Keto Lasagna Bolognese: A Low-Carb Twist on a Classic Comfort Dish
Lasagna Bolognese is a beloved Italian comfort food, traditionally made with layers of pasta, rich Bolognese sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese. However, for those following a ketogenic diet, the high carb content from the pasta makes traditional lasagna a no-go. Enter Keto Lasagna Bolognese—a delicious low-carb alternative that delivers all the comforting flavors without compromising your dietary goals.
This keto-friendly version replaces the pasta sheets with low-carb alternatives such as zucchini slices, eggplant, or even cheese-based sheets. It maintains the hearty, layered structure and rich taste, thanks to a robust Bolognese sauce made with ground beef and vegetables, and a creamy cheese layer that mimics the béchamel sauce. The result is a satisfying and indulgent dish that’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or special occasions.
Things to Consider and Tips
- Choosing the Right Low-Carb Lasagna Sheets: Zucchini or eggplant slices work well, but ensure they are thin and evenly sliced to mimic the texture of pasta. You can also use cheese-based sheets made from a mixture of eggs and mozzarella.
- Controlling Moisture: Zucchini and eggplant can release a lot of moisture when cooked, which may make your lasagna watery. To prevent this, salt the slices and let them sit for about 15 minutes, then pat them dry with a paper towel before assembling the lasagna.
- Rich Bolognese Sauce: Take your time cooking the Bolognese sauce. Letting it simmer slowly will develop deeper flavors. Use a mix of ground beef and pork for a richer taste, or stick with beef if preferred.
- Cheese Layer: For the creamy layer, use a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan for a rich, satisfying texture that mimics béchamel without the carbs.
- Baking Time: Cover the lasagna with foil for the first part of baking to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly. Uncover it during the last 10-15 minutes to allow the cheese to bubble and turn golden.
Ingredients
- For the Bolognese Sauce:
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, finely chopped (optional for strict keto)
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped (optional for strict keto)
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- For the Lasagna Layers:
- 2 large zucchinis or eggplants, thinly sliced lengthwise
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
