Ketolicious Lasagna Comfort Food CarbFree Style

Ketolicious Lasagna Comfort Food Carbfree Style

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a hearty Italian classic without the carb coma? Have you ever had keto lasagna ? It’s proper lush, a low-carb version of your favourite comfort food, packed with flavour and totally guilt-free!
Brief Overview
Lasagna, a cornerstone of Italian cuisine, traditionally features layers of pasta, rich sauce, and cheese. This keto lasagna swaps the noodles for zucchini, creating a delightful twist.
It is a medium-difficulty dish, taking about 1 hour and 15 minutes to make. This recipe yields 6-8 servings.
Main Benefits
This low carb lasagna delivers all the satisfaction of the original while keeping your macros in check. Perfect for a cozy night in or a potluck with friends.
It’s also a great source of healthy fats and protein. Honestly, what's not to love?
What Makes This Keto Lasagna Recipe So Special?
It's more than just lasagna without pasta ; it's a revelation! This recipe uses zucchini slices as a replacement for pasta.
So, no one misses those carbs! I have tried so many healthy lasagna recipes , and this one takes the biscuit.
It has that yummy, cheesy, saucy flavour we all crave. Trust me, even your non-keto mates will be asking for seconds.
The secret? Salting the zucchini.
The salting process draws out the excess water from the zucchini. This prevents the gluten free lasagna from being watery.
I learned this the hard way, believe me! The first time I made it, the lasagna was a bit of a swimming pool.
I was so mad!.
Let’s Talk About the Ingredients
It's all about fresh, quality ingredients, innit?. Grab your zucchini and get ready for some keto comfort food magic!
Keto-licious Lasagna: Ingredients and Gear
Alright, let's get real about what you need to nail this keto lasagna recipe . Honestly, this low carb lasagna is easier than you think.
Don't sweat it! It's total keto comfort food . We're ditching the pasta, so we're making lasagna without pasta here.
Main Players
- Zucchini: 3 medium, that's around 700g (1.5 lbs) , sliced thin. Quality matters! Get firm, vibrant ones. This is the most important ingredient to create zucchini lasagna .
- Ground Beef: 450g (1 lb) . 80/20 lean is good.
- Ricotta Cheese: 425g (15 ounces) . Full-fat is the way to go for a keto-friendly result.
- Mozzarella Cheese: 225g (8 ounces) , shredded.
- Crushed Tomatoes: 794g (28 ounces) .
- Tomato Paste: 170g (6 ounces) .
- Olive Oil: 15ml (1 tablespoon) .
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
- Egg: 1 large.
- Parmesan Cheese: 25g (1/4 cup) , grated.
- Sea salt: 5g (1 teaspoon)
- Fresh parsley: For garnish
Did you know that using zucchini instead of pasta slashes the carb count in lasagna by over 70% ? Talk about a win!
Seasoning Secrets
- Italian Herbs: Oregano ( 2g or 1 teaspoon ) and basil ( 1g or 1/2 teaspoon ) are must-haves.
- Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch (about 0.5g or 1/4 teaspoon ) to wake things up.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Don't be shy!
- Dairy free?
Worried about being dairy-free? I was, too! But you can try nutritional yeast. For the parmesan, it adds a cheesy flavour!
Essential Equipment
- 9x13 Inch Baking Dish: Crucial!
- Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: For that meat sauce.
- Mixing Bowls: Gotta mix that cheese!
- Colander: To drain zucchini.
- Large Baking Sheet: To accommodate all of the zucchini
- Paper Towels: To absorb zucchini's water
Don't have a fancy Dutch oven? No worries! A large skillet will do the trick for this easy keto recipe .
Honestly, the beauty of keto lasagna is that it's forgiving. You don't have to be a Michelin-star chef to make it taste amazing.
Healthy lasagna recipe ? Sorted. Keto Italian recipes ? Nailed it. This gluten free lasagna is about to blow your mind!
Cooking Up a Keto Lasagna : My Way
Look, who doesn't love a good lasagna? Honestly, it's the ultimate comfort food. But what if you're trying to keep things low carb ? That's where my keto lasagna recipe comes in.
This easy keto recipe is totally delicious! Think of it as a healthy lasagna recipe because all the fats makes you happy.
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
First things first, mise en place , darling. Get everything prepped before you start. Chop your onion, mince your garlic.
Slice 3 medium zucchini into 1/8-inch thick slices. Salt those babies with 1 teaspoon of sea salt and let them drain in a colander for at least 30 minutes .
This is key to avoid a watery mess. Trust me, I've been there! Pat them dry before layering. This lasagna without pasta is gonna be amazing.
Step-by-Step to Keto Comfort Food
- Brown 1 pound of ground beef in a skillet. Drain the fat. No one likes greasy keto Italian recipes !
- Add 1 chopped onion and 2 cloves minced garlic . Sauté until soft.
- Stir in 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes , 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste , 1 teaspoon dried oregano , 1/2 teaspoon dried basil , 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if you're feeling spicy), salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes .
- Mix 15 ounces ricotta cheese , 1 egg , 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese , 1/4 teaspoon salt , and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a bowl.
- Layer everything in a 9x13 inch baking dish : sauce, zucchini lasagna slices, ricotta mix, and 8 ounces mozzarella cheese . Repeat. Top with sauce and cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 25 minutes . Remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes . Let it rest for 10- 15 minutes before slicing.
Pro Tips: Secrets to Success
Want a foolproof keto lasagna recipe ? Don't skip salting the zucchini! It's crucial. Use full-fat ricotta and mozzarella for the best dairy free keto lasagna experience.
Another tip? Let the lasagna rest after baking. Honestly, it makes all the difference. A proper gluten free lasagna , you know.
You can actually taste the deliciousness.
Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Keto Lasagna Game
Alright, so you're about to embark on making the most amazing keto lasagna , aren't you? Before you dive headfirst into layering, let's chat about a few things that'll take your low carb lasagna from good to Oh my gosh, this is incredible! .
Serving Suggestions: Presentation is Key!
Presentation matters. I always say, you eat with your eyes first.
For plating, try cutting a generous square and placing it slightly off-center on the plate. A sprig of fresh parsley adds a pop of color.
A dollop of creamy ricotta on top? Chef's kiss !
As for sides, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. Think of it like a palate cleanser.
And don't forget the drinks! A crisp dry white wine or even sparkling water with lemon goes down a treat.
Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh
If you have any leftovers (which is rare, honestly!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll keep for about 3-4 days.
Refrigeration guidelines: For the best quality, consume your keto comfort food within 3 days .
Wanna freeze it? Go for it! Cut the zucchini lasagna into individual portions, wrap them tightly in cling film, then pop them into a freezer bag.
It'll last for up to 2 months. When reheating, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through.
Variations: Making it Your Own
Feeling adventurous? Swap out the ground beef for Italian sausage for a flavour punch. Or, if you're after a vegetarian healthy lasagna recipe , try using mushrooms, spinach, or even roasted eggplant.
For a dairy free keto lasagna version, you can use dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella alternatives. Trust me, there are some surprisingly good options out there now.
Nutrition Basics: Guilt-Free Indulgence
This easy keto recipe is packed with protein and healthy fats.
Each serving of our keto lasagna is full of good stuff. You're looking at roughly 350-450 calories, 30-35g of protein, and 25-35g of fat.
And the best part? Only about 6-10g of net carbs! That's some serious lasagna without pasta power.
I hope this keto lasagna recipe helps you to create a memorable dish. You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need to salt the zucchini for keto lasagna?
Salting the zucchini is key to preventing a watery keto lasagna. The salt draws out excess moisture from the zucchini, which can otherwise make your lasagna soggy. Think of it like giving the zucchini a little spa treatment – they'll thank you for it! Don't skip this step unless you want a swimming pool in your baking dish.
Can I freeze keto lasagna, and how should I store leftovers?
Absolutely! Keto lasagna freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or store in an airtight container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. For leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just like that leftover takeaway, it tastes even better the next day!
I'm not a fan of ricotta cheese. Can I substitute it in this keto lasagna recipe?
No worries, you can definitely swap out the ricotta! Mashed cauliflower that's been thoroughly drained works well for a lower-carb alternative. For a dairy-free option, try blending soaked cashews into a creamy consistency. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to your liking. It is possible to swap it for tomato paste to avoid extra watery fluids.
How can I make this keto lasagna vegetarian?
Making a vegetarian keto lasagna is easy peasy! Simply replace the ground beef in the meat sauce with your favorite keto-friendly veggies. Mushrooms, eggplant, and spinach all work wonderfully. Sauté them with the onions and garlic as you would the beef and follow the rest of the recipe as written. It's a cracking way to get your greens in!
What are some tips for preventing a greasy keto lasagna?
To avoid a greasy keto lasagna, be sure to use lean ground beef (at least 80% lean) and drain off any excess fat after browning. Also, don't overload the lasagna with too much cheese – a little goes a long way! Using full fat ingredient will help to ensure the dish does not become too greasy.
How many net carbs are in a serving of this keto lasagna?
Each serving of this keto lasagna contains approximately 6-10 grams of net carbs. This can vary slightly depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use, especially the tomato sauce and cheese, as well as the portion size. Always check the nutritional labels to be sure. It is a good way to enjoy a great British classic, with a keto twist!