keto lasagna variations to try

Cream Cheese

For a creamer variation of keto lasagna, replace the ricotta cheese with cream cheese.

Puree Mushrooms & Bell Pepper

Got picky eaters or small kids that hate to eat veggies? Sneak in those veggies by pureeing some mushrooms or sauteed bell pepper into a blender, then add it to the sauce.

Add More Spices

Try adding seasonings like anise, red pepper flakes, basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, parsley, or garlic powder to kick of the flavor of your keto lasagna. Even anchovy paste can enhance the flavor of your red sauce.

How to make keto lasagna

  1. Make beefy marinara sauce – Brown ground beef with seasonings and mix with your favorite keto pasta sauce. This is where you could add more flavor by mixing in mushrooms, onions, zucchini, olives.
  2. Layer it up – Pour down some red sauce first into your pan. Followed by keto noodles, more red sauce and ricotta cheese. Repeat the layers.
  3. Bake – Bake the lasagna in the oven until cheese is melted.

Low Carb Keto Lasagna: FAQS

Can I substitute the ground beef?

Yes, you don't have to make a meat based lasagna. For a vegetarian option, omit the beef. Or you can substitute the ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, sausage or mixtures of all four.

Is there a substitute for the ricotta cheese?

Instead of ricotta cheese, try using cottage cheese or cream cheese to make up the cheese mixture similar to traditional lasagna.

Can I bake this in an air fryer?

Yes, lasagna can be baked in the air fryer at 380-400 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Nutritional information & Macros

Nutrition Information

Low Carb Keto Lasagna

Servings: 8

Amount Per Serving
Calories 389
Fat 26g
Protein 34g
Total Carbs 4.7g
Net Carbs 4g

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60 Comments

  1. what size baking dish does this require. i used 9/13 and didn’t have enough meat for more than one layer

    1. I wish I would have read these comments before making it. I, too, used a 9×13 and it came out a little flimsy. I think next time I’d use an 8×8. It had decent flavor. I think I also got turkey slices that were too thin because it pretty much felt like ground meat and cheese.

  2. I just saw this recipe on Keto Rewind and Jess was kind enough to include the link! Awesome recipe, cant wait to make this!

      1. I’ve always made my lasagna with mashed hard boiled eggs, a lot of them. Because I dont like ricotta I use only mozzarella cheese in my lasagna. I just made this recipe for the 1st time with lean, no additives sliced chicken breast. Basically easy for me as the only switch out was the pasta lasagna noodles for chicken, Can’t wait to bite into it. But have to wait for dinner with wife and son later. Thank you for this awesome idea.

      2. This is the best Keto meal I’ve ever had. Simply delicious. I did use more sauce as I like it saucy, but otherwise followed the directions. I will most definitely be having this over and over!!

  3. Just getting started , I’m excited to try your recipes . Thank you for sharing your time and talents . I enjoy watching and learning these new skills .

  4. Is the 8×10 dish of keto lasagne intended for 4 servings or for 8 servings?
    I’m just getting started on a keto weight loss program and am trying to figure out keto portion sizes!

    Thanks for any help on this!!!

  5. Aloha… I’m a carnivore Keto eater but I I must say, dis looks great ! I’m gonna try it tonight for my family ( which I will have to tripple it lol ) and see wat my family tinks. I wanna get my family into keto too. Mahalo for ur recipes..
    Do u have a “cloud bread” recipe too ?

    1. I don’t have a recipe for cloud bread yet. I was thinking of doing one but haven’t had the time yet! I do have a roll recipe on my website that would be good with this lasagna.

  6. WoW!! This is delicious!!!! I saw your recipe demo, found the specific brand of sauce and other ingredients at my local grocery store and gave it a try tonight. I accidentally threw the whole jar of sauce instead of half in with the beef but the end result was just fine anyway, saucy and delicious. Didn’t miss noodles one bit! Definitely a keeper recipe. 🙂

  7. This was delicious….didn’t miss the pasta at all and had all the same flavors of regular lasagna.

    1. Thank you for your review Eileen, I’m so happy to hear that our Keto Lasagna was delicious and filling. We are always looking at new ways of making keto recipes more enjoyable without sacrificing flavor or texture!

  8. Dear Annie,
    I have been watching your channel since you started and love all your family friendly keto meals. This one is a staple in our household. It is liberating to eat lasagne without extra carbs and the taste still be the same. Your chaffle recipes have also been a life saver and I can’t thank you enough for making this channel available to all those who have a family of mouths to feed on keto. I feel I am always in the kitchen & wouldn’t have it any other way because the health benefits of keto far outweigh any inconveniences but your dishes are so quick, tasty and easy to make.
    Thanks again Annie,
    Huge hugs from Marnie in Sydney, Australia xo

  9. Loved the recipe.
    Added half diced onion and a package of sliced mushrooms sautéed in bacon fat to the sausage and beef meat filling.
    Doubled the hamburger and added mild Italian sausage fried out of their casings for a 9×13.
    Inserted fresh mozzarella throughout.
    Used chicken slices, they did fall apart while making it. Next time will get it sliced thicker.
    The noodles were not missed. ???

  10. Made this today, use already cooked Hamburger, little spice, no Salt. Cooked a small cubed onion in skillet, small red sweet Pepper, Oregano, Basil, Sriracha sauce, half jar of Marinara, Organic sauce. Half a Large Zucchini, cut in half, then rounds sliced in 1/4″ pieces. Four large Mushrooms, sliced. Layered meat sauce as instructed, then the Zucchini Moons, Cottage Cheese, layered mushroom slices, Mozzarella Cheese Shreds; another layer of the same. Topped last layer with Meat sauce, cottage cheese, Mozzarella, three Zucchini moons in the center for eye appeal.
    Served with Sourdough Baguette, Sliced fresh Tomatoes.
    Baked in an Oval Baking Dish, 9X14, in Convection Oven, 15 minutes at 350 Degrees

    1. Well isn’t that just a totally different recipe without turkey? What’s the point of commenting on this recipe?

  11. 2nd time making this- its great both times! 1st I made for friends/co-workers and they loved it. 2nd time was tonight LOVED IT but I made it in the 9×13 pan and ran out of chicken because I had planned to do an 8×8 dish BUT all I had was plain deli ham and it really DELISH!! Love ketofocus so glad my Aunt introduced me to your page.

  12. This is a great, simple, delicious recipe. I used spicy Italian sausage and Rao’s arrabbiata sauce. Then I added all the veggie odds and ends in my fridge to the sauce (a bunch of fresh basil, zucchini, bell pepper, a little onion, a little carrot, garlic). Came out piccante e delizioso! ? Thank you for helping me stay sane while following a keto diet.

  13. This looks delicious and definitely something I need to try. I will find a substitute for the pasta though and since I don’t eat chicken maybe I’ll opt for the keto lasagna noodles. But it seriously looks terrific!

  14. I borrow people’s amazing low carb ideas all the time and rarely comment. Mostly because I use them as inspiration and then tweak everything, but I feel obligated to leave a message to tell you what an incredible idea this was. It was absolutely perfect. I’m planning to serve it to my parents and not tell them to see what they say. Seriously. So. Good. I’ve tried the palmini and the zucchini. Meh. It’s ok but tastes low carb. This didn’t taste low carb at all. My kids (who don’t eat low carb) didn’t even believe me. Bravo!!

  15. This lasagna is the best ever. I was floored to see how well the deli chicken replaced the noodles! It’s so good to eat real food! Thank you so much for this recipe. It’s a keeper!

  16. Great flavor. Made two Keto friendly modifications… added dried basil and oregano to beef while browning, and I added an egg, dried parsley and a little salt and pepper to the ricotta cheese. Made the cheese a little runny but easier to spread and more nutrient dense. Great recipe.

  17. This was awesome! So easy to make and the kids liked it also. So many different ways you change this up.

  18. I was skeptical about the chicken slices replacing pasta. It Worked! I used sliced deli turkey instead and added a layer of spinach (gotta get some veggies in). Even found the Rao’s at my local supermarket. Thanks for sharing that tidbit so I didn’t have to hunt for a low/no sugar tom. sauce. So good. Didn’t notice the missing pasta at all. Thanks for this recipe!

  19. I made it and added spinach to each layer and oregano, salt & pepper to the ground beef. I was happy with the taste and outcome. I love the chicken pasta substitution it worked really well.

  20. I made the recipe exactly as written and everyone loved it! I will definitely make it again. Thanks for a great recipe!

  21. Something happened to mine. The proportions are way off. I had extra Italian Sausage and Rao’s and still didnt have enough sauce. And way too much chicken left over.

  22. The chicken “pasta” works very well. I recently tried making the “pasta” layers using egglife wraps and it was a wonderful substitution too.

  23. First time. Just assembled this can’t wait till my husband gets home to try this. Not going to tell him ingredients till done. Using 9×13 with 1 pound ground beef and 1 pound ground Italian sausage with cream cheese as not a fan of ricotta. Going to try your cheese bits to serve with.

    1. Like most lasagna recipes, it can be watery at first but will thicken as it cools. The water content of the deli meat may also be a factor. You can pat dry the deli meat before layering.

  24. I love the look of this recipe! I’ll try it this week! Quick question: the pan you used looks like it makes 6 portions? I use a 9×13″ Pyrex dish for lasagna. From a carb standpoint, do I need to worry about portion size? Can’t wait to try this! Thanks!

    1. You can use whatever size pan you want. Then divide into 8 servings to keep with the serving size I have calculated already. This will make calculating carbs and other macros easy.

      1. Excellent! I just made this but I used Zucchini instead. I love it! I also make my own sauce and rarely used jarred sauce. It’s watery but I know why. I forgot to salt the zucchini and get the moisture out first. Thank you for this recipe. I’ll be making this again!

  25. I have a tip for making the ricotta easier to spread. If you add one egg and stir until well incorporated, you will be able to spread the ricotta with a spoon. It’s much easier. This looks delicious, can’t wait to try it.

  26. I tried this recipe, instead of turkey or chicken, I used Ham, it came out absolutely amazing.
    Lasagna is my favorite. I so happy I found this recipe…

  27. This recipe is delicious! If you want to use an 8×10 dish or a 9×12 dish, double the recipe to layer the steps 3 times as stated in the recipe. Or you’ll only have enough product for about 1.5 layers. And add a lot of onions, green peppers, and mushrooms. Plus other veggies!

    The chicken in place of noodles is brilliant and delicious! Just make sure you have enough to feed everyone this delicious main course.

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