A cheesy, hearty, low-carb take on the classic Italian comfort food — without the pasta!
📝 Recipe Card
Hook
Keto Eggplant Lasagna – Layers of tender eggplant, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted cheese make this low-carb lasagna just as satisfying as the traditional version.
Servings & Timing
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
Dietary Badges
🍆 Keto | 🍴 Low-Carb | ❌ Gluten-Free | ❌ Sugar-Free
Ingredients
- Eggplants (sliced into ¼-inch rounds)
- Ground beef or sausage (cooked)
- Sugar-free marinara sauce
- Ricotta cheese
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Egg (beaten)
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare eggplant: Salt slices and let sit 10 minutes to draw out moisture. Pat dry.
- Cook eggplant: Grill or sauté slices until tender.
- Mix ricotta filling: Combine ricotta, egg, and Parmesan until smooth.
- Assemble: Spread meat sauce in a baking dish. Layer eggplant → ricotta mixture → mozzarella → sauce.
- Repeat: Continue layering, finishing with mozzarella on top.
- Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30–40 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
- Rest & Serve: Let cool 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with basil.
Notes
- Resting time is essential — it prevents a watery lasagna.
- Slice eggplant evenly for consistent cooking.
- Using a mix of beef and sausage gives deeper flavor.
Brief Introduction
Lasagna is pure comfort food, but the pasta sheets make it carb-heavy. This Keto Eggplant Lasagna swaps noodles for thin slices of roasted eggplant — creating a rich, cheesy, and meaty dish that’s perfect for keto and low-carb diets. You’ll never miss the pasta!
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Step 1 – Prep the Eggplant
- Salt slices to remove bitterness and moisture. Pat dry.
- Grill or pan-fry until softened.
Step 2 – Make the Meat Sauce
- Cook ground beef or sausage until browned. Add sugar-free marinara.
Step 3 – Mix the Cheese Layer
- Combine ricotta, Parmesan, and egg into a creamy mixture.
Step 4 – Assemble & Bake
- Layer eggplant, meat sauce, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella. Repeat.
- Bake until golden and bubbling, then let rest before slicing.
Ingredient Details & Substitution Tips
- Eggplant: Use zucchini slices for a different twist. For fewer carbs, try thin slices of cabbage or spaghetti squash strands as layers.
- Meat: Ground turkey or chicken works if you want it leaner.
- Cheeses: Swap ricotta for cottage cheese or mascarpone. For dairy-free, use almond-based ricotta and vegan mozzarella.
- Marinara: Choose sugar-free brands like Rao’s, or make your own with fresh tomatoes and herbs.
Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Vegetarian: Omit meat and add layers of spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- Spicy Version: Use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Extra Cheesy: Add provolone slices between layers for gooey texture.
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Serving Ideas:
- With a crisp green salad.
- With keto garlic bread or roasted broccoli.
- As a meal-prep option — it reheats beautifully.
Storage & Make-Ahead Info
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Freezing: Freeze baked portions up to 2 months. Wrap tightly to avoid freezer burn.
- Reheating: Warm in oven at 350°F for 15 minutes or microwave individual slices.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble ahead, refrigerate overnight, then bake the next day.
Nutrition (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 350–450 kcal
- Protein: 25–30 g
- Fat: 25–35 g
- Carbohydrates: 5–7 g (Net Carbs: 3–5 g)
- Allergens: Dairy, Egg
FAQs
Q: How do I keep the lasagna from being watery?
A: Salt and dry eggplant slices thoroughly, and let lasagna rest before serving.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes! Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Q: Can I use zucchini instead of eggplant?
A: Absolutely — slice lengthwise for “noodle-like” layers.
Q: What’s the best sugar-free marinara?
A: Rao’s, Primal Kitchen, or homemade with fresh tomatoes.
Personal Note
This dish became one of my go-to keto dinners because it feels indulgent but still fits low-carb macros. Even non-keto friends ask for seconds — proof that you don’t need pasta to enjoy a rich, cheesy lasagna!
Call to Action
If you try this Keto Eggplant Lasagna, share your creation! ⭐ Post your photos, let me know your favorite variations (zucchini, extra cheese, spicy sausage), and inspire others on their keto journey.
