Traditional lasagna, a beloved comfort food, typically relies on high-carb pasta sheets. However, those following a ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle don't have to miss out. This article explores various keto lasagna recipes, focusing on innovative ways to replace traditional noodles while retaining the rich flavors and textures of this classic dish.
Keto Lasagna with Egg White Wraps
This recipe utilizes egg white wraps as a substitute for lasagna noodles, offering a neutral-flavored layer that effectively holds its shape.
Ingredients and Preparation
The key components of this keto lasagna include layers of beef, mozzarella, and ricotta cheese, with egg white wraps serving as the "noodle" component.
Beef Mixture: Brown ground beef and sausage (sweet Italian or spicy, according to preference) together with chopped onion in a large skillet. Add minced garlic during the last minute of cooking. Drain any excess fat. Stir in marinara sauce after the meat is fully cooked and set aside.
Ricotta Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, one egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Assembly: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9x13 casserole dish. Begin layering with one-third of the meat mixture, followed by two egg wraps (tearing or layering them to fit). Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture on top of the egg wraps and top with one cup of mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers two more times.
Baking: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and browning. For extra browning, broil for the last few minutes. Serve with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Homemade Egg Wrap Recipe
For those who prefer to make their own egg wraps, combine 4 tablespoons of egg white powder and ¼ teaspoon of xanthan gum until blended. Pour the batter thinly into a nonstick skillet heated over medium-low heat, moving the pan to spread the batter evenly.
Keto Lasagna with Tortillas
This variation replaces traditional pasta with low-carb tortillas.
Ingredients and Preparation
This recipe uses low-carb tortillas instead of lasagna noodles. By using low carb tortillas instead of lasagna noodles, you save tons of carbs. The swap out is the texture will be somewhat softer, but if you're counting carbs and craving lasagna, this version will satisfy that craving. Just know the texture will be different.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, brown ground beef. Add onion powder, oregano, and paprika. Cook until the meat has browned. Add beef broth and diced tomatoes. Simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assembly: Preheat the oven to 375F. Add a little of the tomato sauce to the base of a baking dish, then layer low carb tortillas and the tomato sauce.
White sauce: This low carb lasagna uses tortillas instead of pasta and a LCHF white sauce.
Mexican Keto Lasagna with Tortillas
Drawing inspiration from ground beef taco casserole recipes, this Mexican lasagna offers a flavorful twist on the traditional dish.
Ingredients and Preparation
Beef Mixture: Cook ground beef in a large skillet with a little oil. Stir in your favorite taco seasoning and jarred salsa.
Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto
Assembly: Preheat the oven to 400F and spray a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray. Start with a layer of tortillas in the bottom of the pan, then spoon ⅓ of the ground meat mixture on top. Sprinkle ⅓ of the cheese on top and continue with 2 more layers of tortillas, taco meat, and cheese.
Baking: Bake in the oven, uncovered, for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and browning around the edges. Remove from the oven and cut into 8 individual servings. Serve with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, or homemade guacamole.
Ingredient Variations
- Taco seasoning: Use your favorite packet or homemade taco seasoning.
- Salsa: Use a mild variety or one with black beans or corn kernels for a twist.
- Cheese: Colby jack cheese or a Mexican cheese blend works well.
General Tips and Considerations
- Customization: The size and shape of your lasagna can be adjusted to your preference. Feel free to add more layers or modify the ingredients to suit your taste.
- Tortilla Alternatives: If low-carb tortillas are unavailable, coat your chosen alternative with non-stick cooking spray.
- Storage: Cooked lasagna can be stored in a covered container or pan in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.